Tag Archives: travel

Exploring on Horseback

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amazing viewOur trip to Costa Rica provided our family with lots of new experiences and adventures.  When we were in Cahuita, we went horseback riding on the beach and through the rainforest. It was amazing and the view from the top of the horse gave us a magnificent perspective. Nevertheless, I have to admit, I am still torn about the environmental impact the horses make on the beach and rainforest.

Mathew riding in the rainforestThere are two beaches in Cahuita, Playa Blanca, where the Parque Nacional Cahuita (National Park) is, and Playa Negra which is more rugged and where they allow horseback riding. There are two companies that provide horseback riding in Cahuita we chose Brigitte’s Tours. I had never ridden a horse on the beach nor through a rainforest before and it was a fantastic experience. Mathew had a ball, as this was the first time he rode a horse all by himself. We even trotted a couple times along the beach. He did great and kept saying, “This is AWESOME!” And it really was.

Mike and Mathew riding on the beachI was grateful the beach was rather deserted and we weren’t interrupting other people’s fun. Then one of the horses relieved himself, it made me even happier that people weren’t around and would not need to negotiate where there were walking. However, it did make me think about the environmental impact we were making. Sure, the companies are small and are limited by the number of horses they own, so most horseback riding parties are rarely larger than 6.  Yes, the solution to pollution is dilution and most of the waste left on the beach washes away, but I am sure there is a negative impact nonetheless.

I have to say that Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally conscious countries I have ever visited. They do walk the talk and it was obvious everywhere we traveled; recycling and conservation was practiced and preached far and wide. I guess I need to believe they have weighed the pro and cons and decided to allow horseback riding because it has a minimal impact – it really was AWESOME and I am so grateful that we had the opportunity to experience it.

Taking a break and enjoying some coconut water.

Taking a break and enjoying some coconut water.

Do you think of the impact you are making when you travel or explore beautiful areas? Please share, and I will continue to share.

 

 

In search of critters

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howler

Howler Monkey

There are many reasons people travel to Costa Rica; exploring the biodiversity tends to be on most people’s list. It was for our family. We wanted to soak in the rich and diverse flora and fauna and see as many different critters as possible. Some places you had to search for critters, other places not so much. As with most things in life, you have to be in the right place and at the right time. We were not disappointed and we were extremely lucky on our trip to Costa Rica. Although we didn’t see any jaguars (much to Mike’s dismay), we saw a rich array of critters rather consistently throughout our trip. Every day was thrilling.

Yep, that's a 2-Toed Sloth

Yep, that’s a 2-Toed Sloth

Even though Costa Rica is not a very big country, there are so many diverse regions to choose from; it made it very difficult planning the trip since we only had 2 weeks. I was like a kid in a candy shop. We ultimately decided to spend a large portion of our time in Cahuita, on the southern Caribbean coastline. We made a great decision. There is nothing like waking up to Howler Monkeys declaring the trees above your cottage their territory. While we were staying in Cahuita, that’s what happened just about every morning as the sun was rising. The neighboring Howler Monkeys would answer back – “Yes, we know, you told us yesterday and the day before. But remember this is our territory over here!” It would go on and on for at least an hour or more.

Howler Monkeys who declare the area around our cottage to be their territory.

Howler Monkeys who declare the area around our cottage to be their territory.

Our neighborhood 2-Toed Sloth.

Our neighborhood 2-Toed Sloth.

At breakfast time, I would survey the land and trees to see who else was there. With luck, a 2-Toed Sloth would still be hanging from the tree he was hanging onto for the last couple of days. Perhaps a Coati or two would even wander by looking for scraps.

The beach and National Park were only a 5 minute walk from our cottage, so we hiked and swam almost daily. Along the trail were signs “Don’t feed the monkeys” with good reason. While I watching Mathew and Mike playing in the surf, I looked up to see some White-faced Capuchins watching me. At one point, the whole troop got really close to beach – I thought they might try to steal someone’s food or bags. They were not timid at all, similar to squirrels or deer back home.

White-faced Capuchins

White-faced Capuchin

Don't feed the monkeys

Don’t feed the monkeys

Yellow Eyelash Viper

Yellow Eyelash Viper

One day while hiking through the National Forest, we saw a Yellow Eyelash Viper. They are as beautiful as they are dangerous and like to wait and ambush their prey. Luckily, it was hanging out digesting a critter it had just eaten. The contrast of its beautiful yellow scales against the green leaves of the forest was fantastic.

When you travel, what do you like to do? Please share and I will continue to share.