Osa...Flora...Fauna

Well, I’m back at the Palms right now. Today has been one of the hottest days we’ve had, although right now a raincloud is rolling straight into the bay. Probably sunny and dry at the lodge…Gary, Jerry, Sean, and Joe are all in town with me -- running errands and getting our dinner. It’s a surprise for the students – pizza! Oops, power just went out in town…back on again. Close call for the blog.

Today was our educational interactive day at Morgan’s Jungle Lodge. The day started for me with a beach walk at 5 am where I came upon a group of howler monkeys in the palm trees. Then I was joined by some chaperones and a couple of students for an expedition to gather some fishing bait. The rest of the troups were sleeping in a bit and resting up from our last 3 adventures. After breakfast, the students spent two hours on their homework packets, and then before lunch they participated in scientific observations of the 700 year old fichus tree and nature trail here on the property. The afternoon is being spent further working on homework and resting up – siesta time for some who need it.

We’ve seen some great plants and animals over the last few days, so we’ve gathered up many of them from all of our cameras and are showing them to you today. The below photos are what this trip is all about. Enjoy.

Tomorrow morning will be a short beach walk followed by a bus trip to Iguana Lodge for lunch and exploring the sandy beach up there.

The comments are getting better and better !! ..can’t believe we have over 1600 unique group or individuals following this blog. I’ll make rock stars out of these students yet…

CB out

P.S. if anyone needs to contact us for any reason, you can call Jerry’s phone at 513-673-9902



Here's today's video bloggers -- Abby and Cameron. They made this in one take -- I was blown away. If any talent scouts see this we may have to get them agents...

Now here’s an update from the lodge in-house physician, Dr Jose Hellman:

From Dr. J

Buenos Dias from the Osa. Day #5 at the Guanabana Lodge is another beautiful day with a light breeze and lots of sun. The group just finished almuerzo of gallo pinto, jamon e queso sandwiches, fresh fruit and more. Everybody has been eating great commensurate with the high level of activity. After three days of snorkeling, horseback riding, and creek hiking, today is a planned low key recovery day to lick the wounds. The students worked hard on school work this morning with curious capuchin monkeys 5 feet overhead and noisy Macaw birds higher. At times the monkeys would drop sticks to get attention from the studious kids. Mr. L. then proctored a study of a huge 700 year old fichus tree while Mr. D, Mr. J and I had an unsuccessful attempt to catch dinner from the sea in a kayak and a canoe

Report Medica from Dr Jose or in the language of Mr. J. El Doc-toro. I am happy to report overall everyone is doing great, (healthy and happy). Lots of minor scraps, blisters and sunburns. As mentioned, this afternoon the kids are taking it easy. Hydration and hygiene are repeatedly reiterated. Cameron gets the award for biggest heel blisters that are now healing beautifully. The few with minor over sun exposure include, Ryan, Joe K, Cameron, Alex, Danielle, and Abby, with Anna taking the prize. All are out of the sun today with lots of lotion and hydration. Most band aids used goes to Max. Loudest scream was from Danielle at the sight of harmless Halloween crab in her tent. MK is feeling much better after a mild off day yesterday. All the students are in good spirits without being homesick. As we all do, Mr. L misses his spouse and daughters and shows us the pictures his wife sent to open each day

I am very proud of each and every one of the students. They really watch out for each other and unconditionally include everybody in every activity. NO DRAMA.

Finally, Abby and I miss our family terribly and are very appreciative for the sacrifices you have made to allow us to come on this trip. Grace, you are La Commandera in Abbys absence. Be nice to your sisters. Claire, I hope you are over the strep and feeling better. Emma, I miss your smile. Keep helping mom. Gwen, I can not wait to get back and read the night time books with you. Karol, I miss you and think of you before any dangerous extra curricular adult activity Mr. D is trying to get me into. Keep blogging, It is nice for Abby and I to hear from you. Hasta luego for now.

Love Dr. J and Abby

Here's the Flora and Fauna:

Blue crayfish

Poison dart frog -- mom, I promise I washed my hands (first AND last name withheld) vultures...

cashew

palm seeds

observation studies with Mr L

ginger

cheap labor...

elusive squirrel monkey (he's there... can you find him?)

the backwards running stream -- water is coming at you. we entered a new dimension...

Marcos' tortuga

blue morpho butterfly

banana flower

female Baird’s Trogon

male Baird’s Trogon

Costa Rica national flower -- purple gardenia

plains of Africa? No, the Osa pasture land

toucan

desktop wallpaper

scarlet macaws

clay flats

blind crustacean for fishing bait

Conch for breakfast

female blind crustacean

tidal pool -- great for lobster hunting...

iguana

bubbler or fiddler crab -- good with butter and garlic
howler monkeys

studying