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Finca de Quetzales |
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| March 09, 2005: Our ascent into the cloud forest from the tropical rainforest was quite a shock, The oppressive heat gave way to cool dense fog and many ecological changes. On our bus ride up Cerro de la Muerte from San Isidro, a small orange chinned parakeet (Brotogeris jugularis) collided with the windshield. Dr. Rambo scooped it off the road since it was still alive and brought it in the bus. For a few tense minutes , the little guy looked as if he was in his last moments. We pulled over and Dr. Rambo placed him in a low tree. He perched for a moment, but after quite a few pictures, he rallied and flew off into the vegetation. It was a happy ending for our little friend.
We Arrived at Finca de Quetzales in the afternoon. This place is a small family owned farm on Cerro de la Muerte, with a dining lodge and several cozy cabins. They have a trout farm, cattle, horses, and the perfect environment in which to view quetzales.
After unloading our luggage, we decided to go on a hike before dinner. A thick dense fog covered the mountain, adding to the mystique of the elfin forest.
We set off down the Robledal Oak trail, and quickly became aware of the oxygen deficit at this high elevation. It was hard to tell if the incredible scenery or this lack of oxygen was taking our breath away.
We had to hike quickly to make it back before dark, and the thick fog made it seem even darker. We made it back to the lodge and had a great dinner. Some of us even tried the trout that they raise on their farm.
The next Morning we awoke very early, surprised to see that the dense fog had lifted to reveal a panoramic view. It is said that one can see all of Costa Rica's volcanoes from this high vantage point.
We met with our guide to go looking for quetzales. He carried in his pocked a tape recording of the quetzal's call, and played it as we walked to attract them. He took us to a clearing in the woods, among many tall avocado trees, and we were fortunate enough to spot two quetzals. The beautiful birds hung around long enough to allow everyone to get a good look at them.
After hiking a little longer through pastures and forest, we returned to the lodge for another traditional Costa Rican breakfast ( rice, beans, eggs and toast). The sun was shining and the sky was unusually clear for the cloud forest. We went on one last hike around the finca.
Though we could have spent much more time exploring this magical place, we had to go back down the mountain to San Jose. Adios Finca de Quetzales! Nos gusta mucha! For more information on Finca de Quetzales go to: http://www.exploringcostarica.com/mirador/quetzales.html
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