The Cahuita Trail

So back to our adventure stories - 

On the day we left Pacuare I wasn’t feeling very well. We woke up early that morning and took a bike ride to try to find Katie’s water bottle that had been left behind in the excitement of seeing the baby turtles. Our bike ride was long and we were in a hurry to get back to our cabin so we could pack up and make it in time for our last free breakfast.  For some reason when you ride a bike through the jungle the bugs like to create a swarm right behind your head, so once you stop you are surrounded by a whole lot of flying bugs! Luckily we were able to drop the bikes and out run the bugs before they got us! Unfortunately the water bottle was not recovered but we did make it back for breakfast where Katie packed in as much as she could but I wasn’t feeling up to eating. 

After leaving Pacuare we figured we would check out the other hot spots along the Caribbean side. We were accompanied by one of the research assistants friends Johnny and he helped us on our way to the bus towards our next destination. The bus was hot and crowded and Katie sat with Johnny and chatted in Spanish (good time to practice) and I closed my eyes and tried to survive the ride. 

We decided to start in Cahuita which is home to another one of Costa Rica’s beautiful National Parks. Unfortunately, by the time we finally made it into town and settled at a hostel we liked, I really really didn’t feel well. The next day I spent in bed trying to keep down some soup that Katie so sweetly made for me. Luckily, it was only a temporary bug because by the next day after lots of rest and as much soup as I could slurp, I felt much better and we were able to venture into the park and explore the jungle along the sea. 

One of my favorite parts about Costa Rica has been how rich the wild life is right next to the beach. I love the beach and being able to be close to it was one of my main motivations for coming here to Costa Rica. Cahuita has a nice trail that follows right along the ocean and there are so many critters that have made their home by the sea just like I would if I was them!  

Some highlights of our hike were - 

Almost, almost, almost... getting the infamous blue butterfly on film! See if you can spot him here... There were two flying close together along the trail.Its just a blur but so far its the best we have been able to get.

Watching a trail of Leaf cutter ants marching home with little flowers... so awesome! More to come on the amazingness of the Leaf cutter ants later.

Our first sloth sighting!!! It was very exciting because these lazy guys are hard to spot! We had been waiting to see one and  as you can see we saw not just one but two! See the little baby face? So cute! 

I loved seeing all the butterflies flying next to the ocean. Such a beautiful sight to see them fluttering around with the waves crashing in the background. 

Getting up close and personal with some critters along the trail is always fun. There is life everywhere you look! 

Making friends with the little hermit crabs, there were so many crawling along the trail and every single one had such a beautiful shell. Katie was braver than I and would hold them gently in her hands so we could have a mini crab photo shoot. There was one hermit in particular that had a really nice shell but also quite a mighty claw on him. 

The mighty claw

Katie asked me if I wanted to hold him so she could take the shots this time but I declined yet again. Even though I had witnessed a few cuties walk across her hand without any problems, I thought this particular hermit had a fierce looking claw. As soon as Katie put the little guy on her palm he clamped down and her yelp was heard across the land as she tossed him down. While the hermit crab scuttled away just fine, Katie was left with quite a pinch on her hand. Not to worry though, Katie is alive and well with all fingers still in tact. For awhile she had a little scar on her hand but it has now dissipated.  

The hermit pinch

Eating lunch with the monkeys was a nice break from our walk along the trail. While we had peanut butter and jelly sandwiches this little guy munched on some berries. 

At the end of our walk we spotted Danny on a billboard! 

The trail was a one way trail so once we made it to the end we had to wait for a bus to take us back into town. There was a little bar at the end of the trail and a few signs. We were struck by the resemblance the young man in the Pepsi ad had to Katie’s brother Danny. Danny, if you are reading this, you should take a picture of you enjoying a Pepsi beverage and I bet it would look just like this ad we saw here at the end of the Cahuita trail in Costa Rica! 

Being on the beach with one of my favorite ladies was the best part of all. It has been so nice traveling with such a great friend. Katie and I have been friends for so long and it is so comforting having her here with me. 

When I wasn't feeling well, it was so sweet that Katie made me soup and helped to nurse me back to health. She is a super duper friend and this trip has brought us even closer as friends. She is part of my family and I love her dearly. I am so happy to share this experience with her. 

Well, I hope you enjoyed taking the Cahuita trail with us! It was a good day after a couple of bad sick days so it is a nice memory to share. It is raining lots here today and I can't wait to head back to the house of dreams, get cozy in my sweats, and watch a movie with my Katie girl.