hey little bat!

I woke at 5:30. The surrounding forest was filled with fog, creating a magical atmosphere. Lots and lots of birds. Some of their songs sounded like cell phone rings - it was very odd. We had coffee, read a bit, then went to breakfast. It was buffet-style - yummy, as was the jugo de mora , or blackberry juice. Then we explored a bit. However, the trail near the restaurant was closed, so we didn't get too far. But near our room we stumbled upon this! I don't even know what to classify it as! It was like a fuzzy something that looked like it was wearing a mask with spikes coming out of it, and it had the same long spikes on its posterior. I remember it as being about 2-3 inches in length. I'd love to know what this creature is!!! I wish my picture was in better focus. It was so strange! At about 10am, we took the Terios around Lake Arenal to our next hotel, El Sapo Dorado, in Monteverde , also in the northern zone. (With the GPS, we could just put in the nam...

We had Vista del Valle arrange a rental car for us in advance. It was delivered to us at the hotel in the morning - the Daihatsu Terios - and we began the crazy drive to Arenal Observatory Lodge at 11am or so. Arenal sounded like fun, as we've never been up close to an active volcano. Of course, most likely we were not going to be so lucky to actually see the lava flow and hear the rumblings, but, wow, that sure would be a neat experience! And if we weren't so lucky, I'd read that there were a lot of interesting species of flora and fauna around the volcano. Now, getting the GPS was the best decision we could have ever made! It proved to be ABSOLUTELY INDISPENSABLE! Many of the roads here are not marked! It's insane. But it makes for one heck of a driving adventure! Well, a more sane driving adventure with a GPS. We made it to Arenal in 3.5 hours or so. With some delays... We got a great view of Arenal volcano ( Volcán Arenal ) when we arrived at 2pm, but the...