MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK (24/03/09)
We weren´t that optimistic about our visit to Manuel Antonio National Park due to our past record of torrential rain and no animals as a result. However we had bright sunshine all day and within 15 minutes had seen this large green tree frog, usually very difficult to see during the day.
In the distance we saw this 200 pound ( according to one of the tour guides we happened to eavesdrop on) sloth. If it had been half the price we would have bought one!
Liz got this excellent picture of a Howler monkey. They are very difficult to photograph because they very rarely leave the highest branches.
It is no wonder that Manuel Antonio is one of the most visited of Costa Rica´s national parks, beautiful white beaches backed by wildlife filled rainforest.
Whilst sitting having a peanut butter sandwich on the beach this attractive blue crested iguana came over to investigate.
This hermit crab was anxious to escape after Liz released him back onto the beach.
Somewhere in it´s evolutionary history this species of palm decided it was sick of monkeys climbing on it.
Photographs really don´t reflect the beauty and the amazing feeling of being sandwiched between the sea and the jungle.
Bringing "The Force" to the rainforest.
We had heard that Manuel Antonio was one of the few places in the world where you could see monkeys on the beach, but took this with a pinch of salt. However to our amazement a troop of White-Faced Capucins suddenly appeared and allowed up to follow them around for over an hour.
They are very expressive animals, easy to distinguish from oneanother by their faces. This one was looking disapprovingly at some American tourists.
They were obviously very used to being photographed.
Anyone for watermelon?
Thinking what to do next.
This one reminded Liz of her elder sister checking her nails.
At some points we were surrounded on all sides by the monkeys, there must have been at least 20 in the group.
Showing his teeth to the two English tourists, he didn´t realise that Mr Stabbins had left two weeks beforehand. We think they are pretty good considering that he probably never flosses.
Small lizards ran out of our way almost every step we took through the forest.
Patiently photographing another cooperative iguana.
Happy as anything after spending the day following monkeys (look in the trees just above her head).
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