Discovering Costa Rica


Monday, 22 February 2005 - Explored Monteverde cloud forest with a stop at the famous Monteverde Cheese Factory where quirky hedge-maze gardens and local cheeses delighted us, spotted a toucan in a park outside the factory, wandered through the Butterfly Garden chasing colorful species, and enjoyed scenic views of the cloud-covered Continental Divide before heading down the mountain and stopping for a great lunch by the beach in Puerto Caldera.

Costa Rica 2005
Monteverde was settled by Quakers from Alabama in 1950 seeking refuge from the draft in the U.S. Attracted to Costa Rica who abolished their army in 1948. They began cheese production because it was easy to transport in the rough jungle roads. You can take a tour of the Cheese Factory that provides 10 or so different cheeses.
Costa Rica 2005
In a park outside the Cheese Factory a toucan was spotted.
Costa Rica 2005
This is a traditional ox cart used by Costa Ricans. This one was on the hotel lawn.
Costa Rica 2005
One of the many Costa Rican birds we spotted. There is considerable ecotourism in Monteverde - most looking for birds.
Costa Rica 2005
The next stop was the Butterfly Garden where again I used up several 100 shots chasing these little guys to get a few photos.
Costa Rica 2005
This is actually a butterfly - I think it looks like a moth.
Costa Rica 2005
Another butterfly.
Costa Rica 2005
And yet another butterfly.
Costa Rica 2005
On the road down the mountain from Monteverde you can look back at the clouds rolling over the Continental Divide. Cloudy on one side and sunny on the other.
Costa Rica 2005
We stopped for lunch at a beach restaurant in Puerto Caldera. Great food and a great view.


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