We had to say goodby to Turtle Beach but now we were on to the next adventure: BATS!
This day was spent transfering back (all perfectly arranged and ALL ON TIME!)to the middle (or so) of Costa Rica to a nice little country inn called La Quinta de Sarapiqui. Nice little Inn with nice, clean rooms (still no air conditioning, but heavily supplied fans and screens). Lots to look at: butterfly garden, lagoons with caymen, beautiful flowers, tubing down a river, educational wildlife books, etc. Nice staff, good pool, great food!
7:00 p.m. BAT TOUR: A Costa Rica Rep came to pick us up from hotel, right on time, and take us to the Tirimbina Reserve. We were met by a Biologist of Bats who educated us on the myths and truths of bats. We got to sit in an air-conditioned room (which at the time felt marvelous!) We learned much and even got to touch and see up close (very close) five different bats. GREAT Pictures! The kids thought that was cool! Especially watching mom, Freak Out about being so close to those things!
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.