17 Feb - Poas Volcano a washout, but magnificent tour of La Paz Waterfalls, beautiful butterflies, humming birds and spectacular scenery. 

The tour was due to start at 6:15 AM, but there was a problem with the security computers and each passenger disembarking had to be logged out by hand. There was also a heavy swell, which made boarding the tenders precarious for the elderly. These delays meant the tour left late and with each minute lost, the chances of getting a clear view of the Poas (active) Volcano diminished.

Ann was not allowed to go on this tour because she was still in quarantine and considered a "public health" risk. We received a full refund of her tour ticket price. With no "snore guardian" to nudge me awake I slept for most of the 2 1/2 hour drive up to the volcano, waking only occasionally to view the lush countryside as it flashed by.

Unfortunately, by the time I got to the volcano viewing point, the clouds had descended and visibility was down to 100ft or less. The air temperature was quite cold and being literally "in a cloud" everything was soaking wet. I'd bought an emergence rain cape from the small gift shop and looked a right idiot prancing about like a yellow caped crusader! Feeling very cold I returned to the bus after only 10 minutes.

Two passengers got lost on the volcano and we had to wait 45 minutes before they were returned to the bus. This made the tour even more behind schedule. They never even said "sorry" when they eventually boarded the bus. Actually, delays like this have been the biggest problem with all of the tours we've taken so far.

La Paz Waterfalls

The volcano stop was a big disappointment, but the waterfalls, butterfly house and hummingbirds really made up for things...

We first went through a large covered dome like structure that was teaming with butterflies, so many different colours, shapes and sizes. I stood still for a moment and 3 or 4 butterflies land on my arm and shoulder. One landed on a ladies hat just in front of me and I got a great close up picture. 

The hummingbird garden was a bit further along the trail and contained little seating areas with special feeding tables for the birds. I sat with my head between two of the feeding tables and after a short wait, two birds started feeding either side. Because they were so close to my ears the noise was terrific and I could feel the humming vibrations right down to my toes!! Incredible.

After that we had a quick lunch of beans, rice and chicken in a very smart and clean restaurant.

The guide explained that our decent down the waterfall trail would have to follow the simplified route because of the delays earlier in the day. I decided to latch onto the first group and then dawdle as and when I liked, secure in the knowledge I could always join the last group for the uphill ride back to the bus. This worked a treat and I explored many side tracks and stairways. One of the tracks lead me to a viewing platform right next to the falling water from the main waterfall. The noise was deafening and the spray soaked me to the skin, but I wouldn't have missed for the world. I got a good picture using the fisheye lens that shows the cliff face, the rushing water and the valley below. My video footage is even better, as it also recorded the noise and my running commentary (I'm getting more and more modest each day, must be something they put in the gin ;).

Another long drive followed, during which, I again fell into a deep sleep and only awoke at the tender port. There was a long queue to rejoin the ship, so I spent a little money in the flea market that had opened up. Some of the stuff on sale was of dubious quality, but I did my best. I did spot a nice colourful blouse that had parrots as the main pattern theme and got it for Ann... now she can truly be "sick as a parrot! (grin) Turns out the blouse is a man's shirt, size small... can't win 'em all.

More later

Dawn breaks on the QM2. The "V" shape is the reflected sun off the water. A unique picture of the ship.

The faint blur between the leaves is part of the volcano rim. Visibility, virtually nil.

The " Caped Crusader" shows what the view's like on a clear day!! Very smart outfit and only cost $3. Wow, just noticed, I look 9 months pregnant. I'll have to check with the ship's doctor immediately!! Panic over, Ann says it's "all the pies" you fat etc etc...

Close up of a butterfly. In flight the inside area of the wings is bright blue with red bits, quite beautiful. I had loads of these land on me for a sniff... needless to say, they soon flew off!!

Hummingbird in motion, way to fast for my shutter speed.

Next to the waterfall, the noise was deafening. The full size image is spectacular. I might make a good photographer yet! The picture was taken using a fisheye lens and shows from left to right: the cliff face, the rushing water and the valley below. 

The viewing platform where I took the picture above can be seen about half way up on the left side of the waterfall.

Visiting Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica - Options for an EIGHT hour Visit!
If the average weather records are anything to go by, it's likely to be hot.

AskVicki a FREE World Travel & Information website where you can get a Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica Hotel Alternative Price Check.