Because it was so dark under the thick jungle canopy, I soon began opting for my binoculars, and just enjoying the things we saw in real time, rather than trying to take a photo using a telephoto lens, that I knew would turn out too dark. The big thrill of the day was spotting a three-toed sloth hanging up in a tree. They are such strange primate-looking creatures. Sloths have very long claws and move so incredibly slow in every action they perform, making them seem very unworldly.
We saw a lot of tropical birds, including a flock of toucans. There was a beautiful teal-colored hummingbird darting around, and a Woody Woodpecker-looking woodpecker with a red pointy head. Along the edges of the trail we came upon a group of chicken-like or grouse-type birds, scratching around in the forest litter.
Insects were also on display. We noticed a giant grasshopper (4-5” long). When it took off to fly, it showed off red wings. Orange, black and red, and yellow butterflies, fluttered through thick vegetation.
Hiking the trail was very taxing, because of the heat and humidity. We finally turned around because my wife was feeling so dehydrated, so we again went to the beach to cool off. There we met a couple from Ottawa, who told us that Mexico was three times more expensive than their guide book had said. In comparison, they thought Costa Rica was cheap. Our laundry cost us $6 US, and our cabin was $15 a night. That night I had a delicious plate of rice and shrimp for supper.
Below are some more photos of some other jungle critters I took that day. I think that snake was above me. I was happy to see that line of jungle ants all carrying bits of leaves, which I had always associated with jungles.
View my paintings: davidmarchant2.ca
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