IT'S NOT EVERY DAY . . .

 

. . . that we watch spider monkeys on a volcanic island in Lake Nicaragua, eating fruit provided by tourists during a boat ride. As I mentioned, this is a big lake (19th largest in the world), with volcanoes in and around it. Some big blow sent huge chunks of black rock through the air, creating a group of islands in the northwest corner. This pair of monkeys were settled here, we were told, for rehab purposes.

Late post today. The tour company picked us up at 4 AM and got us back at 9 PM. Now a slow day.                     

THE BEST I COULD GET

Stefan asked for pictures of volcanoes, among other things, when we got to Costa Rica. The route into the airport at Liberia, where we always go, comes down the  western shore of Lake Nicaragua, which is pretty darn big. It contains an island with two volcanoes, the larger one called Ometepe, which last erupted in 1983.

I can usually get some good shots when we arrive early to mid afternoon. But, remember how our Friday flight was four hours late? Well, yesterday's flight was four hours late for reasons I won't begin to discuss. It was hazy and the sun was setting as we flew through here. I hope to get much better pictures Tuesday when we take a long day trip into Nicaragua.                      

STL DPB ON THE ROAD - VOLCAN

Costa Rica has two international airports. The main one, of course, is in San Jose, the capital. We use the one in the northwest near the small city of Liberia, situated to serve the gorgeous areas along the Pacific coast.

When flying in from Miami, the plane leaves the Caribbean at the north of Nicaragua, then turns south along the west side of Lake Nicaragua (the 19th largest in the world). The two cones of Ometepe Volcano are off the left wing so we always get seats on that side.            

On Lake Nicaragua

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Another late post. This has not been a relaxing trip so far. I was sitting on the sofa last night editing photos and fell sound asleep. Time to wake up and do nothing! Well not exactly. We plan to drive north up the coast and look in on some other villages and beaches.

These shots are from our boat ride on Lake Nicaragua that I mentioned yesterday. Monkeys are not native to the little islands. This island and house are owned by a veterinarian who imported a few and has special food delivered to them daily. Not all the homes are opulent. Even a small volcanic lump can support a small house (people do run electric cables out to them).

It was a fascinating half hour. On your way back to the dock, though, don't forget the boatman.