Montezuma's Boca Island Reserve

July 10th 2008

Today I made my way back to Montezuma and entered the oldest wildlife and forest reserve in Costa Rica: Boca Reserve.

I marched up hill and down 4.5 KM of trails to a glorious beach! On the way there are many different native tree species to observe amongst a thick canopy draped over running streams. The muddy trail surprised me with a pair of large ultra-poisonous toads. There I was carefully sneaking my camera inches away from their heads, evoking interesting frog sounds and a few labored hops, to only find out later that the poison in these frogs is powerful enough to kill a 90 pound mammal (internal dialog: "you idiot, always trying to get a National Geographic photo, eh!").

I also saw what appeared to be a skunk rolled up into a ball in the middle of the walkway. Hesitant to jump over the little guy, I threw a twig at it to scare it away. That didn't work; the critter was playing dead and the "turtle position" was in full effect. I backed up and employed my impeccable 3-step long jump technique to get above and beyond. My thumping yet graceful justin-like landing didn't even stir this guy - it must be some sort of hairy armadillo or something.

At the beach the tide was going out, so I traversed North to a rocky outcrop where I sat and enjoyed my lunch snacks while watching the waves reflect the beaming sun before they crashed the populated shores full of Pelicans. Across from where I sat was Island Boca, home of the largest population of Brown-Footed Boobies (related to the Galapagos' famous Blue Footed Boobies). Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see any of these up close and personal.

I hiked the 4.5 km back to the Jeep and made it back to Mal Pais in time for a 4PM Yoga class. A few upward dog poses and a hand stand later I was oozing with peace and tranquility during my walk back to the camp along the sunny beach. The rest of the day involved reading Fugitive Pieces from the hammock amongst playful kids and local surfers catching the afternoon breaks.