Blue Morpho (Morpho Peleides)
Today was my 40th birthday and I am happy to say it was a magical day! I am at the Peace Lodge in Varablanca, Costa Rica and they have all sorts of animal habitats on the grounds here. When I woke up this morning the first place that I went was to visit the monkeys but when I saw that I was right next to the butterfly house I had to go in there. It was early and I was blissfully alone and left to wonder around by myself. All manner of butterflies dotted the air and lighted on the plants filling this tropical setting. Of course my favorite butterflies, the blue morphos were there. Several of them chased each other around the place, their iridescent blue wings flashing in the sunlight. I made an interesting discovery. I found a butterfly on the ground that had expired so I had the chance to examine this perfect specimen up close. I looked at the underside of her wings, the dull brown side, but what I found was that this side was really not dull at all. It might have lacked the same iridescent color but the intricate pattern was one I could easily get lost in. There was so much more going on, on this underside than I would have at first imagined. I was delighted to have the chance to take this in.
Green-crowned Brilliant Hummingbird
There were two other highlights to my magical birthday. I visited the hummingbird garden and had a chance to feed the hummingbirds. You are given feeders filled with nectar to hold and the little jeweled creatures come down and light on the feeders and on your fingers while they poke their beaks and their even longer tongues into the sweet juice while drinking very rapidly. Hummingbirds dart and buzz all over the place and you get to see all their gorgeous colors, emeralds and amethysts, and to admire their pretty little eyes.
The last highlight of my day was the trek through the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the property on which the Peace Lodge is situated. A path leads you deep into the forest where you get to see three spectacular waterfalls. The scenery is amazingly lush and wet green. I made the trip into a photographic safari and took lots of pictures of amazing insects that I had not seen before.
Magia Blanca Waterfall, Costa Rica
The rest of the day was wonderful as well but this blog is not long enough to capture it all. I am going off to sleep now very grateful to have some amazing adventures and to be witness to the amazing power of mother nature.
If you wish to see the photos of the amazing flora and fauna here in Costa Rica please check out Vision Quest Retreats.
As always much continued success and well-being on your journey!
