April 1: 7 more nights here in Cost Rica. We hit our favorite coffee plantations to walk around, trying not to drive too far as Holy Week is a crazy time here in CR.
Thurs April 2: we headed up towards a wildlife refuge. Knowing we would not make it there, we wanted to walk the road. Well, being Maundy Thursday, a lot of people wanted to go to the refuge. it's not really drivable for the last 2 miles to the park. We walked about 1.5 up the mountain before turning around. Although it was much busier than anticipated we had a nice walk, and got a few new birds.
Good Friday: the streets were empty! we took a short drive to a few places to walk
Beautiful rainbow.. it was so close to us!
Our final Saturday here in CR. today is crazy day for processions etc so we just walked around close to home and spent the afternoon hanging in the garden. Got two new CR birds right in the yard! migration is happening.
Sunday April 6: Our final walk in the coffee plantations. There are 2 close by (we drive) that we enjoy walking in. Good birds, good scenery and we do run into a few nice people that try to talk to us. We manage to understand most of what they have to say.
Eduardo and Betty invited us out for lunch at Rodeo Restaurant. It was for beef, as it is a steakhouse. Eric and I split a Argentina Churruosso that was delish, the meat melted in your mouth and was cooked to perfection. A salad, rice and beans accompanied the meal. It was a little loud so conversation was a bit difficult but we had a good time. afterwards we stopped for homemade ice cream. (we would call it ice milk). it was pretty good but not as good as Betty's homemade ice cream.
Monday April 6, our final full day at the house. It's getting sad.... We took our final walk up the mountain. We went back to the Wildlife Refuge road, didn't see but a few people this time. It started out a bit cool but the sun came out and warmed us up. Did get a new year bird. Black thighed Grosbeak
One last load of laundry and finished off all of our food and drinks. Major packing, so all we have left are a few things in the morning.
Tuesday April 7, our final full day in Costa Rica. We finished packing and was on the road by
It was hard to say goodbye to our friends, knowing we will never see them again. We headed to a park for a bit of walking before checking into the hotel. We got into our room at noon so it was time to take the rental car back. We walked back to the hotel and took a much needed nap! went for a walk to the Walmart Woods
Dinner at . food and service was good.
Wednesday April 8: time to head back to the USA. We caught the shuttle at 5:26, got to the airport at 5:30, check in and security took about 30 minutes. Off to the Copa Club for breakfast.
Got to our gate just as my phone rang. It was United, I had a "no no" in my bag! it was a charger. They took me to a special place to watch someone take it out of my bag. not sure how it got to CR in my bags but whatever. We boarded our flight to Houston at 7:30, took off by 8:00. Landed in Houston at 11:35/12:35. Got through Immigration, customs and security in 20 minutes. Boarded the flight to Harlingen TX at 2:20, arrived in Harlingen at 3:40. Stopped at HEB for supplies and settled in by 5:30.
After a bite to eat and unpacking we headed out for a walk as it doesn't get dark until close to 8 pm.
With 20 birds on our ABA (US) list we are #88,791. assuming there are probably more than 100,000 birders on Bird for the ABA (American Birding Association). let's see where we end up by Dec 31!
Thursday April 9: oh boy it doesn't get light until almost 7:30! We walked around the park for a bit before going to the office to check in. As we were driving to the office, (we could not figure out how to walk out of the park) the low tire alarm came on. One tire was at 7 lbs! What the heck. Luckily a maintenance man was driving by and told us where to go in the park to get air. We made it without issue. After spending 20 minutes on the phone with Avis we went into the office to check in. Another ordeal. But we got through it. Avis told us to drive the vehicle to McAllen airport for an exchange. They don't fix tires in the field.
On the way back we stopped at our favorite State Park, Estero Llano SP, Had a nice walk around before going home for a bit of pool time. After dinner we walked to the BS Bar for a cold one. It's kind of on the opposite side of the park, so it was a bit of a walk. $3 for a 16 ounce draft craft beer! A few years ago it was $2, so not too bad! We sat outside at the event center although there was music inside.
Most of the park is empty but there are still a lot of people here. I think we probably talked to at least half of them between yesterday and today.
Friday April 10: We walked along the levy in the morning with a quick walk into the SP. We went to the sod farms in the afternoon before having an early dinner at the Ranch.
Saturday April 11: up early nd off to South Padre Island. We stopped at 3 of our favorite places before crossing over the causeway. a lot of birders were looking for the migrants. We had high expectations but were a bit disappointed. we ended up with a lot of birds but not too many warblers.
when we got home the neighbor, Carol from Sarona Wi, invited us over for food and to meet the neighbors! We had just eaten at "Joe's" in Port Isabel. Which did not disappoint, wonderful grilled flounder and shrimp for me, Eric had the fried shrimp. Oh so good!
after a quick shower we took our chairs and drinks next door. Met 12 of the neighbors! nice turnout. Some are leaving soon to go back home but a number of them stay all year. We had a fun time talking etc... What a great group of people.
Sunday April 12: We went to Santa Ana WLR this morning. Not too many people, a bit windy, cloudy and some mist but we had a nice walk around. Our bird count is up 99 birds for the year since we arrived here! we are at 602 for our world count.
Wednesday April 15: We headed to the state park where we ran into friends Steve and Sue, they were leading a birding group. Then we ran into friends from Green Valley, Mary B is from Wisconsin. after checking out of the park at 11:00 we headed to a few parks for a quick look for birds.
then to Las Vegas Cafe for a wonderful lunch before dropping off the rental and checking in. It took us about 20 minutes to drop off the vehicle, check into Delta, get through TSA and to our gate. Gotta love small airports.. Luckily we were on a direct flight to MSP. Arrived early at 6:30, got our luggage and car and to the hotel by 7:15.
Thursday April 16: we are on our way home. We stopped for a few hikes and groceries before getting home at 2:00.
Since we only had 3 suitcases, 2 backpacks and groceries it was pretty fast to unpack. We went to Rita and Ricks for pizza and to catch up! It was a beautiful afternoon. John B came by after we got home. It's always great to be home.
OH OH we have a leak in the master shower! it seems like it is in the walls so we can not get to it. There are no turn off valves to that part of the house so the water is now turned off. will deal with it in the morning.
Our bird count so far this year. Our World year is looking good but our US year needs some help, but considering 201 birds in one week is not bad.....
Friday April 17: called for a plumber and luckily we were able to get one to come out. He showed up after we dropped the rental car off at the airport in Eau Claire. It did not take him too long to fix the shower. Water is back on... We were planning on doing our big shopping trip but that will wait until tomorrow.
ugh... winter is back....
Thursday April 23: it's been warm for two days, so we have been enjoying the outdoors and getting some chores done. the bear got into the recycling bin! A big mess out by the road this morning when Eric took the garbage out.
Saturday April 26: still a bit cold in the morning, Rick and Rita came over in the afternoon for a fire and snacks. Sheron came over for a brief visit, first time we seen her since we got back.
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