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Nature
There is no way to know what Nature may offer as a blessing to your senses. But
perhaps by talking about some of what has been experienced you may get an idea
of the possibilities.
The first sighting of a jaguar in the wild is an experience difficult to
believe, even as it happens. They are so big, so majestic and graceful. When
they look at you, you feel insignificant and indeed in their world, we are. They
then saunter off, hardly giving you a second look, leaving no doubt as to who is
the master. The likelihood of seeing such a cat is small, though tracks found
from time to time confirm that they still maintain a presence. Smaller cats are
much more common, but still not commonly seen. Over the years we have kept free
ranging chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, none of which were ever slaughtered
by us but rather by our friends and guests, the wild animals of the jungle,
blessing us with a glimpse into their lives. The wild cats were not, however,
nearly so interested in just these, more esoteric aspects. Despite all our
efforts to protect them, none, in the end, escaped tooth and claw, not by a warm
blooded cousin but instead a primordial relic of a pre-dinosaur age.
Our caiman crocodiles, living in the pond by the guest center, have offered
countless hours of observation and fascination. They first appeared (Barney),
as if by magic, surely having trekked miles inland until likely being drawn to
the distant sound of countless frogs calling in mesmerizing harmony. Imagine the
sight of his 7-foot body making its way from the coastal estuary some three
miles away, perhaps up the river or along its bank. On sunny days, especially
after a temperature lowering hard rain, he is commonly seen basking, raising his
body temperature. Likewise, after a good meal he will aid the digestive process
with the sun's fire. And, being pretty sociable as croco-gators go, he comes
right out of the pond and puts on a bit of a show when we feed him! Though this
classic ambush predator has been responsible for the demise of some 15 ducks,
amazingly, it was not uncommon to see the few remaining cousins within a couple
of feet of him, going about their business, oblivious to his hour upon hour
motionless disguise. In the end, he got them all. He makes his living now
mostly on frogs or an occasional snake, plus carrion we throw in. There are now
2 caiman crocodiles, maybe more, in the pond measuring about 100 X 200 feet.
Months pass without seeing the smaller ones. They are all shy of people and pose
no threat.
Around the guest center, and typically seen from the "canopy deck", howler and
white-faced monkeys pass by quite regularly. The white faced seem to move in
larger foraging areas. Howlers, on the other hand, have a well-established
presence and are almost certainly within a few hundred meters at any given time,
sometimes within 15 or 20 feet. You can talk to them, sing to them, and believe
it or not they pay attention, sometimes stopping abruptly to listen and look.
Often this is at eye level, making the contact quite personal. Sometimes when
they are above they come down quite close to get a better look. "Troupes" of
howler normally hold some 15 or so members and it is a joy each year to see the
new babies holding tightly to their mothers as they move about.
Just as commonly seen in the nearby trees are great curassows, a bird appearing
in size and appointments to be a wild turkey, though not directly related.
Females are most commonly seen, cackling up quite a commotion, probably the
"turkey" equivalent of an enticing love serenade to draw the much more retiring
males. These are big birds, their sound and motion making their presence
unavoidably known. They are also highly threatened as a result of hunting, as
are many creatures that find refuge at the reserve.
The opposite extreme, size-wise anyway, are the hummingbirds. Just how many
times they have found themselves stymied while confronting glass windows, at
times reaching a point of exhaustion, cannot be guessed. But each time, gently
cupping our hands about them and setting them free, is wondrous. This occurs
with many birds as well as countless exotic butterflies and unusual insects,
especially as the sun sets.
Anteaters, sloth, and pizotes (like a raccoon) have actually been found INSIDE
the owner's house, short distance from the guest center! These wild animals are
not nearly as shy as you might think, reluctantly (and through a bit of guile on
your parts) allowing you to pet them. At a greater distance, but still nearby,
bird lovers absolutely MUST bring a good set of binoculars.
What you will see, no one can say. What you will feel is an intertwining of
your life energy with that measureless pulsation so completely surrounding you.
It is a profound experience in wellness all by itself.
Personal Growth Within Nature
Part of our goal for each and every one of our guests is that they establish a
new level of comfort within Nature, learning that Nature is indeed not the enemy
or something to be feared, with dangers lurking all about. Rather, Nature is
where we come from despite our current technological leanings and lifestyle to
the contrary. It is where we should, as our birthright, feel the most "at home"
and "as one".
The artificial world of humankind, in which most all of us live most all of our
lives, is a world of sensory stimulation radically, different from that of the
Natural world from which we come and have evolved within. Banging, clanging,
buzzing...harsh chemical smells, intense lights, unnatural lighting & color
continually flashing all around us--- all of this and so much more make up the
constant onslaught to which we are subjected when within this artificial world.
As a consequence, and quite unconsciously, we learn to turn down or even close
off our sensory apparatus, attempting to keep manageable this never-ending
barrage of "inorganic," often unpalatable, input. Part of your experience at the
nature reserve is the reverse-- intentionally opening yourself to the glory of
the sensations of Nature- consciously becoming an open receiver to the Natural
world and those Natural stimuli that we indeed can and should experience in
harmony and with joy!
This aspect, as with all personal growth, is likely to be challenging. Time
spent within Nature may at first be taxing, but the personal gains to be made
are worth the effort, and sadly this opportunity seldom presents itself
elsewhere. Opening oneself to the sights, sounds, scents, textures and tastes of
this Natural world is crucial. With a little guidance you will move steadily
toward a true sense of "oneness" and "belonging". Your experience of this will
surely take you a step or two along the path toward becoming master of yourself,
toward feeling that common life thread within and its connection to the same
boundless life energy surrounding and enveloping. The rain forest experience at
the reserve will contribute to a new sense of your personal confidence and
awareness, both in the rain forest and in "civilization".
If you manage to make eye contact with either a Howler or White-Faced Monkey,
and then try some non-verbal communication, you will never look upon these not
so distant cousins in the same way as before. If a hummingbird decides to
thrill you with a close up inspection just a foot in front of your face---you
will feel as friends.
Aside from all of the above, to simply sojourn with us, to breathe absolutely
pure air blown from clear across the nearly boundless Pacific and drink water
filtered through a thousand feet of rock, to feel the limitless life energy
surrounding you and entwining the fabric of your own life--- this by itself can
be a profound experience!
What to Bring
Please bring the following things as they will be very important to your
happiness, safety and in respect of the local culture.
- Knee-high rubber boots (necessary to prevent ticks in unwanted areas, wet
feet, thorns...)
- LED headlamp (longer battery life and better quality lighting, necessary to
see in the dark)
- Light clothing in general but especially 3-4 pair of socks and 2-3 pair of
long pants (for jungle and stream & river hikes as well as mosquito protection
at night)
- Mosquito/Insect Repellant (essential oils work great-eucalyptus, tea tree,
etc)
- Binoculars/Digital Camera w/ waterproof carriers (avoids buying film and the
use of chemicals for photo developing)
- Sun Block (Pure Coconut Oil works well and is locally available-not
recommended for sensitive skin types)
- Soap, toothpaste, etc should all be organic and biodegradable (lemon works
great and is normally in abundance on the property)
- Personal towel, toiletries
The rain forest is pretty hard on clothes, so if you have old things that are
just right for being muddied, stained and left behind- perfect! If not (and the
idea appeals to you), in San Isidro there are many used clothing stores ("ropa
americana") where for about $2 per item you can get quality articles of
clothing, which you can then, with both clear conscious and reckless abandon,
muddy, stain & destroy, if need be. We recommend that within the forest you
wear full-length pants; the more quickly they dry and "breathe" the better.
We also recommend wearing rubber boots, which are widely available in San Isidro
for about $7 (up to about size 11, only, however, although difficult, have
discovered larger sizes when necessary).
If everybody brings a good book or two, by sharing, we should have reading
material and (hint) any books left behind for our library will be put to good
use and be greatly appreciated.
If you wish to bring music with you, bring headphones as well.
A good flashlight is essential, especially a headlamp for night walks. Get
yourself one of the new LED type for great battery life and a friendlier touch
upon Mother Earth. A more standard incandescent flashlight for night time
animal spotting is also recommended.
Binoculars and camera, digital preferred, as you wish.
Please note that film, sun block and insect repellent, though available, will
surely be more expensive and perhaps not your desired type Regarding "bugs",
normally they are truly not a problem, but people's sensitivity (and "bug
appeal") vary greatly.
Other than that a love of Nature, a keen sense of adventure, and an openness to
the "spirit" and "life energy" surrounding go a long way to your maximizing this
richly rewarding and even transforming odyssey of adventure, knowledge and
belonging.
In the interest of convenience, please bring only what you need and only what
will fit into one backpack.
At times when the road is non-negotiable, it is necessary to use the zip line to
cross the river to get to the property. Hiking in from the bus, about an hour's
walk at a leisurely pace, and crossing the river (more an issue in the rainy
season) is common and is much easier with a soft or external frame pack that
fits comfortably on our shoulders allowing hands to swing freely.
History of the Reserve
About 55 years ago there was still a presence of indigenous peoples using that
lands that are now the reserve. Settlers began to arrive, cutting there way with
machete and pick axe, making primitive roads and bringing a new way of life. It
was not a harmonious blend, though there was no open fighting, just a lot of
clashes of culture. An old timer who arrived at that time and is probably the
only remaining original settler, tells a story of how he was asked by the
indigenous community for a section of tapir meat he had just hunted. He
declined to share. They said they would be leaving and taking all the tapir (an
up to 700 pound mammal) with them. Neither those people nor any tapirs have been
seen since.
For about 40 years the property was either left intact (90%-95%) or converted to
pasture and used for cattle. The reserve was purchased in 1990 with the simple
idea of taking a magnificent piece of intact Mother Nature, growing fruit and
beauty in the pastures rather than cattle, and protecting it indefinitely,
creating a preserve for all the great diversity of life in the area, some of
which is highly threatened. It is a great pleasure and source of pride that many
endangered species thrive at the reserve and some are in fact quite common here,
though otherwise rare-even unknown! Populations of many species have rebounded
wonderfully since our stewardship began and a permanent ban on hunting was
imposed along with anti-poaching vigilance.
From those early days it quickly became apparent that there was a need to share
this majesty with others, to inspire them as we felt so blessed to be inspired.
Obviously, as strict conservationists and true Nature lovers this could only
acceptably be done in such a way as to not have a negative impact, "treading
lightly" upon Mother Earth. After years of informally guiding people from all
over the world and of all ages and of listening to their comments and seeing
what it was that intrigued, motivated and emotionally moved these guests, "Life
& Living Within the Tropical Rainforest"/.It.s a Jungle Out There. Tour was
conceived to address these needs and interests while completely respecting those
of Mother Earth. This program and experience, now coupled with our holistic
approach to wellness, is just the right tool for the individual upon their own
personal growth path and to help raise the collective consciousness in the
profound way needed to help in the saving of our Planet. Join us and become a
knowing, experienced voice in this noble and necessary endeavor.
Cultural/Historical Interchange & Experience
Almost never do travelers come to meet and know those very special people who
have made the amazing environment of the rain forest their lifetime home. At the
reserve we correct this by having as some of our guides and teachers local
individuals who share decade upon decade of Rain Forest experience. Their tales
will amaze you! Hearing about the indigenous presence now gone but still present
when these early pioneers first arrived - their magic, lifestyle, recent
history, what it was like simply to be such a pioneer, moving the family to
lands unknown, through wild untamed terrain, machete and pick axe in hand, or
stories about jaguar encounters, and chance encounters with other amazing
wildlife, our local "Old Salts" will fascinate you, but realize they come from a
culture far removed from your own and are a bit shy and unpredictable.
Seasonal Realities
Costa Rica and this part of the equatorial world are not subject to a northern
latitude “four season” reality, but rather what has traditionally been called
“dry season” and “rainy season”, that latter term now giving way, via the
efforts of tourism proponents, to the more favorably sounding “green season.”
Dry season, if one can put a date on the whims of Nature and man’s impact upon
them, typically is from around Christmas until sometime in May. At this time,
if not before, the rains begin. Typically mornings are clear with rain
occurring sometime in the afternoon, but those rains are not particularly heavy
until the months of September or October. It is surprising to many that rainy
season days are often so bright and beautiful in the morning, hardly giving
credence to the idea that at some point the temperature will drop, the breeze
pick up and the rain fall. Both times have great beauty. The dry season tends
to be a bit warmer (a few degrees) and often very dry, though at the reserve,
due to our complete surrounding by forest, it is always green.
For this reality, and to maximize your experience we run tours at the reserve
beginning around Christmas and until the middle of September.
GUIDELINES/ RESTRICTIONS
No Drugs or Alcohol
Here at the reserve, we are absolutely drug and alcohol free. We are a learning
center and a healing sanctuary where imagination and spontaneous creative energy
are present and accessible moment to moment. Children and adults quiet their
minds in order to experience the love and direction of our true Nature. Altered
perception, second hand smoke, and addictive behavior disrupts the entire group
dynamic, not to mention that it effects other's physical health. All guests
within our sanctuary are required to honor this policy. This also pertains to
tobacco.
Vegetarian Meals
Toward the goal of attaining self-sufficiency and due to the fact that we
totally protect the local wildlife, we encourage a mostly vegetarian diet. The
cooking of meats is prohibited. Though we have had chickens, geese, ducks,
turkeys, pigs, goats...upon the property it has always been for the sheer
enjoyment of sharing and experience with these wonderful and fascinating
creatures. None have ever been slaughtered.
In general, breakfast will include coffee, tea, juice or refresco, oatmeal,
cereal, pancakes, eggs, the standard stuff. Then for lunches and dinner it will
be a variety of veggies, salads, soups and sides dishes, pastas, rice, a variety
of beans individually and as stews, tortillas, home made bread and chocolate,
lots of fruit when in season. You won’t be bored with food. It will vary and be
tasty. The emphasis will be on the local nature of the foods and you will be
able to try some unique local dishes, fruits & vegetables.
Hiking Requirements
At no time will guests be permitted to hike into the preserve alone until
adequately acquainted with both it's beauties and it's dangers.
Nudity
It is our opinion that a part of sensing the oneness with Nature comes as a
result of spending time within Nature without even a millimeter of bathing suit
to separate you from this oneness. A sense of freedom always results. Obviously
this is left to each individual and at no time should nudity be considered the
norm at the guest center. Everyone's privacy and sensitivities must be
respected. It should be expected, however, that at the common swimming areas
nudity is fully accepted.
Safety
After 12 years of experience and many hundreds of hours of deep jungle
exploration as well as near jungle living, I tell you that such living is indeed
quite safe and I would add safer, in my opinion, than life in any city anywhere
in the world. There is absolutely no creature, excluding the blood sucking
varieties (which are probably less common than you expect,) that will seek you
out and pose a threat. YES, there are Snakes, but honestly not many and nearly
never poisonous and ALWAYS NOT AGGRESSIVE, so by simply living an aware
existence (always a good idea) and not STEPPING on one, they are eliminated as a
threat. The most dangerous (or annoying) reality in the rain forest would surely
be thorns and ants (not a big problem), but as always requiring one to pay
attention. Otherwise there are no strange diseases to be encountered. Mosquitoes
exist, of course, but do so in harmony with other creatures (bats, frogs,
dragonflies, birds...) that EAT them and so are never really a nuisance. UVITA
has a health center where conventional medicine is available Monday-Friday.
There are two hospitals 30 and 60 minutes away. The simple truth is that living
as one lives within Nature simply promotes good health and vitality and little
concern or need for health services. I would expect within the community to
explore and continue with alternative health practices and promote preventative
measures in our daily lives.
Travel Insurance
Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance
is not included in the price but the coverage is required to join our tours. It
is for your protection, your health and travel investment, and it is available
through underwriters we work with, for all nationalities, and well worth the
nominal costs. For
Disclaimer
All at the reserve must understand and accept the reality that an experience so
close to Nature in the tropical rain forest as offered at the reserve may have
potential dangers associated with the experience and that these dangers are
beyond the control of the reserve and all its representatives. The reserve
therefore require from each visitor (as mentioned above) a personal Travel
Insurance policy to cover any such eventuality, and that upon arrival each
visitor signs a complete release from liability for the reserve.
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