The rains are comingApril 4th, 2009

During the last few days, there has been an electricity in the air. A feeling of anticipation, excitement, expectation. 

Perhaps it coincides with the energy of spring finally manifesting itself in North America, bringing our friends and family there a sense of awakening and renewal.

ENDANGERED SCARLET MACAWS HAVE BEEN REINTRODUCED INTO THE WILD IN SEVERAL PLACES NEAR TAMBOR, INCLUDING CURU WILDLIFE REFUGE WHERE WE RUN MANY TRIPS.

On tierra firma here in Central America, this energy is easily observed in the increased activity of all things wild. Trogons seem to be calling frequently and with a heightened intensity. Chattering Scarlet Macaws seem to be ever present and in large numbers. Ctenosaurs (black) and Green Iguanas are on the move. Monkeys are even more active and vocal than usual.

On the water recently, we spotted a pod of Spinner Dolphins who put on a spectacular show. Large groups of pelicans sometimes dive for fish so close to our kayaks that its impossible to tell where our boats end and the birds begin.

FISHING PELICANS SURROUND JUAN CARLOS IN HIS KAYAK AT SUNSET IN BAHIA BALLENA IN FRONT OF THE HOTEL TAMBOR TROPICAL.

Perhaps this frenzied animal activity is in relation to the ever increasing temperature, climbing during the warmest part of the day now to 37 C (close to 100 F) which is a clear signal that the rains – which usually begin sometime in April and dominate the climate through late October – are coming. Other signs are slightly more cloudy days and humidity continuously on the rise. 

Environmental changes are a constant reminder that everything is connected in life. Seasons affect us just as they do the animals. We can learn so much from our natural surroundings if we are only open to the lessons. 

LIZARDS AND IGUANAS OF ALL KINDS SEEM TO BECOME MUCH MORE ACTIVE IN ANTICIPATION OF THE COMING RAINS.

Even after the first signs of the rainy season appear, sometimes the rains themselves take weeks, even months to arrive. Last year, there were many days when all the ingredients for rain were there, but the outpouring waited and waited, even until the middle of May.

We know that, like spring, the rains are coming. We’ll let you know when they do. Meanwhile, here’s to the water of life.

Pura vida,

Bruce