Dandriga – Cockscomb Jaguar Reserve
Having complained to the Jaguar Reef Lodge about the fact that the jaguar reserve was my main reason for staying, they decided to put the tour on again on the Tuesday (though it usually only runs every other day) in case they were more takers. Indeed, they were, 6 of us today, phew. The Cockscomb Basin is supposedly the best national park in the area. They did say 'however, do not even HOPE you will see a jaguar to avoid disappointment as they are nocturnal'. They have about 50 of them there. Sure enough, we saw NOTHING. No bird, no monkey, nothing... and guess why? Because the moment we got out of the bus, the heavens opened AGAIN. I could not believe the timing. So, again, I had to leave my SLR camera behind, and cover myself with my plastic poncho that I bought in Iguassu to protect me from the rain from head to toe... but then ended sweating like a pig instead, so ended up soaked just the same. We trekked 40mns and I was so happy I had my Wellington boots. Everybody else had their trainers and their feet were covered as the puddles were so deep. I'd learnt my lesson from yesterday! They were impressed by my forward planning (esp. since it was glorious sunshine when we set off and I looked seriously over dressed). There you go ..... seasoned traveller I am, hey. We were heading to a waterfall to have a dip, but since we were already wet, I didn’t feel the need to go in.... Thankfully, on the way back it brightened up a bit... just enough for me to take a few nice shots of the sun dancing on the wet leaves... like little diamonds glittering everywhere. I DO love ‘my’ rainforests... we were all in awe. Just magical when the sun shines through. SO many different plants, you didn't know where to look....
Then it was back to the lodge for another quick lunch.... still on half portions. My waist line is slimming down nicely by now ! :) And I don't even feel hungry.... none of us really do here as we all have stomach cramps. I must say I'll be glad to have a pain-free day on my return. Makes me appreciate my good health all the more .....
No leeches here, no botflies yet, but LOTS of sand-flies and people's legs look horrendous. Totally COVERED in bites... I mean, like 60-80 holes per leg. Ugly as hell. So I'm keeping myself well under wraps and I don't care for a tan.. (a) there is no sun to get one and (b) since it's 0C in the UK right now, I would NOT be showing it off on my return, so why suffer ? It's good to be older & wiser... :)))
Righteeo, my driver's come to pick up, a bit too early, but beggars can't be choosers and it'd be a hell of a long walk back to the hotel, so I'll say bye for today...
Tomorrow I'm going back on the reef as some people who've done it today were raving about it. But then.. I guess *they* haven't been to Sipadan or the Great Barrier Reef to compare..... still, if I'm going to be WET, might as well be *in* the water, right ?
HUGS, keep on emailing....... moi xxx
Having complained to the Jaguar Reef Lodge about the fact that the jaguar reserve was my main reason for staying, they decided to put the tour on again on the Tuesday (though it usually only runs every other day) in case they were more takers. Indeed, they were, 6 of us today, phew. The Cockscomb Basin is supposedly the best national park in the area. They did say 'however, do not even HOPE you will see a jaguar to avoid disappointment as they are nocturnal'. They have about 50 of them there. Sure enough, we saw NOTHING. No bird, no monkey, nothing... and guess why? Because the moment we got out of the bus, the heavens opened AGAIN. I could not believe the timing. So, again, I had to leave my SLR camera behind, and cover myself with my plastic poncho that I bought in Iguassu to protect me from the rain from head to toe... but then ended sweating like a pig instead, so ended up soaked just the same. We trekked 40mns and I was so happy I had my Wellington boots. Everybody else had their trainers and their feet were covered as the puddles were so deep. I'd learnt my lesson from yesterday! They were impressed by my forward planning (esp. since it was glorious sunshine when we set off and I looked seriously over dressed). There you go ..... seasoned traveller I am, hey. We were heading to a waterfall to have a dip, but since we were already wet, I didn’t feel the need to go in.... Thankfully, on the way back it brightened up a bit... just enough for me to take a few nice shots of the sun dancing on the wet leaves... like little diamonds glittering everywhere. I DO love ‘my’ rainforests... we were all in awe. Just magical when the sun shines through. SO many different plants, you didn't know where to look....
Then it was back to the lodge for another quick lunch.... still on half portions. My waist line is slimming down nicely by now ! :) And I don't even feel hungry.... none of us really do here as we all have stomach cramps. I must say I'll be glad to have a pain-free day on my return. Makes me appreciate my good health all the more .....
No leeches here, no botflies yet, but LOTS of sand-flies and people's legs look horrendous. Totally COVERED in bites... I mean, like 60-80 holes per leg. Ugly as hell. So I'm keeping myself well under wraps and I don't care for a tan.. (a) there is no sun to get one and (b) since it's 0C in the UK right now, I would NOT be showing it off on my return, so why suffer ? It's good to be older & wiser... :)))
Righteeo, my driver's come to pick up, a bit too early, but beggars can't be choosers and it'd be a hell of a long walk back to the hotel, so I'll say bye for today...
Tomorrow I'm going back on the reef as some people who've done it today were raving about it. But then.. I guess *they* haven't been to Sipadan or the Great Barrier Reef to compare..... still, if I'm going to be WET, might as well be *in* the water, right ?
HUGS, keep on emailing....... moi xxx
posted by Sylvie at 6:19 PM
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