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When Virtual & Real Worlds Collide


RainForestt Robert

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Thanks Bob, I'm really enjoying the tour!

Matt Bradford

"Manambe Lavaka"

Spring Valley, CA (8.5 miles inland from San Diego Bay)

10B on the hill (635 ft. elevation)

9B in the canyon (520 ft. elevation)

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Our group was fortunate to see two of Costa Rica's four native monkeys. The white faced monkey - Cebus capucinus - was the most accessible of the lot. Along the trail one came within a few feet of us and stayed for several minutes as if it was a political photo op.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This howler monkey was not as co-operative. He/she was not ready for a close up.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This does not fall into the category of wildlife, but I was amazed to find TEN TOES in the Arenal National Park. I know that there must of been hundreds there, but all were so well hidden. These just called out to me.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Speaking of pink, these Geonomas were among the nicest small palms that I saw in Costa Rica. Should go well with those understory Dypsis everyone wants to get their hands on.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This is one of the waterfalls in the Arenal National Park.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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There are numerous locations in Costa Rica that could be used as sets for Major Motion Pictures. MattyB starring in the latest Indiana Jones movie. "Lights, camera, action" This set has the best name yet, the "Jumping Pit Viper Tunnel"

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Juvenile Socrateas/Iriateas leaflets seem to be in almost one plane. As the palm matures the leaves take on a plumose appearance. I was lucky enough to find a leaf showing how the leaflets split to take on the plumose look.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Another palm photographed from above. I believe Prestoea decurrens.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Really enjoying the extended coverage, Robert!

Kim Cyr

Between the beach and the bays, Point Loma, San Diego, California USA
and on a 300 year-old lava flow, Pahoa, Hawaii, 1/4 mile from the 2018 flow
All characters  in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

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Bob,

I'm really enjoying your excellent photos. I remember the day when Ryan told me later on how close the monkies came down to be photographed. I was further up the trail.

Jeff

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc.

and The Rainforest Collection.

Southwest Ranches,Fl.

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If I was asked for a recommendation what to use for the trails, these bricks would be at the bottom of my list. Alternating hard and soft spots made the going pretty uncomfortable.

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However, views like this made me think "Shut up and keep walking."

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This young Z. neurophyllidia was flushing a lone leaf.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This vine is called the Monkey Ladder Vine, I'm guessing that they are often seen clambering up this vine. The bridge just before we encountered this vine is named in it's honor.

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This vine is often cut and used for decorative purposes in the floriculture industry.

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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I really thought about the bridge precautions on the 45 meter high Arenal View Bridge. I negotiated it cautiously.

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Close to the end I made a U turn and was rewarded with this view.

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I just wish that the tree on the lower left was a stand of Socratea/Iriateas.

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This gully was filled with palms. The young inflorescence was eyepopping. It looked like a firework explosion on July 4th.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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This tree had more than its fair share of bromeliads. They appeared so symmetrical against the sky.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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The following photographs may not be very clear, but I am including them to give an idea what happens when a Chamaedorea falls (or is pushed) to the ground. Aerial roots develop and the palm continues on its merry way, even producing inflorescences. The palm is the central structure in each of the following photos.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Inflorescences. I am not sure if they are both Geonomas. The second was startlingly red!

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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At the end of the trail there were some interesting gingers.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Sure, Angela, Sure!

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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By the time I got back to the staging area I was ravenous. I proceeded to search for my boxed lunch, only to find out that the chicken was all gone, only roast beef remained. I am not a fan of roast beef. Apparently a few others are not also. Andre and I went to the restaurant at the observation deck and ordered lunch. It was a typical Costa Rican meal, pollo con arroz, chicken with rice. It was Delicious! Or maybe I was really, really hungry. The meal and soda cost less than $5.

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Andre did not eat his salad, being a bit wary. I ate mine. No problems mon!

While waiting for the meal I took a few photos of Arenal from the observation deck. As the clouds and their shadows moved every second you got a different perspective.

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I took a series of overlapping photos of the volcano and surroundings that I hope to photoshop into a panorama that will be one of my Costa Rica momentos.

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Next to the bus was this potted Zamia neurophyllidia. I wonder if this was "wild collected" or from "cultivated" sources?

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This heliconia, Sexy Pink, was ready for its closeup.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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On the way to Arenal we had staked out Cyrtostachys renda trees that appeared to be full of fruit. The viability of the seeds are very short. You can go from a high germination rate to zero if you wait 2-3 weeks after the seeds have been harvested. The intention was to ask the driver to stop at some church or location where we had seen some trees. Luckily we saw loaded trees at an apartment complex and asked the bus driver to stop for a "PHOTO OP". The manager of the complex came out and I immediately struck up a conversation. I mentioned that we were "The International Palm Society visiting Costa Rica and we stopped to admire his beautiful palm. Would you mind if we took some photographs and would you "sell" us some seeds?" The response was "That's fine, and just take the seeds". GAME ON! He was very helpful, even providing implements for us to cut down inflorescences. Truth be told I only got one inflorescence that way. I decided, why not climb the tree. So with Jeff Searle's help I decided to climb the tree.

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That's the apartment complex manager on the left. On the way up I started thinking that I was over 200 pounds. How strong are these Cyrtosatchys stems? Have they been tested for weight tolerance? If I fall from this height there is a good chance I could be paralyzed (Physical therapists think about these things). Those seeds would have to wait. However, Bill Olsen, who weighs about 100 pounds less than I do took up the challenge. Cyrtostachys stems can definitely tolerate his weight!

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In the end, no one was happier than Bill Olsen, Paul Richnow and myself. Here are the self congratulatory smiles (and the seeds) to prove it. The legend of Bus 4 - Cyrtostachys rolls on.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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By the time I got back to the staging area I was ravenous. I proceeded to search for my boxed lunch, only to find out that the chicken was all gone, only roast beef remained. I am not a fan of roast beef. Apparently a few others are not also. Andre and I went to the restaurant at the observation deck and ordered lunch. It was a typical Costa Rican meal, pollo con arroz, chicken with rice. It was Delicious! Or maybe I was really, really hungry. The meal and soda cost less than $5.

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:) I just have to comment on this picture because it brought back a good memory...

I was sooo hungry and all the chicken was gone... that was a problem because I don't eat red meat. I couldn't even eat the potato salad because it was contaminated with loads of bacon. :indifferent: I ended up giving my sandwich to one of the workers and then I ordered the same meal as Bob (thanks for the recommendation!) and it was DA BOMB!!! It was the BEST meal I had in Costa Rica!!! I have an aversion to apples so I gave my apple to the cook! ^_^

********Angela**********

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Check out Palmpedia

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Angela the meal was great. My best meal in Costa Rica was on our first free night when Lefty, Andre, Bill Olsen, Linda and myself went to a swanky hotel downtown that Lefty recommended. The food and drink was the best.

On the way to Arenal Jim Glock, our resident bus 4 DJ, was spinning tunes on his ipod docking station. Different genres, big tunes all! Everyone who had a ipod had an option to play their tunes. After collecting our seeds the party was in full swing. Suddenly we heard a loud thud! A vehicle going in the opposite direction hit the driver's side mirror of our bus. The damage was not extensive, so the music and the beer continued to flow until there was another thud. This time it was a flat tire. Was there a cheer? We slowed and continued to motor along until we found an appropriate place to change the tire. It was in front a bar, small restaurant to the side, convenience store on the other side. Several locals hanging around. It was interactive as you wanted it to be.

Checking out the damage.

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Many lent a helping hand.

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Others decided to check out if the beer was cold.

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While Andre participated in a pick-up checkers game.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Taking in the scene

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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The old tire was stowed.

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BS Man About Palms ensured that the new tire was secured and then we gathered the stragglers and we were on our way.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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We must of restocked the beer stash. Imperial seemed to be the cerveza of choice.

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Big tunes and beer could mean only one thing: Dancing in the aisle!

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Jayanne, La Lady came from the back of the bus to show that she could throw down with the best of them. And she could ......

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The Queen of Bling was not outdone

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The party only subsided when the battery ran out on the docking station.

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Plans were made for the following day's activities. Talk of a talent show began. Mixed drinks to supplement the beer. There were smiles all around as a fantastic biennial day came to an end. OK, it really did not come to an end as many ended up in the hot tub, but I was tired and had an early night.

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Thanks Angela. I'm living it again. I wish others would post from their perspective.

The following morning the transformation of bus 4 from Chamaedorea to Chamaedorea/Cyrtostachys was complete.

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I think we can thank Paul "Let's Get Those Seeds" Richnow for the additional graphics, which highlighted four of the previous day's memorable events.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Bob,

Great coverage with all your excellent pictures. Bus #4 definitely was a bus you didn't sleep on. I have already had request to be on the next "party bus' when in Brazil for 2010. But on a serious note.......it was great to be surrounded by movie stars, music entertainers, people with hidden talents and of course the paparazzi is never far off. :lol:

Jeff

Searle Brothers Nursery Inc.

and The Rainforest Collection.

Southwest Ranches,Fl.

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TRUE DAT!

Zone 10a at best after 2007 AND 2013, on SW facing hill, 1 1/2 miles from coast in Oceanside, CA. 30-98 degrees, and 45-80deg. about 95% of the time.

"The great workman of nature is time."   ,  "Genius is nothing but a great aptitude for patience."

-George-Louis Leclerc de Buffon-

I do some experiments and learning in my garden with palms so you don't have to experience the pain! Look at my old threads to find various observations and tips!

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  • 3 weeks later...

The drive from our hotel to the Poas Volcano was relatively short at 90 minutes, so we started off later than usual that morning. After the excitement and festivities of the previous day the later departure was appreciated. Everyone still seemed to be buzzing. The route to Poas Volcano, our first stop of the day was spectacular (as usual). There were a number of coffee plantations and many shadehouses growing plants for export.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Poas Visitor Centre. There were some expensive souvenirs here.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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At this stage of the biennial I was taking fewer notes, so I don't have an id for this plant, which looked pretty prehistoric. It was not the first time that I saw plants here that seemed like appropriate fodder for dinosaurs.

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Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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Plants along the way.

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The air was a little rare at this altitude. I saw a couple of persons stopping to observe the wildlife. I know that they were just catching their breaths.

Trinidad!  Southernmost island in the Caribbean.

So many plants, So little space.

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