The Veragua RainForest of Costa Rica
Prior to making the run through the Panama Canal, we had a stop in Costa Rica at the port of Limon. There were a variety of excursions to partake, but we chose to visit a private Rainforest called the Veragua Rainforest.
A donation funded 2000 acre preserve that accounts for almost 30% of the fresh oxygen that serves the Central American lands.
The vegetation was dense and there were monkeys to be heard but not seen. Same with large flocks of toucans that would fly close but then disappear into the trees.
We rode the tram to the bottom of the valley and were lost in the vegetation as the ride carried us down through dense vegetation and trees that were over 150 ft tall.
Once at the bottom, a side trail carried us to the river falls before it took a turn to head towards the coast.
There are a crew of young scientists that work on the grounds out of the laboratories, trying to work to find ways to extend the lives of the wildlife that is here with a goal of spreading their work to other forests.
This is a large banyan tree that offered a photo opportunity.
The country itself is unique as it exists as a nonmilitary state surrounded by countries that have all manner of excessive armies and even dictatorships.
All children are put through at least high school. For those that have the grades and want to pursue higher education, the government will offer full scholarships.
All residents are encouraged to work and for those that work until retirement they will get a pension equivalent to 90% of their monthly working income.
All are offered medical insurance at a cost of $90/monthly are provided.
It was a most educational way to send a day amid the cruise to get to the Panama Canal.
The Veragua RainForest of Costa Rica
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