My big reveal earlier in the week had not relieved me of my role as a distraction. A surprise party had been planned, and my sudden arrival made me the perfect candidate for keeping the guest of honor’s attention pointed in the wrong direction.  The venue needed to be prepared,and the guests had to assemble, all without detection. My task, it would seem, was to play decoy and lure our unsuspecting quarry away from the scene. Taking my role seriously, I set out on yet another adventure.  Truth be told, I only tagged along while our victims husband executed his well layed out plan.

We headed south to another secret spot. Revealed by a friend of friend, I had blindly driven right past it more than once in the past. After a couple of hours of driving, we made the critical turn and uncovered this hidden gem. Tucked down off the high ridge, a micro climate was thriving.

Birds of all types are common in Costa Rica. It becomes common place to see both toucans and scarlet macaws alike. This little lake, however, hidden away in plain sight, had a whole new collection, many considered extremely rare.

I had become accustom to regularly seeing a bird or animal that I had never before. “Firsts” are common place here. There are likely more different species of birds in this small country than any one single population could count for itself. A majority is a concept that doesn’t fit well in a place where all the minorities have chosen to call home. The landscape is filled with sound and flashes of color. A ” birder’s dream.”  I am no birder, even so, I had spent many hours observing, identifying, and photographing many of those I had encountered. Warblers, flycatchers, herons, owls, tanagers, and of course parrots, just to name a few, crowd the skies. Our little hidden lake contained a whole host of new avian friends. This was hard work being a distraction.

We spent the afternoon exploring lush banks of the lake and the surrounding forest . Mixed in with the the flocks of birds, we found lotus gardens and giant swings hidden along the shore and tucked among the trees. We were even greeted by a troop of squirrel monkeys who seemed to take delight in the protected waters of the little lake.

A typical Costa Rican soda, complete with a cabina to rent, was set off to one side of the lake’s bank. In addition to excellent food, they had constructed a pool that captured a cool mountain stream just before it entered the lake. The swim was so refreshing. Most pools reach near hot tub temperatures in the dry season. This sent a shock wave of sensation through the body when we entered. A lovely capstone to a memorable trip.

The party that waited for us back in the village proved to be another grand surprise. We were welcomed home by host of whose who from the surrounding area. The evening kicked off with music, dancing, drinking, and of course, lots of food. House parties here are a regular thing. They are never lacking in these elements and often include pool activities as well, even if  unplanned.

The trip wound down with the gentle rhythm of the days turning to nights.  Accompanied by the sound of the crashing surf and the song of the jungle, it passed as if it was part of a dream.  Beaches, long walks, meditations of loving kindness, and exploring the instant filled in the gaps.  Traveling to and “being” in this part of the world has always brought me deep inter peace. Not to mention shenanigans.