Saturday, June 10th, A Glimpse of the Past, Spiders and Bugs
We were on a close schedule to go the Quichua community on the shore of the Napa River.
Our interpreter told us the story of how the indigenous community has been preserved and sustained by a group of women and their crafts. Two local drinks were passed around in these bowls, one made from yucca and sweet potato water, which now is mashed instead of masticated.
Photo Credit, Katie O’Donnell
Finally, after a demonstration of the native clothing, we were treated to a dance, which we all were invited to join.
Birds hung around. The turkey was shooed away two or three times, clearly disappointed that there was no invitation to a turkey dance.
The Macaw wriggled with delight
as Connor scratched its back.
Our interpreter invited us to climb to the top of the Sacred Rock, although this must be done barefoot.
Two of our three Canadians, Brian and Crystal, in white hats, made the ascent with Michael and Katie.
Crystal is a self-described shy and timid nurse. However, there was nothing she wouldn’t try, including zip lining with a group a few days later. That was an activity that I chose not to join myself!
Crystal got the absolute best video at Quichua, of a Toucan who was determined to beat her to the toilet. This is her still photo. You can find the video next to it on her Facebook page. Crystal’s Toucan Toilet Trot
Walter seems to belong to all eternity, in time transfixed.
Am I in love? It shouldn’t be too hard to guess.
Saturday, June 10, Part III A Buggy Night
At Suchipakari, right near the dining porch, there is a small and shallow bathing pool. There were frogs around it, and in the evening, they would sit on the side and or go for a swim. Here is one that Jaime caught, in a most unnatural habitat.
As we went out onto the wet trails, each with our headlights, it was possible to get some dramatic glimpses of the trees: A black, grey and white theme, echoed by insects.
Victor made a friend. Photo Credit Melvin Grey
Melissa did as well. She and her mom Jennifer never met a living thing they didn’t love. Photo Credit Melvin Grey
. 
A tarantula showed us her butt, and that was all. Jaime demonstrated the green bug becoming spiney when touched.
As it turned out, we would see many more Morph or Owl butterflies, especially as they seem to be flying both in the day and at night. My name for the photo: Butterfly on a Bridge to Everywhere.
And so ended my second night at Suchipakari.
The deadline, October 15th, for the SAVE THE FROGS! Art Contest is right around the corner. For submission directions, click this link: submit your artwork!