Trip to "The Valley"

Last month Loyda and I took a trip to El Valle de Antón (The Valley of Anton) which was formed when a volcano blew its top over 1,000 years ago. This area is known for its cool climate, flowers, hot springs, and wildlife. Here I am walking around the grounds of the zoo. The landscape reminded me a lot of Ireland.

The weather here is in the mid 70s-low 80s year round, sort of an eternal spring.

Beautiful grounds at the zoo, plus we were the only ones there.

Overlooking the valley at sunset and watching the evening clouds roll in.

The zoo posts some really weird and ugly species. This one must have gotten out of his cage. At least I think it's a "he."

My beautiful tour guide.

The flower market downtown.

These flowers are called vereneros which mean "summer flowers." They come in a full range of colors and bloom for a couple of months. Parrot cages are in the background.

Loyda and I had a great time on this little trip and we are looking forward to being tour guides to a very special visitor that is coming in April.

Most zoos in Latin America are very depressing places. This one was a little better, but still kind of depressing, but it crossed as a spectacular garden as well.

The catholic chuch in El Valle.

Piedra Pintada or "Painted Rocks." These are pre-Columbian maps that might actually be rechalked by local kids to help the tourists from getting lost....he he.

At the Painted Rocks. If you are wondering why I have the same shirt on in all the pictures, it's because I'm a pig like that. Why dirty more than one shirt?

Mud bath at a spa.

This species is a type of "bird of paradise" I'm told. Reminds me of my old house in Bocas has I had these all over my front yard. Oh yeah, on a sad note, my camera injured itself and is currently undergoing surgery in the US. Hopefully he will recover quickly and make it back down here soon.