Fountain at Schloss Linderhof

Fountain at Schloss Linderhof
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

Linderhof Palace It is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one of which he lived to see completion.

The palace is surrounded by formal gardens that are subdivided into five sections that are decorated with allegoric sculptures of the continents, the seasons and the elements. This is the Naid Fountain and a close up of a water nymph in the south garden. In Greek mythology, the Naiads or Naiades were a type of nymph who presided over fountains, wells, springs, streams, and brooks.

Coati (Nasua narica)

Coati (Nasua narica)
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

Coati are diurnal mammals native to South America, Central America, and south-western North America. They are related to raccoons. The word "coatimundi" is a commonly used misnomer applied to solitary adult males

Coatis seem unafraid of humans. A wild coati should never be approached, as like the raccoon, they can be unpredictable and their bite is sharp.

Either I had a good zoom or I didn't heed the advice above. Can you guess which?

MIDDLETON PLACE

P0000789
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

MIDDLETON PLACE is a National Historic Landmark and a carefully preserved 18th-century plantation that has survived revolution, Civil War, and earthquake. It is also home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the United States

Early April is peak azalea time and we hit it perfectly. This picture has always been a favorite.

http://www.middletonplace.org/

Vacation Location 2010

Vacation Location 2010
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

We chose well. It was the perfect location. Just high enough to feel the breeze, just low enough to hear the surf. It was a prime location for listening to the monkeys and watching the birds.

It'll be a good memory for a long time.

--
This is the last in the series of Costa Rica 2010. At least for awhile.

There are a few more pics in this series on Flickr

Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana)

Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana)
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

The fragrant, orchid-like flowers are usually 10-15 cm across, and bloom from early November to the end of March. This tree variety originated in Hong Kong in 1880 and apparently all of the cultivated trees derive from one cultivated at the Hong Kong Botanic Gardens and widely planted in Hong Kong starting in 1914.

"Bunny" or at least that what they call them in Costa Rica.

"Bunny" or at least that what they call them in Costa Rica.
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

The Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) Agoutis are terrestrial and cursorial which means ground dwelling and built for running with speed. They walk, trot or gallop on their toes, and can jump up more than six feet from a standing position. They are monogamous and mate with the each other for life.

These were in captivity and when I stepped into the cage to pet the Toucan - the guys said "Do you want to see some RATS? and quickly let the Agouti out. Needless to say I was shocked at first but soon realized they were Agouti.

Surfers at Sunset on Dominicalito Beach

Surfers at Sunset on Dominicalito Beach
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler

The beach at Dominicalito is the best beach to start and practice surfing since the waves are more gentle and the rip tides are not as strong. In fact almost all surf schools bring their beginners to Dominicalito.

I'm not sure I'd surf at sunset which is prime shark feeding time.