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.
02 April, 2010
28 March, 2010
Coati (Nasua narica)
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?
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?
27 March, 2010
MIDDLETON PLACE
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/
Early April is peak azalea time and we hit it perfectly. This picture has always been a favorite.
http://www.middletonplace.org/
24 March, 2010
Vacation Location 2010
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
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
23 March, 2010
Hong Kong Orchid Tree (Bauhinia blakeana)
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.
22 March, 2010
"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
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.
21 March, 2010
Surfers at Sunset on Dominicalito Beach
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.
I'm not sure I'd surf at sunset which is prime shark feeding time.
20 March, 2010
Napping Sloth
The three-toed sloths are the only members of the Bradypus genus and the Bradypodidae family. Although they are quite slow in trees, three-toed sloths are agile swimmers. The offspring cling to their mother's bellies for around 9 months.
Its long, coarse, grayish-brown fur often appears greenish, not due to pigment but to algae growing on it. The sloth’s greenish color and its sluggish habits provide an effective camouflage: hanging quietly, the sloth resembles a bundle of leaves.
We were eating lunch and our waiter pointed him out. He was hanging just outside. He was napping, just like any good Sloth should be doing. Even though the claws look nasty - they seem to be very docile and pleasant animals.
Its long, coarse, grayish-brown fur often appears greenish, not due to pigment but to algae growing on it. The sloth’s greenish color and its sluggish habits provide an effective camouflage: hanging quietly, the sloth resembles a bundle of leaves.
We were eating lunch and our waiter pointed him out. He was hanging just outside. He was napping, just like any good Sloth should be doing. Even though the claws look nasty - they seem to be very docile and pleasant animals.
19 March, 2010
Nauyaca Waterfalls
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are located in a canyon approximately eight meters wide.
One of the falls is forty-five meters high in free fall and the other, twenty meters high with a tiered fall, forming at the bottom a 1,000 square meter and six meter deep pool.
It's the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the falls by horseback. The falls and the eco tour have a very interesting story and if you have time - you should read about it. http://www.cataratasnauyaca.com/history.htm This region was once clear cut for pastures. They have done an excellent job of restoring it.
One of the falls is forty-five meters high in free fall and the other, twenty meters high with a tiered fall, forming at the bottom a 1,000 square meter and six meter deep pool.
It's the perfect place to spend a hot afternoon. It took us about 1.5 hours to reach the falls by horseback. The falls and the eco tour have a very interesting story and if you have time - you should read about it. http://www.cataratasnauyaca.com/history.htm This region was once clear cut for pastures. They have done an excellent job of restoring it.
18 March, 2010
Parakeet Flower - Heliconia psittacorum
Also known as Parrot's Beak, Parakeet Flower, Parrot's Flower, Parrot's Plantain, False Bird-Of-Paradise. A small herbaceous upright small Heliconia, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and growing up to no more than four feet tall.
I've always liked this flower. It's great as a cut flower and will last 3-4 weeks. They are very common in Costa Rica. I'll definitely have these when I have my own Costa Rica flower garden. (wink)
I've always liked this flower. It's great as a cut flower and will last 3-4 weeks. They are very common in Costa Rica. I'll definitely have these when I have my own Costa Rica flower garden. (wink)
Blaberus giganteus
one of the world's largest cockroaches found from Costa Rica and Panama to parts of northwest South America and the West Indies. They live in quiet, dark, humid caves in rainforests. They are also sold as exotic pets.
The cockroach dates back over 200-300 million years, and is one of the most adaptable and resilient of all animals on the planet.
Um and they also live in bathrooms.
This picture doesn't do it justice for demonstrating just how large this guy was. He was so big we named him Juan. Not hard to believe people keep them as exotic pets - although - I don't think he'd enjoy being put on a leash.
The cockroach dates back over 200-300 million years, and is one of the most adaptable and resilient of all animals on the planet.
Um and they also live in bathrooms.
This picture doesn't do it justice for demonstrating just how large this guy was. He was so big we named him Juan. Not hard to believe people keep them as exotic pets - although - I don't think he'd enjoy being put on a leash.
17 March, 2010
Capuchin Monkey washing for Dinner
Capuchin's are the group of New World monkeys classified as genus Cebus. The range of the capuchin monkeys includes Central America and South America as far south as northern Argentina. The word capuchin derives from a group of friars named the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, an offshoot from the Franciscans, who wore brown robes with large hoods covering their heads.
We found this guy washing his hands while walking the nature trail at Hacienda Baru National WIldlife Refuge. Capuchin's are always fun to see. They are very interactive and typically don't like a bunch of homosapiens staring and taking pictures.
We found this guy washing his hands while walking the nature trail at Hacienda Baru National WIldlife Refuge. Capuchin's are always fun to see. They are very interactive and typically don't like a bunch of homosapiens staring and taking pictures.
Macaw
The Scarlet Macaw is native to humid evergreen forests in the American tropics. Range extends from extreme south-eastern Mexico to Amazonian Peru, Bolivia and Brazil in lowlands up to 1,640 ft up to 3,281 ft. It has been widely extirpated by habitat destruction and capture for the parrot trade, but locally it remains fairly common.
The Scarlet Macaw can live up to 75 years in captivity, although, a more typical lifespan is 40 to 50 years. They mate for life and newborns typically stay in the nest for up to 2 years!
This pair calls Don Lulo's place home. Don runs a horseback & eco tour for visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls. If you ever find your self in Domincal - it's a must do activity. http://www.cataratasnauyaca.com/
The Scarlet Macaw can live up to 75 years in captivity, although, a more typical lifespan is 40 to 50 years. They mate for life and newborns typically stay in the nest for up to 2 years!
This pair calls Don Lulo's place home. Don runs a horseback & eco tour for visiting the Nauyaca Waterfalls. If you ever find your self in Domincal - it's a must do activity. http://www.cataratasnauyaca.com/
16 March, 2010
Green Anole
Anole lizards are frequently and incorrectly called chameleons or geckos, although they are not closely related to either of those groups. In fact, they are more closely related to iguanas. Often when an intruder is in the area, the anole raises its spine, fans its dewlap, and does "push-ups" accompanied by intermittent ultrasonic hisses.
I found him on the roof of the pool gazebo one morning and he was slightly threatened by me and then calmed down. In this picture he's actually checking me out. I guess he hadn't seen a camera before.
I found him on the roof of the pool gazebo one morning and he was slightly threatened by me and then calmed down. In this picture he's actually checking me out. I guess he hadn't seen a camera before.
15 March, 2010
Mealy Parrot in a sea of green
The Mealy Parrot (Amazona farinosa) is among the largest parrots in the Amazona genus. It is endemic to tropical Central and South America. They are usually quiet but can be loud at dusk and dawn.
The were definitely dusk and dawn regulars at the house and they loved to be photographed. At times I wondered if they were posing for me. This shot was taken from the patio very close to the house.
The were definitely dusk and dawn regulars at the house and they loved to be photographed. At times I wondered if they were posing for me. This shot was taken from the patio very close to the house.
14 March, 2010
Leafcutters at Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge
Leafcutters at Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge
Originally uploaded by MichaelDuquetteFowler
In a few years, the central mound of their underground nests can grow to more than 98 ft across with smaller, radiating mounds extending out to a radius of 260 ft, taking up 320 to 6,500 sq ft and containing eight million individuals.
This mound was at the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge near Dominical Costa Rica.
A Pair of Baltimore Orioles
So why do they call it a "Baltimore" Oriole? Its from the fact that the male's colors resemble those on the coat-of-arms of Lord Baltimore.
I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee and when I spotted the orange I knew it could only be an Oriole. We never saw them again - which was unusual. Normally once we saw a bird at the house we saw them time and time again.
Go O's
I was enjoying my morning cup of coffee and when I spotted the orange I knew it could only be an Oriole. We never saw them again - which was unusual. Normally once we saw a bird at the house we saw them time and time again.
Go O's
My Friend the Golden Orb Spider
On day 2 this spider showed up near our grill. None of us had the heart to take down the web. She wasn't bothering us, so why should we bother her. I do have to admit, we did feed her a variety of cicadas and stink bugs that we found. Hopefully she didn't get to lazy while we were there.
If you zoom in on this picture you can actually see the hairs on the legs.
If you zoom in on this picture you can actually see the hairs on the legs.
13 March, 2010
Dragonfly
My friend the dragonfly. Doesn't matter if we are home in Maryland or in Costa Rica dragonflies seem to universally love to hang out by swimming pools. This guy hung around quite a bit. I couldn't quite get him to land on my finger like I do at home but he was curious none-the-less. The red was very intense. Our dragonflies are blue - so seeing a red one was a real treat.
A few facts:
- The larval stage of large dragonflies may last as long as five years.
- In flight the adult dragonfly can propel itself in six directions; upward, downward, forward, back, and side to side.
- Even though dragonflies possess 6 legs like any other insect, they are not capable of walking.
- Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies.
A few facts:
- The larval stage of large dragonflies may last as long as five years.
- In flight the adult dragonfly can propel itself in six directions; upward, downward, forward, back, and side to side.
- Even though dragonflies possess 6 legs like any other insect, they are not capable of walking.
- Dragonflies are valuable predators that eat mosquitoes, and other small insects like flies, bees, ants, and butterflies.
12 March, 2010
The Caiman of Tárcoles, Costa Rica
The river's upper reaches form the northern border of the Carara National Park. It is a habitat for Caimen (a.k.a. American Crocodile). Many of which grow to be 6 feet in length!
Our view was safely from the bridge. The guidebooks warn you NOT to stop and look because of the scam artists that try to steal your rental - but we stopped anyway. Glad we did. There were atleast 20 of these guys in close proximity. It's a must see if you are ever in the area.
Our view was safely from the bridge. The guidebooks warn you NOT to stop and look because of the scam artists that try to steal your rental - but we stopped anyway. Glad we did. There were atleast 20 of these guys in close proximity. It's a must see if you are ever in the area.
11 March, 2010
Sunset at Dominicalito Beach
South of Dominical Costa Rica and a close to the Costanera highway, Playa Dominicalito is a scenic beach with interesting rock outcroppings . The sunset on Playa Dominicalito is visually spectacular due to the intensity of colors.
We had the perfect opportunity on our last evening in Dominicalito and it lived up to expectations. More pictures to follow soon.
We had the perfect opportunity on our last evening in Dominicalito and it lived up to expectations. More pictures to follow soon.
10 March, 2010
Double web with 2 Golden Orb Spiders
Golden Org Spiders are a genus of araneomorph spiders noted for the impressive webs they weave. The name of the golden silk orb-weavers refers to the color of the spider silk, not the color of the spider itself.
These guys were above our heads at the pool and I thought it would be a nice picture because of the 3D nature of the web.
I find these spiders fasciniating. They weave these intricate webs that appear to be extremely effective at catching "dinner".
These guys were above our heads at the pool and I thought it would be a nice picture because of the 3D nature of the web.
I find these spiders fasciniating. They weave these intricate webs that appear to be extremely effective at catching "dinner".
09 March, 2010
Fiery-billed Aracari
The Fiery-billed Aracari is a toucan, a near-passerine bird which breeds only on the Pacific slopes of southern Costa Rica and western Panama.
The house where we vacationed had plenty and they seemed to love the paparazzi. They were around constantly and loved to tap on the upper windows at dawn and dusk.
The house where we vacationed had plenty and they seemed to love the paparazzi. They were around constantly and loved to tap on the upper windows at dawn and dusk.
09 February, 2010
St Croix
From the archives. Thought this was a fitting picture for the day considering we will be getting another 10-20 inches of white stuff.
We had a good time in St Croix, although we are unlikely to ever go back. Not enough to do and the rats in the palm trees is a little disconcerting at first. I'd prefer to see a monkey in the palm trees.
Anyway - on a cold snowy day like today - I couldn't resist the urge to day dream for a few seconds about a warm sandy and sunny place.
We had a good time in St Croix, although we are unlikely to ever go back. Not enough to do and the rats in the palm trees is a little disconcerting at first. I'd prefer to see a monkey in the palm trees.
Anyway - on a cold snowy day like today - I couldn't resist the urge to day dream for a few seconds about a warm sandy and sunny place.
06 February, 2010
The Apocalyptic Snow of 2010
It's been a full time job shoveling today. I'm not a big fan of winter or snow - but a storm this big can be fun. The dogs were happy once I shoveled a path for them. They are currently cuddled up together near the woodstove.
26 January, 2010
Evening settles in over San Francisco
Looking up Hyde Street as night settles in over the city. The October air was crisp and cool. We had ridden bikes from Fisherman's Wharf to Sausalito and were taking the Ferry back to the city.
25 January, 2010
The Rock
The Rock was operated for 29 years from 1934 to 1963. Despite 14 attempts by 36 prisoners, no one ever successfully escaped Alcatraz. Twenty-three were caught, six were shot and killed during their escape, and two drowned. Two of the men who were caught were later executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin for their role in the death of a correctional officer during the famous May 2-4, 1946, "Battle of Alcatraz"; escape attempt.
The present day cellhouse was built in 1912 and with its 600 cells, the cellhouse was reportedly the largest reinforced concrete building in the world.
I took this picture from the ferry between Sausalito and SF.
The present day cellhouse was built in 1912 and with its 600 cells, the cellhouse was reportedly the largest reinforced concrete building in the world.
I took this picture from the ferry between Sausalito and SF.
09 January, 2010
Meikleour Beech Hedge
From the archives. This picture is from our trip to Scotland in 2001. I was in absolute awe when we stumbled upon this 250 year old Beech Hedge. First, as you know, I'm a gardner at heart so seeing a hedge this big and old was a fantastic treat. Secondly - my favorite tree is the Beech. Think about it..... There have been 10 generations of people who have had to care for this hedge. That's a big responsibility!
I hadn't written down the name, but with a little searching this morning - I was able to find it on the web. I also added this picture to wikipedia.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meikleour_Beech_Hedges
The Meikleour Beech Hedge(s) (European Beech = Fagus sylvatica), located near Meikleour, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, alongside the A93 Perth-Blairgowrie Road, was planted in the autumn of 1745 by Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne on the Marquess of Lansdowne's Meikleour estate. It is said the hedge grows towards the heavens because the men who planted it were killed at the Battle of Culloden.
The hedge is noted in the Guinness World Records as the tallest and longest hedge on earth, reaching 30 metres (100 ft) in height and 530 metres (1/3 mile) in length. The hedge is trimmed once every ten years but remains viewable to visitors all year round.
I hadn't written down the name, but with a little searching this morning - I was able to find it on the web. I also added this picture to wikipedia.
From Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meikleour_Beech_Hedges
The Meikleour Beech Hedge(s) (European Beech = Fagus sylvatica), located near Meikleour, Perth and Kinross, Scotland, alongside the A93 Perth-Blairgowrie Road, was planted in the autumn of 1745 by Jean Mercer and her husband, Robert Murray Nairne on the Marquess of Lansdowne's Meikleour estate. It is said the hedge grows towards the heavens because the men who planted it were killed at the Battle of Culloden.
The hedge is noted in the Guinness World Records as the tallest and longest hedge on earth, reaching 30 metres (100 ft) in height and 530 metres (1/3 mile) in length. The hedge is trimmed once every ten years but remains viewable to visitors all year round.
07 January, 2010
View of Reykjavik
One of my all time favorite photo's. Reykjavik is the capital and largest city of Iceland. At latitude 64°08' N it's the world's northernmost capital. It is believed that the first settlement was founded here in the year 870.
This picture was taken from the top of Hallgrimskirkja a Lutheran Cathedral
It was the first of April but the weather was still quite chilly even though the days were already long. Daytime highs were in the 30's.
This picture was taken from the top of Hallgrimskirkja a Lutheran Cathedral
It was the first of April but the weather was still quite chilly even though the days were already long. Daytime highs were in the 30's.
06 January, 2010
The Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon geothermal spa is located in a lava field in Grindavík on the Reykjanes Peninsula. It is one of the most popular tourist sites in Iceland. The water is about 104 degrees (similar to a hot tub) and is rich in minerals like silica and sulfur. The lagoon is fed by the water output of the nearby geothermal power plant.
It was a great experience to be in an outdoor hot spring on a snowy day. I captured this shot as we were headed back to our bus.
(circa 2001 from our trip to Iceland and Scotland)
It was a great experience to be in an outdoor hot spring on a snowy day. I captured this shot as we were headed back to our bus.
(circa 2001 from our trip to Iceland and Scotland)
Wallace Monument
(Our trip to Iceland & Scotland circa 2001)
Sitting on the summit of Abbey Craig near Stirling, Scotland, this monument commemorates Sir William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish hero. If you feel energetic you can climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley. On the day we were there the wind was blowing VERY strongly which truncated our stay at the top.
Also in the picture is a the statue dedicated to the movie Braveheart. The statue is popular with tourist but not with the locals.
Sitting on the summit of Abbey Craig near Stirling, Scotland, this monument commemorates Sir William Wallace, the 13th century Scottish hero. If you feel energetic you can climb the 246 step spiral staircase to the viewing gallery inside the monument's crown, which provides expansive views of the Ochil Hills and the Forth Valley. On the day we were there the wind was blowing VERY strongly which truncated our stay at the top.
Also in the picture is a the statue dedicated to the movie Braveheart. The statue is popular with tourist but not with the locals.
05 January, 2010
Cancale France at low tide
We experienced an extra low spring tide while we were in Cancale ( June 2003 ) Cancale is famous for it's Huitres (Oysters). It's know as the Oyster Capital of Brittany. When the tides are this low you can actually see the oyster beds. The original oyster of the region is all but extinct but from what I've read they now grow a Japanese variety.
04 January, 2010
The Cows are in the Meadow
From a very small boy - I've always been fond of Charolais. Maybe because my grandfather raised them. They are obviously a "staple" in France. This photo was taken from the Chateau de La Tour - Rivarennes
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/a.clermonttonnerre/
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&client=safari&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Argenton-sur-Creuse,+Indre,+Centre,+France&gl=us&ei=p6RCS7HGIYPGlAearK2RBw&ved=0CAkQ8gEwAA&t=h&msa=0&msid=117667810991582337066.00047c61af11f4f001acb&ll=46.640185,1.38814&spn=0.016382,0.038409&z=15
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/a.clermonttonnerre/
http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&client=safari&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Argenton-sur-Creuse,+Indre,+Centre,+France&gl=us&ei=p6RCS7HGIYPGlAearK2RBw&ved=0CAkQ8gEwAA&t=h&msa=0&msid=117667810991582337066.00047c61af11f4f001acb&ll=46.640185,1.38814&spn=0.016382,0.038409&z=15
Château de Chambord
from the archives from our Trip to France in 1998.
Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley, but was built to serve only as a hunting lodge for François. However, the building was never completed.
It has been suggested that Leonardo da Vinci was responsible for the original design. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helixes ascend the three floors without ever meeting. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_helix
During WWII the art collections of the Louvre and Compiègne museums (including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo) were stored at the Château de Chambord.
Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley, but was built to serve only as a hunting lodge for François. However, the building was never completed.
It has been suggested that Leonardo da Vinci was responsible for the original design. One of the architectural highlights is the spectacular double-helix open staircase that is the centerpiece of the castle. The two helixes ascend the three floors without ever meeting. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Double_helix
During WWII the art collections of the Louvre and Compiègne museums (including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo) were stored at the Château de Chambord.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
