The  majority of the Alberto Manual Brenes Biological Reserve is drained by the Rio Jamaical drainage basin, which is not easily accessed.  The river has a much more tropical, Carribean look too it, and a portion of it drains some relatively new volcanic rock, making it less safe to drink than water from Rio San Lorencito.  We drank from the small, headwater tributaries near-by.  It is a larger river than the Lorencito, and has a much wider bed, so it’s open to much more light.  Although I didn’t notice any fish, the river wasn’t devoid of life; there were tadpoles (although it may be interesting to see if the species and abundance of tadpoles compared between the San Lorencito and Jamaical) and plenty of anoles and frogs at the river’s edge potentially picking off emerging aquatic invertebrates. 

After a long hike to get the this river, a refreshing swim was incredibly welcome. 

Downstream from the lower falls at Letchworth State Park, the river is naturally channelized between two large cliff faces.  From the foot bridge across the river, I think every patron that visits the park takes a photograph, particularly now that digital cameras are so popular.  I, of course, am no exception.

I’m back in Ohio.  It’s cold, it lacks large populations of poisonous snakes and crocodiles, and there isn’t anyone around to cook rice and beans for me at 6 am, 12 pm and 6 pm on the dot.  There are friends and family though, and at least it’s green here.

My last sunset at Palo Verde: