Monday, May 5, 2014

Dog Gone Tired


You never really know what you are getting into when you hike in Central America.  Sometimes you are lucky to even find the place where you want to hike.  But as we drove up the steep slope of Maderas Volcano on the island of Ometempe we encountered signage painted on a rock.  Always a blessing.


We heard Howler monkeys right away when we started our ascent on foot.  And lots of birds, butterflies and even this stick.  Or bug.  You be the judge.


A Kiskadee was in the trees


We spotted a Trogon.  Possibly a Violaceous Trogon.  The photos are shadowy.  But that's where birds like to hang out!


Look at me posing like a nerd.  This was where the 2 hour trail became a river bed full of boulders.  And it wasn't supposed to be that hard.  It was for me.  Uff da.


But we made it!  I love this photo.


And look who else made it to the top.


He followed this group of hikers all the way from the restaurant at the base of the Volcano. He wasn't their dog! They asked Dean to photograph them.  And even though I didn't capture it on my camera, the dog lined up with his group of hikers perfectly for the photo session.  What a ham.  I think he has done this before.


Then he started following us back.  But we were too slow for him.  When the other group over took us he left with them.  Fickle.  I had to laugh at all the people that we passed on the way down.  They were only about 15-30 minutes into the hike and were already exhausted and wondering how much longer to the top.  I didn't feel like such a wimp after that.


Dog gone tired.  I bet he hikes up the volcano everyday.

For more birds visit Wild Bird Wednesday

18 comments:

Maggid said...

Okay, that teeny dog seems amazing to me . . . What a hoot!

How the heck do you know those bird names???

Color me impressed.

Maggid said...

ps . I LOVE that thistle!

Tina Fariss Barbour said...

You are quite the adventurer! And you see some beautiful sights. And meet some sweet animals. :-)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

That is hilarious about the dog. What a character!

Linda Hensley said...

Bet the dog gets lots of treats and love for hanging out with hikers. Looks like a gorgeous place!

TexWisGirl said...

too cute! beautiful area, but i'd be spent, too!

Don Urness said...

In Guatemala there are dogs everywhere. We even had one curled up under our table in a restaurant at Panajachel.

DJan said...

I once climbed a mountain in the winter in Colorado and two dogs followed up to the top, came back with us and just left as we climbed into our car. Must do it every day, like you said. :-)

Hilary said...

How cool is that little pooch! What a beautiful area to hike. No wonder the dog follows everyone.

Lynn said...

this little guy is too sweet! I loved taking the hike with you, it is much easier this way. Your header thistle is wonderful as are your photos!

Roan said...

Cute pup. Beautiful scenery and the birds! Wow!

Marilia said...

Awesome places, cute dog, beautiful pictures!

Andrea @ From The Sol said...

Okay, you are courageous ... I don't think I would take on that Volcano ... but it looks to me like you and the little dog did really well ( I hope somebody fed the little dog some treats after all of that). Beautiful pictures, the birds are very unusual ... and your "stick" looks like a Praying Mantas to me ... maybe not. I don't know what they have down there. Great post ... makes the rest of us realize what whimps we are :)

Andrea @ From The Sol

eileeninmd said...

What an awesome trip, I love the birds and the cute puppy dog.. Great shots.

Ida said...

Wow that was some hike but worth it if you got to see that gorgeous waterfall. That little dog was a real cutie and a trooper too. He does look pretty tuckered out there at the end.

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

Hi Sharon You must be so fit as is that dog. Lovely views and birds.

Pat Tillett said...

It looks like a beautiful spot to hike to. It's always nice when there is a pay off at the end of hike.
Love that pooch!

Stewart M said...

Looks like a great spot for birds, bugs and even blisters!

Nice pictures.

My post on Monday had an Australia preying mantis, they really do look alien, who is clearly a relative of your stick!

Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne