We took a 2 hour guided tour and learned all about the four types of plant growth in the Cloud Forest. We also got to see the elusive quetzal, although it was only part of it and through the guides spotting scope. We don’t really have a clue how these guides actually spot these birds. We think (or are guessing) that the bird was in a tree that was about 200 feet from us and it was at least 120 feet off the ground. The picture was taken through the spotting scope. (The guides are also quite versed in working all types of cameras). And if you look directly left from the bottom of its wing you will see an avocado (beyond the little red bell shape). I guess there are 3 avocado trees in this cloud forest and that is where the quetzals are most likely to be found.
We saw a huge cedar tree that was 500-600 years old(Jim is standing in front of it). We saw how the ficus (one type of hemi-epiphyte plant) could grow down around a tree and would eventually kill the tree (in 400 years). Included is a picture with the vines growing down a tree (we plan on going back in 250 years). Another picture, with us at the bottom of a tree after 400 years. The inside (where the tree used to be) is totally hollow. As you can see, it becomes quite a massive structure.
Not everything is huge in the cloud forest. We also saw really small orchids. Included are two pictures; one is taken through a magnifying glass and the other is a blurry picture with my index finger so you can “picture” the size.
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