Pristine Pines in Prusia

We hardly expected to find a pine forest, hallucinogenic mushrooms and towering eucalyptus trees just an hour away from our home in Costa Rica at Prusia National Park, part of Irazu Volcano Park.  It was hard to believe that we two families from the Pacific Northwest were not right back in the western USA!

After a bumpy drive up a potholed road, we meandered on the trails for several hours, enjoying the bird songs, picnicking on Pricemart chicken in a lovely glade, checking out the rotting, dead armadillo,  peering in the hummingbird's nest and posing with(but not eating) the gorgeous mushrooms!

At the trail head with fellow teachers, the Macombers.

Directions:  Drive toward Irazu.  After you pass Cartago, go past the onion fields and cow pastures, and turn left on the road to the old Sanitorium.  (Finca Sanatorio).  You'll drive right in to the park on that same road.

Prusia National Park is unexpectedly and pleasantly cool. Bring a jacket and rain gear (Thanks, Mom..)

Eucalyptus standing sentinel 

Eat me and die.

Alice in Wonderland's Amanita Muscaria

This hummingbird nest was so tiny and delicate: the size of my fist!