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As soon as two cows were milked and other morning chores done, we headed to Las Rocas, a beautiful natural area about 25 miles north of San Ramon. We stopped by Haydee’s house again, stocking up on food in the grocery store and then were on our way. Although this is still the dry season, there was a dense fog in San Ramon and all along the way. Our destination was the home of Rodrigo, Diego’s father. His finca adjoins a piece of property recently acquired by Sergio purchased with proceeds from his butterfly business. Sergio shuns cities, preferring to spend as much time as possible in natural areas, a sentiment I can certainly identify with. Sergio’s property is about half secondary growth but half is virgin forest adjoining the Bosque Eterno de los Niños. He dreams of developing a research facility for visiting scientists and additional butterfly rearing facilities. Here other species of Morpho are more common, as are their food plants. |
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After winding up a dirt road, we arrived at Rodrigo’s home. He has no electricity and water comes from a nearby stream. Rodrigo has lived here for the past 11 years. Diego, his 20-year-old son, has been also living there for the past two years. To say that the place is rustic would be an understatement. Though it lacks all conveniences that are part of my life, I found it to be quite comfortable and very much enjoyed my stay. |
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As in many homes, there are numerous chickens around the yard. These are their homes, up off the ground or enclosed to protect the fowl from predators. Eggs are a primary source of protein for Rodrigo and Diego. Note the coconut palms germinating just lying on the ground. |
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Behind the house is a small flight cage for butterflies. There are a couple of species being reared at this time, but these activities are primarily part of the learning process for Rodrigo and Diego to become successful breeders. Notice that the plants are still small and can’t support many larvae |
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After introductions, lunch and settling in, we all took a brief walk around Rodrigo’s property. As in much of Latin America, forests are being cleared for grazing cattle as can be seen in this photo of his neighbor’s property. |
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Rodrigo carried a .22 rifle with him in the event that we would see an agouti or paca that might serve as dinner. None of these large rodents was seen but a turkey-like bird was dropped on the first shot and taken back for preparation. Viviana, Sergio and Rodrigo plucked the bird and while Diego chopped wood for the fire. Though the bird cooked for a couple of hours, it was muy duro (very tough). Served with rice and beans, it was, however, very tasty. After dinner, we sat around chatting, checking a black light we had set up from time to time. Though we were under a roof, the light from a kerosene-burning Coleman lantern reminded me of camping trips in Sonora. |
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We were up at the crack of dawn to check the light and to start the morning chores. Something big, perhaps a cow, had been around the light – it was disconnected and the sheet torn loose from its anchors. There was one Rothchildia still clinging to it but since it was a male, it was released. Like Sergio, Rodrigo maintains a couple of cows for milk. You can see Sergio was quite amused at my first attempt to milk one. I gave it a few minutes’ try but decided I prefer the cardboard carton approach. I don’t normally drink much milk but throughout this week, I had fresh milk daily. I also watched the process of making cheese. It is eaten the day after it is made since there is no refrigeration. |
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After breakfast we went to explore Sergio’s property. Along the way we looked for some bugs under logs that had been felled. We didn’t find much but did encounter some interesting leeches and a few bess beetles (Passalidae). |
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We descended a steep hill, Rodrigo clearing us a path through the virgin forest with a machete. Finally we reached the bottom to find a fast moving crystal clear river. On the other side is the protected area, now safe from timbering activities. The fog had lifted some giving light to the dense and diverse foliage. Sergio and Diego (pictured) couldn’t resist the opportunity for a swim but Viviana, Rodrigo and I chose to explore along the river’s edge.
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