On Nov. 15 one of Jesse James’ drivers (Leo) took us and another cruising couple (Anina and Charlie, aboard Prism) up to the Asa Wright Nature Center, located high up in the mountains of northern Trinidad.  We were there in 2007, and were anxious to return.  (Click here to see our posting of that earlier visit.)

Some things were different this time, and some were the same.  The food was once again delicious and abundant.   Once again tea and nibblies were served at 4 pm, and a complimentary rum punch at 6 pm, with dinner at 7:00.   Once again there were frequent rain showers.  (We imagine that during the rainy season at that altitude it would be a rare day on which it didn’t rain.)  Once again the veranda of the main building served as a convenient and productive observation post of the varied and teeming population of birds that frequent the feeding stations and their surroundings.  Once again snakes and iguanas and agouti were also easily observed.  Once again the veranda was populated with bunches of eager eco-tourists from around the world.  Once again guided orientation and observation tours on the many trails were available.

The differences from last time were notable.  First (and for me, foremost), I now possess a better lens for bird photography.  Second, our second day fortuitously fell on one of the few days of the week on which occurs a tour to the cave wherein Oilbirds reside.  If one’s visit of three days or more should happen to include such a day, then the Oilbird tour is granted gratis.  New to us was the fact that others could join the tour for a nominal fee.  We eagerly took advantage of the opportunity.  Third, this time we forgot to take along insect repellent, and Barb returned with an agonizing case of chigger bites.  Our many experiences with the affliction in Georgia have taught us that the home remedy of finger nail polish is worthless; so far this time cortisone ointment has been almost as ineffective.

Chiggers not withstanding, we had a marvelous time at Asa Wright, and have already decided that we will return next year, but stay for at least three days.  And take along appropriate bug spray.