It's official, Jeff and Tammy are going to become world travelers. I know you all think the deep south is like Florida or Texas, nah, it is Costa Rica! We are a little more southern than the most of you. We even have more of an accent!
Yes, Jeff and Tammy are visiting Finca Leola S.A. of which we are very thankful. We are paying all their expenses for them to come down and they have agreed - in spite of snakes. (Tammy said that she thinks snakes are cool - Jeff on the other hand...)
Jeff is going to have to work for it. He has to report clearly and accurately what he sees with us. No strings attached. (none needed in my opinion, we are proud of what we have done) We do this every year with someone that we think has credibility - last year it was with Ecoworld. We paid for the owner of Ecoworld.com to come down and investigate us.
Since what we are doing is a little odd, it helps us in selling trees (and other things) to have independent people come down and check us out. The person from Ecoworld checked us out environmental, social, and financially. Jeff and Tammy will be from the side of the wood business. I am also expecting to be able gather up lots of interesting information from Jeff regarding his experiences as a sawyer for so many years. Having really good advisors is a wonderful thing.
The other side is that we are looking forward to hanging out with Jeff and Tammy. Being a big shot business owner (yeah right) I have been able to figure out a way to achieve this and still write it off our taxes - life is good! 8)
Jeff is also planning on posting their experiences getting here, and their experiences regarding Costa Rica itself, not just us. We promise to take good care of them.
The trip is supposed to be at the end of June and beginning of July. I am not sure the dates are completely nailed down yet. I am not allowed to make appointments - I tend to foul everything up. ::)
We do have planned a piggy roast as well, we want to make sure that Jeff and Tammy feel welcome. ;) I think soaking in the hot springs and watching Arenal Volcano spit up rocks is in the schedule too.
This should be a real hoot! 8) 8)
Congratulations! What a stand up thing to do. 8) 8) 8)
Fred that is awesome! 8)
The only issue I see is that you mentioned piggy roast and Jeff soaking in the hot springs in the same thought train. Da man looks big, but ......... ;D :D
Fred thats some great news 8) now slack of all the logs for harold about that time so he can visit too :D :D
Now, now, we talked a piggy roast - not a stew!
We will unchain Harold for a bit - but I suspect Jeff will want to see him carving up some of these huge tropical hardwoods!
This is just great, so glad for Jeff and Tammy and for all of you down there to be able to meet and have a fine time 8) Looking forward to full reports on all the going ons :) :) :)
Fred ,you will have to watch Harold and Jeff or they may sneak off to do a little panning :D
Sounds fantastic!!!
Jeff, you'll have to do a blog of your trip, that would be the easiest way to keep us informed with a running diary!
Fred, do you need someone to book in to check you out next year? Know little about wood, but really want to see CR... Is that a good enough job application??? :D :D :D (Also really want to meet you and deddy... does that help?) :-*
asy :D
I suspect there is gold in Rio Cote - and I have a pan for panning!
Asy, I was wondering how long it would take for someone to try to get in for next year! :D
You should pitch it as a "keeper in line of Harold" - think you are up to it?! ::)
I think Jeff is planning on posting frequently regarding the trip up here, just like he did on the visit to Tom's.
Oooh! So I got in FIRST!!!
Does this mean I get the job?!?!?!?!
I reckon I'd be able to keep Harold in line. Don't you?
asy :D
Wow 8) 8) 8) 8)!!!!!!
WOW, what a great opportunity for all of you although I suspect once Jeff and Tammy have had a taste of CR they may be reluctant to return home. :D
Good thing I held off shopping for a couple of days. I will get a couple extry sacks of GRITS, so's we can welcome the guests proper like. 8) 8) :D
Wait a DanG minute - they are supposed to get a taste of the DEEP south, we don't eat Grits down here! We eat Gallo Pinto!
Boy, you try to help someone adapt... ::)
Just for the record, I have 3 count 'em 1-2-3 converts to Grits. Just gotta know how to fix 'em. 8) ;D :D
Yeah - and how many failures? ::) I know more than a few. smiley_thumbsdown
harold dont listen to fred :D you might need ta start a new enterpise inporting GRITS I say GRITS
:D :D :D
I have already talked to customs and PROCOMMER - they have agreed to block any attack on our tastebuds. All I had to do is serve them grits with no additives - case closed!
Fred I do believe you are a closet GRITS eater and just wont admit it ;D
Notice how quickly we turn a thread into a food fight. ::)
If you two are on here bickerin' all day then who's out in the woods cuttin' lumber? Ya can't make nay money playin all day now. There's gotta be something to cut down there, isn't there????? There's no snow in the forcast.
Harold's playing hooking in Florida... ;D AND HE STARTED IT!
can I come work for you? It seems like you guys have a lot of fun. I could use FDH's mill while he is out galavanting around.
Hah! I am stuck in the office working. Hector is running around like a chicken with his head cut off trying to keep all the fincas going.
And Harold is self-employed.
If you worked for me, you would work for Hector - how well do you swing a machete? :D
OK BOYS, I'm stepping in here at the risk of getting grits on me! We gotta get this back on topic, cause this here is an important developmental situation type thing! 8) People are going to think the real truth is that I'm coming down there just cause I may have said at one time:
"Do I have to seperate you two??" >:(;)
This is going to be a pretty big adventure for Tammy and I and I bet you see her doing a lot of posting about it as well since shes so excited.
Now, I can tell you I am going to spare you a fate worse then grits. Seeing how my passport photo turned out cause we sent that away to the Department of state last week without making a copy, and I can tell you there will be NO PROBLEM getting my passport authorized because one look at that picture and they will be glad I am leaving the country. My only worry about going down to Fred's is whether they are going to let me back in. I think I look like someone off that famous deck of cards from Iraq. :D
Now Tammy, her's turned out pretty good of course, accept she looks a little different because they make you take your glasses off.
At snakes I swing it very well!!! You want me to start swinging it at Harold? I don't know if I could do that. He might not appreciate it much, and then I'd have to do all the tailing while he sat in the chair running the mill.
Just dress like a tourist and you will be fine Jeff - no worries.
Jeff, I have the same problem (or perhaps it isn't one), anytime we have our pictures taken, Amy ends up looking wonderful - and I look ugly. Or, perhaps it is just revealing a problem that Amy has, i.e. being married to a person who might not be the most handsome person on the face of the earth... ::)
Yes, back to the topic.
Quote.........because one look at that picture and they will be glad I am leaving the country.......
Keep in mind Jeff that the passport is most important so you can get back
into this Country....... ;D No one is going to worry about you leaving, 'cept your fellow FF'rs. :) Sounds like a great trip. Better start shopping for the bikini duds you're gonna need to keep cool. :)
Glad Tammy can go along 'case we need help to sort out any differences.
I am so excited 8) to have the opportunity to go see Costa Rica. I am the more adventurous one so I am looking forward to the outdoors. I have never seen a volcano or for that matter been to Cental America. I am so looking forward to meeting some new friends and learning about their part of the world.
I do indeed like snakes ( I won't be playing with them though) Jeff is really not fond of them at all. I just can't wait for June to get here so we can travel. It seems like time has shifted into slow gear since we accepted Fred invitation.
Our passports should be here in the next couple of weeks.
Now I have to figure out what to pack.........
Make sure to bring swimming trunks for the hotsprings!
We are so glad you are excited about coming. We might actually be "sort of" in the new place by the time you get here.
Sunscreen is pretty important unless you are like Jeff and look like you are from the Middle East. ::)
But, people tend to burn less here than in Florida, or so I am told. A lot more ozone down here.
Tammy, I meant to ask you - do you like horses?
This sounds like a way cool trip.
Didn't it get real cold when you went to Fla. Jeff?
Get yer winter clothes out Fred!
Yep, I have this big cold front that tends to follow me south. I have been to Florida twice in my life, and both times had below freezing temperatures with frost. I gotta think that I wont be able to get it to follow me that far south though. Fred, I could look it up, but how far are we from the equator when we are there? Hundreds, or thousands of miles? Maybe you could give us some quardinates we can plug into google maps or something?
Just wanted to say, I am taking a break from being mop and bucket boy and laundry boy in order to post today. :-\
I'd call ya MR Mom, but dat name is already takin'. :D Yer not gonna git in trouble when da boss comes home and finds you been slackin' are ya. ???
WOW that's cool 8) I am glad for your trip down in Costa Rica Jeff and Tammy you will have great time because someone mentioned GRITS I say GRITS ( or Polenta the Italian version) 8) 8) 8) :D :D :D
crteedude
You need to get Jeff on a Horse , If it doesn't work out, Let us know how
he bounce's ;D smiley_blue_bounce
I Love HORSES!!!!! 8) 8) 8) 8)
I will have to go Shoppping....... And I just hate shopping :D :D :D :D
Jeff, I have co-ordinates for Google Earth - I'll email them to you. then you can extract and post it.
huh, Jeff - you do know we are only covering the trip - not Tammy's shopping, right? :-\
Those are necessary expenses incurred as part of the trip, which wouldn't be normal expenditures if the trip wasn't taken. Always have to figure those as part of the trip, seems to me.......... ::) eh? Don't get cold feet now Fred.
...EDIT I forgot the big GRIN ;D ;D
Tammy is on her own when it comes to shopping as always. :) How did shopping get sucked into an outdoor adventure?
Is there any activity that doesn't require shopping for the fairer sex? If so, let me know. :o
I can think of one, but won't post it here ;D
I know the first thing you'll see once you're on the ground there!
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/11171/280plane.jpg)
Remember this view. Consider it a safe zone. You will still be within the secure perimeter of the San Jose, Costa Rica International Airport. Once you leave here, you'll then be in Fred and Harolds territory. Be afraid! Be VERY AFRAID!!!!!!
I notice you haven't been brave enough to make it up here yet... ;D
Here in the Northeast we make up for a lack of bravery by being wise and wary. When I'm ready to catch fish, in a snake infested river, at night, using a mask and snorkle. Then I'll know I'm brave enough to visit you!
Give me 6 months or so..........
BTW: My bit of shameless self promotion. I am an Evangelist for everything Fred is doing with his Tree Plantations and Re-forestation initiatives. I've been promoting Finca Leola on a localized basis here in the Northeast and encourage everyone to research his stuff. I own some trees with him and I trust him to be a worthy caretaker. It is one of the few "feel good" investments left in the world and I think it is very worthwhile. I'm sure Jeff and Tammy will walk away with a similar view once they check it out. Instead of just talking about trying to save a piece of the rainforest. Fred and his crew are doing it. I am proud to have a very small part in it. Keep up the good work! If anyone here is too scared to talk to Fred, you can always talk to me. I'm not as high strung as he is. He's really gotta learn to relax!
p.s. Post some pic's of my 2 year old toothpicks will ya!
Pete I may have to do it, Fred is obviously not very prolific at posting forum photos.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10952/boafront.jpg)
I'll dig out some more pictures, but I thought you would like this oldie but goodie! ;D
Thanks for the kind words Pete - we are trying.
I guess you'll have to introduce me to that guy. I'll bring a dead chicken.
He prefers live ones... what he really likes is bats (no kidding)
Does this snake actually exist, or are we talking about them in general
Yes, he exists and slithers wild and free in finca number 2. That picture was taken by me, and that was not zoomed either.
Geraldo saw him recently - nearly scared him to death. Was walking through the fields and looked down and here was an 8 foot snake at his feet.
At least it wasn't the big one.
Boas in general really like bats to eat - it is their favorite food.
The Big Guy takes his first plane ride and the next thing you know he is flying to other countries. 8) Next he will be flying to Europe or even N Z or Aussie Land. ;D
Tammy has still never been on a plane, but I aint been told there is a plane involved on this trip. Fren mentioned horses to Tammy, but mentioned a mule to me.
You can't get to Costa Rica on a mule or horse since it is an island . :P I learned it was an island here on the Forestry Forum. 8)
I saw on a western that mules can swim.
Have no fear. You can use the modified Version.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10330/FDHtaxi.jpg)
Chickens .. live chickens ... 8 footer then theres a big one :o What you need is my 270 ... my 270 with live rounds ::)
Fred
I promise to do my shopping before I leave Michigan. ;D
Fred,
Based on your previous posts, which I read ferverently... ;)
this is my guestimate of your location:
10.48882178995293,-84.59594586503214
How far off am I?
(I tried to include the .kmz file, but it won't let me :( , if you cut the co-ordinates line and paste it into google earth it'll take you to where I think you are).
asy :D
I can do it though ;D
Attached is the .KMZ file you can use to locate Finca Leola using Google Earth.
From crtreedude:
Second finca - and our planned building site for the home.
Quote from: crtreedude on March 15, 2006, 01:29:08 PM
Sunscreen is pretty important unless you are like Jeff and look like you are from the Middle East. ::)
I thought he was more like an itinerant Mexican.
Oh Sure, bring that up! :D
I hope you don't look like a Nicaraguan - you could get deported! Nah, too big.
Pete's toothpicks - 18 months old (roughly)
This is a picture I found - Pete's actual trees are I think a little bigger than this. We are pruning them this week or next so after that, I will take a fresh picture.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10952/18%20month%20old%20teak.jpg)
The person next to the trees is Hector - you got to have a scale or you can't tell that they aren't toothpicks, right?! :D
Also, a picture of what is waiting for Jeff and Tammy.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10952/View%20of%20volcano%20with%20plume.jpg)
And a view of the same volcano from our first finca.
(https://forestryforum.com/gallery/albums/userpics/10952/Arenal%20Volcano%20from%20Finca%201.jpg)
Awesome pic's. It's almost like being there.
One question though. Is Hector posing by the trees, or is he just standing in the only shady spot to get out of the sun?
I hadn't noticed that! I suspect it was shade...
Only mad dogs and gringos go out in the midday sun...
(not true by the way here)
Well it's about time the official forestry forum 'certifiers' get to go down there and give the 'official' stamp of approval on tree plantations and visit bellies of volcanoes, as well as measure tree snakes and see if Harold needs more blades and cant hooks to keep the natives busy wrestling them big tropical trees. ;D 8)
I know it's a ways off, but have a good time. :)
It's a hard job Swampy, but someone had to do it... Thankfully they haven't decided to charge me yet... ::)
:D :D :D @ crtreedude
Hey Jeff!! I thought you 'certification execs' had a fee system in place for these jobs. After all, there has to be an audit and the whole nine yards, eh? ;D ;D ;D
Nope! That's my job! ;D
I'm gonna come along after Jeff and Tammy and do the audit and collect the fee! ;)
I might have known. :D 8)
Riding mules.....keeping Harold in line........that TRULY must be PARADISE! 8) 8)
We do have nice mules down here Roxie. I am considering a pair at the second finca where we live, or at least one for Amy. She likes mules and of course they are more sure footed.
A couple of days ago I was down in Monte Cristo with some people who live here (just recently) from the states who really love wildlife... so I thought, hmmm, how much do they love wildlife?
I took them to a path I normally see footprints in - yep sure enough, a really big one with claw marks was there (I think puma or jaguar, too big to be anything else) and showed it to them.
Their remark - "Is that claws???" ::)
They thought it was cool, but they were keeping an eye out after that!
Wow, thanks for the googleearth links boss...
My guesstimate wasn't too far off, was it!!!
asy :D
I am so looking forwrd to seeing everything fred has to show us I just wish it would hurry up and be June. :D
Since Harold is supposed to be winging here on a big bird, I guess I can tell people (since he can't run back now) we have arranged for him to have someone really good for moving logs around.
Let's just say - he is going to be introduced to eight leg drive... ;)
Better than a tractor or a buldozer in the land around here - but since we are sure Harold knows how to drive them, we have someone else do that.
smiley_headscratch smiley_headscratch smiley_idea smiley_idea
MOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ??? ??? ??? ???
Bueyes mi amigo!
Tammy,
We are definitely looking forward to having you all here as well. One of these times you need to call Amy so the REAL schedule of activities can be made...
Jeff - we will go fishing...
Fred
crtreedude
Just make sure you get a picture of Jeff wresting one of those Big Ole Snake's ;D
I'm taking the fixins for a powerful slingshot and a bag of marbles.
Think they'll let you on the plane with that, Jeff ???
Sounds like a really great trip; I'm sure that all of you will have fun.
A bag .. only a bag .. I would have a couple of couples of bags sent down there before I was to get there .
On second thought .. I will stick around here , only need to deal with the yellar and black ones ... sometimes a brown one . :-\
Quote from: sprucebunny on March 21, 2006, 09:42:26 PM
Think they'll let you on the plane with that, Jeff ???
I'm goona disguise em as bra straps and kidney stones. Nobody'll give em a second notice.
Just so you know Jeff, unless you go looking for them, you are for more likely to see a snake around Tom than around us. I know how disappointed you are about that... ::)
I am disappointed...... I was so looking forward to seeing a snake but thats ok I get to see a volcano! 8)
Tammy, trust me, we can find them if you want - it is just that you don't see them just walking around.
The volcano is very cool (hot I guess would be a better term) and the thermal springs are great as well. I think Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful places in the word.
Actually what I am really looking forward to is meeting Fred and Amy and seeing the trees and land.
It is snowing here again :(
See, you should be coming NOW. Away from the pesky white stuff...
The Volcano was REALLY grumbling today 8) 8)
It waited for you. ::)
Must have been lonely... ;)
After it rains for a few days (which it did last week) a crust forms inside the cone. This builds up a little pressure to break it - after a few days of rain is one of the best times to hear the volcano (and see it)
Most of the biggest erruptions have come after change over between rain season and dry. Once the switch over rains slow down, then you can get the biggest erruptions.
In other words, about with Jeff and Tammy are going to be here. We will avoid Tabacon at that time...
Well it is getting closer and closer..... We got the passports today. No we are not sharing the pictures, when customs looks at them they may change their mind about letting us in. smiley_monkeyfight :D :D :D
Well atleast ya get to find out!
I haven't used my passport yet, and I've had it several years now. :D
Glad you brought this back to the top because we would of have missed it.
Congratulations! 8)
Hope you have fun and that the time flies by quickly until your departure. May your trip be safe.
Well I already have the image of Jeff eat'n grits on my mind, I don't even wanna see his look when he realizes he's on his way to see the land/sea of snakes and sharks. Land safely. ;D :D :D
No Sharks up here in the mountains - unless we do a day trip to the beach of course.
That's all well and good if ya land safely on the land, thus my last line in the post. ;) I seen a video of them catchin them sharks in Costa Rica, it looked to me like it was Asian fisherman mostly.
crtreedude
Since Jeff and Tammy are comin to see you, will you be makin a trip this fall to the piggy roast to visit the rest of us! We are jealous. :D ;D
I am thinking about it - depends how wore out I am after Jeff and Tammy... ::)
We will try not to wear you out to bad. ::)
Hey this is way too cool! Way to go Jeff andTammy.
Does Woodmizer make an "LT carry on" that will
fit underneath the seat or in the overhead compartment? ;)
What a great idea! ;D
you guys DO realise Planes don't have a tow bar...
don't you???
:D :D :D
asy :D
Asy,
Haven't you ever heard of oversized luggage? ???