Here we are in May – so close to winter though you would never know it as we are experiencing beautiful sunny, dry days and clear, starry nights. Fledgling birds have been around a while and everything is bursting with the promise of the growing season soon upon us. To celebrate we acquired 3 new piglets, about 6 weeks old and black with pink snouts. Of course, contrary to all farming wisdom we named them: Clara, SiSi and Wilbur – so how we are ever going to take them to market I don’t know! They have just left their mom but they were already accustomed to pig swill and didn’t say no to bananas and shredded sugar cane as well! Today I get to learn how to muck out the pens – I don’t mind learning while they are little and don’t seem too fierce.

Other May news – of course for travelers the important fact is that Mt Chirripó will be closed May 15th – May 31st for its semi-annual maintenance. This means that you can’t book a hike for this time period, so if you’re in San Gerardo anyway check out this website for other things to do. Cloudbridge Reserva is a wonderful alternative and you can easily spend a day hiking the trails there – and spotting wildlife if you get up early!

Hotel Roca Dura has a new email: hotelrocadura@hotmail.com – be sure to send your inquiries here. The Roca Dura (Hard Rock!) is in the centre of the village with a wonderful view from the popular bar over the plaza. The quaint stone-faced bedrooms with original artwork are all lovely and the garden slopes to the nearby Rio Chirripo with benches to relax by. Definitely worth checking out!

May 6th saw the inauguration of the new flag for Bandera Azul for 2010 with 3 stars (see Bandera Azul under Community pages) For eight consecutive years San Gerardo has proudly claimed this symbol of a healthy, clean and protected environment that the bandera signifies in this national program. To qualify at this level communities must actively participate in recycling, be litter-free, minimize water pollution and wastage and conserve energy. The program is shared with the elementary school too so that children learn about their role in environmental conservation for the future. Hotels and businesses try and help out too with conservation and recycling programs for clients such as limiting the use of plastics and promoting earth-friendly tourism.

We are very proud of our new bandera and how the community works together to keep San Gerardo a pristine and beautiful place. Please do your part when you visit here to protect the fragile tropical ecosystem while enjoying everything Mt Chirripó and San Gerardo has to offer.