Ant Wars

For the past few days we have been waging war on a colony of tiny red ants which can still pack a pretty good bite.  It seems this is a boom year for ants.  They wanted to tuck in for the night in Kirk's bed and I put the kibosh on that.  We have put out ant bait under drawers and also sprayed the La Peñita insecticide of choice for instant kill - Home Defence.  We may just have won this round but I'll give it a few days before I celebrate.   The leaf cutter ants have also been busy outside defoliating our neighbours bougainvillea, eating the lettuce put out for the iguanas, and yes, chewing on our new Hibiscus plant.  They are most active at night when they form huge lines meandering off through the darkness carrying verdant treasure.  Luckily our neighbour has taken on the challenge to drive them back into the jungle.

Just a bit of leaf missing on the bottom of our plant

Maybe because they are busy eating lettuce

Glad these guys stay outside

Bit by bit it disappears

Of course we can hardly throw stones as we had Carlos come and machete down the summer growth  from the trees and vines in front of our site.

Before Carlos

After Carlos

Our neighbour made a Christmas tree from palm tree flower spikes

Sweeping up fallen figs

The huge fig tree at the palapa has been dropping figs.  During taco night they were plopping down all around us.  So park staff sweep them up on a regular basis.

It rained last night and the ocean has been a little rough today.  Many people including us have taken down our awnings in case the winds build overnight.

Kirk visiting with Sara Lynn

Sara Lynn is plotting

She has an armadillo living in the hedge/jungle next to her site.  That and the geckos bring out the hunter in her.  

El Valiente with a Christmas wreath for decoration.