One can never or should ever expect nature to be predictable. Unfortunately, many tourists, when visiting areas with wildlife, have high expectations. Mother Nature, my friends, does not cooperate.

One year in Costa Rica, we were rafted along a slow-moving river by a local guide. On either side of us, nothing but dense forest. The sounds were spectacular – soft bubbling water, echoes of animals and insects, the wind dancing through the bush. We passed iguanas lounging on branches and gazed at birds soaring overhead, but no other wildlife made an appearance.

Our guide, a local man with a wonderful sense of humour, apologized profusely. We assured him it was out of his control and regardless, the experience was fantastic. Grateful for our understanding, he recounted tales of a...

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