Spiders, snakes, scorpions, bees, flies, bats, ants, butterflies, and birds. Those are just some of the fears that we hear about from our guests but frogs? I had no idea! Ranidaphobia is the name for this and its real. Do you have an irrational fear that can stop you dead in your tracks or send you flying from your bathroom without clothes on screaming for help?
This happened with one of our guests who is a very dear friend of mine and while it put the rest of us in stitches, let's just say she was NOT amused. In the end, the frog was relocated to the jungle and our friend to finishing her shower. We love you both.
I will be the first to tell you that before moving to Panama, I had an irrational fear of spiders that has slowly grown into more of a tolerance and a respect for them so long as they aren't on me. But, if they land on me, all bets are off and I'm likely to do more harm to myself or anyone that is with a flailing arms length while I try to get away from it.
Here we have a very common and totally harmless Golden Silk Orb-weaver. They are are rather large so if you are afraid of spiders, they can be a bit overwhelming. They do their part to capture and eat bugs while also being a tasty treat for our chickens.
Now, back to those cute little frogs. When checking into our Eco Resort, we have a bit of an "orientation" so you know important things like when the coffee will be ready, that the beer is always cold, and how to live respectfully with nature and all her beauties. This beautiful frog is called a Tawny Tree Frog. During the day they are white and spend their time trying to get into our guest rooms to evade their predators and drink from your toilet (keep the lid down please, they are hard to get out). They, like the rest of us, get going right around happy hour when, eyes wide open, they get all dressed up in their evening colors and turn dark brown, while hunting bugs. The usual frog kind of stuff.
Remember, even if these little guys creep you out, the birds that you love cannot live without them, or the iguanas, or the rest of the jungle. But don't worry, we got you as usual and will rescue you if needed and relocate them from your room if they happen to wander that way.
However, if you want to run naked from your room for a hot moment, that's ok too! Don't worry.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort