Stoney Family Panama Adventure: PIPELINE TRAIL 3 TIMES IN ONE WEEK

The Pipeline trail in Boquete is probably our most frequented hike and is known as a fabulous area to hike in the cloud forest and if you are fortunate, see the Resplendent Quetzal. This past week was unusual in that Greg had the opportunity to hike the Pipeline trail twice, and I hiked it once. Between the two of us there were lots of critters and beauty to be seen and enjoyed!

Beautiful Butterfly

Greg spotted this woodpecker.

Exotic (and poisonous) caterpillar

Greg picks up a rather large beetle - yuck!

Greg and I both (on separate hikes) spotted metallic blue/green beetles.

Not just one, but two beautiful butterflies!

Wild Berries

Christina spotted this stunning Stained Glass Butterfly. One can truly see through it's clear paper-thin wings.

Brilliantly colored orange and red bromeliads, orchids, and other epiphytes cover the trees on the Pipeline trail.

Brightly Colored Bromeliads

The Pipeline trail seems to have it all: green cloud forest, beautiful birds, and interesting flowers, all topped off with a beautiful creek and a nice waterfall at the end.

We saw 3 of these GIANT bright orange fungi which are spectacular both in shape and color, each about 12 inches in diameter.

Exotic Flower

The Pipeline trail is world famous among bird watchers and is especially known for its Resplendent Quetzal. Christina was fortunate to see this very young male (and 3 others) during this past week's hike - pretty exciting! Many serious birders come to Boquete from all over the world in hopes of seeing a quetzal. Living in this area and being able to hike the Pipeline trail on a regular basis and see multiple quetzales on several of our hikes has been a real treat!