Rancho Mastatal

This week we went on a field trip to Rancho Mastatal, over 325 acres of land bordering La Cangreja National Park in Puriscal, Costa Rica. The property is owned by a couple from the states who decided to move down to Costa Rica to establish a living and learning center for sustainable and responsible living, building, agriculture, permaculture, aquaculture, etc. in the tropics. After a tour of the property and endless questions from the ever-curious minds of UPEACE students, they treated us to lunch prepared from the foods harvested on their property in their ample outdoor dining space... and it was DELICIOUS! After a bit of down time to hang out with the ranch residents and lay in hammocks, we took a hike down to the river to work off some of our lunch. Finally, all sweaty and smelly, the 16 of us piled on the bus for a 2.5 hour ride back to UPEACE... silver lining, I've never been so thankful for AC in my life...

Exploring upon arrival. So many books!

Black and white kitty surrounded by color! Taking a mid-morning siesta. 

The nursery

seed saving stash

long dining table to the left, guitars at the ready for meal time serenades. 

The owners' daughter hammock chilling... not a bad life. 

Earth oven for bread-making

Permaculture Magazine voted this facility world's best composting loo.... Congratulations!!

Tim and some UPEACE student checking out the compost finished product...

One of the living structures on the property, made of bamboo and local woods. 

little guy spotted on the river hike.