Pura Vida Costa Rica - Day 4

Adventure Day

We set off for repelling. Fortunately we have very risk averse guides.

Here's our group and the 6x6 vehicle that  got us to the top of the water falls.

We got geared up and I was happy to learn that  they had a helmet with a go pro mount on it already.

This is how we started. Of course Norah headed down the waterfall before we even got there.

That's Caitlyn.

That's the first of many waterfalls we repelled. You can see a tiny Sarah toward the top.

Here's Norah on one of the smaller descents.

Looking up.

Briefly looking down. 

Fortunately we all finished the morning safe but a bit soggy after being washed in the spray of the waterfalls.

What better reward than some ice cream and shopping in the town square of La Fortuna. This is the last of what were three towns in the immediate vicinity of Arenal Volcano. One town was wiped out by a lava flow, another was relocated and flooded by the reservoir of Lake Arenal pictured in yesterday's post, and La Fortuna became the benefactor.

Here is the Catholic Church in the center of town.

We quickly move on to our reservations for the ziplining canopy tour at the base of the volcano.

Gear up and learn what to do.

Load up and observe the stellar safety practices of the zip line staffers.

Then zip through the forest!

About half way through, we had a chance to boost our adrenaline a little bit more, as if we hadn't done that enough. I was happy with my current level of excitement, so I stay it out, but Norah hadn't, so she took a ride on the "Tarzan Swing". Here she is in her starting position:

After the group had gotten their thrills we were at it again.

And, 

Of course,

Enjoying the view.

I was only able to catchup up with my crew toward the end, and everyone seemed to be having fun.

Greatful once more to be on the ground.

Pura Vida Costa Rica - Day 3

Early morning walk. 

Our little bay from a different angle.

This is our last day in luxury. 

It's time to say goodbye to our new friends and move on to the volcano and the hot springs.

We hit the road at 1pm after relaxing a bit more in the morning.

Forest fires happen frequently in the tropical dry forest.

New wind mills are seen along the continental divide. Costa Rica plans to be the first Carbon Neutral country by 2021.

Here comes the green. We drive around Laguna Arenal on our way and stop at nice little cafe for a refreshment.

They've carved up the hillside for grazing horses and cows.

And the volcano. After a long twisty drive we arrive at our lodging. 

Pura Vida Costa Rica - Day 2

Time to gather our children!

The busses rendezvous and we take 10 kids off the bus. Then we head back to the resort to catch up on stories and relax.

All inclusivo 

Don't forget El Classico.

Real Madrid takes on Barcelona FC at high noon. We had to rig a TV to the Internet to watch Barca take an early lead and then lose to Los Blancos 2-1. Great venue though.

We crashed a wedding on the beach, but not quite as bad as the folks on the lounge chairs...

Later, a nice dinner with our entire group.

And of to bed.

 

Pura Vida Costa Rica - Day 1

Travel day

We have arrived! First thing... Food

This meal was large and very tasty. Perfect start.

This is an area with an eco system called a tropical dry forest. Most of the year is dry and they have many fires that break out across the landscape.

They farm mangos, rice and sugar cane. Much of the sugarcane is exported to Europe, whereas the sugar cane used in Costa Rica comes from Brazil.

Active rice fields above.

Irrigation ditches in a resting field.

Sugar cane.

And now on to our beautiful resort, Casa Conde del Mar...

And Ia playa 

 

The bay in the distance is Playa Hermosa, a small bay on the Pacific Coast. This area has the coast lined with walled resorts pretty isolated from the local communities surrounding them. However, beyond our wall is a public beach with a pretty good mix of locals, as well as the many tourists.