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Wed. 10/22
The usual morning clouds completely obscure the volcano. But by the time we arrive to embark our
float boats, the sun is breaking thru. Our float ride down the PENAS BLANCAS RIVER is both peaceful
and serene. amidst the beautiful scenery, we spot various birds, sloths, and howler monkeys.
Back in LA FORTUNA, we visit the simple, colorful church in the main square, amazed that all these
local churches are wide open and unattended all day long, while our churches, by need of safety,
are kept locked. Which country is the more advanced?
This afternoon we spent many hours enjoying
the hotel’s 2 hot pools of mineral water, then cooling off in the delightful cool pool. All the
while we kept an eye on the volcano, which continued to tantalize us with fairly regular minor eruptions.
Exciting! after dark, we continued our watch as red lava oozed from the volcano and continued its
journey down the mountainside.
Thurs. 10/23
We arrive at a flower farm where we are introduced to many exotic tropical flowers on a walking tour,
then taken by tractor drawn cart to visit the fields where these flowers are grown commercially.
Finally, we learn how the flowers are prepared for market and sent throughout the world. Next we
visit a primary school, SAN JOSECITO, where the very well behaved children perform dances and sing
for us. Each of us is escorted by one of the children, and taken by hand to visit the classrooms.
My escort is a delightful 6th grader, Deiver Gonzalez Arce, who gleefully beats me in a wild game of
tic tac toe on the blackboard. Our group is separated into smaller ones, and we are guests at various
homes for lunch. Our hosts are VILMA 7 ENRIQUE UMANA, who raise beef cattle and vegetables on their
lovely estate. Vilma is also proficient at rodeo riding. The meal is typical Costa Rican and very
delicious. Our afternoon swim was shortened by a shower but at night we were again entertained by
the volcanic light show.
Fri. 10/24
We drove northward over LAKE ARENAL DAM thru walls of greenery reaching to the sky in
ARENAL NATIONAL PARK. A coati mundi amuses us as he chomps away alongside the road.
We drove alongside the 50 mi. lake more or less along the continental divide as we enter
the Province of Guanacaste. This province is the driest in Costa Rica. While it is green
now in the rainy season, it becomes dry and brown for most of the year. We pass thru the cattle
ranching town of TILARAN, windiest spot in CR. Windmills line the hilltops, providing about 30% of
the country’s power. Stops at CANAS, where the church façade resembles a large multi colored mosaic,
LIBERIA, to resupply our ‘bar’, and lunch at RINCON CORABICI alongside the pretty riverside, punctuate
our morning. Our hotel, FLAMINGO BEACH RESORT, is beautifully situated in an ocean cove. The beach
is inviting, the sunset gorgeous over the Pacific. Hotel amenities, including an enormous pool,
are delightful. Dinner this evening is at nearby Marie’s Rest.
Sat. 10/25
A canopy tour at ARTOLA is on the agenda for this morning. This consists of swinging from platform to
platform high in the tree canopy by means of harnesses, gloves, pulleys and rappelling systems.
There are 14 platforms in all, with varying distances between, the longest being 40 meters.
Not particularly difficult, but tricky and thrilling. Proudly I completed all 14 platforms, the
only lady to attempt it. Ed stayed at the hotel while I braved the adventure with amazing success.
The trip to and from the canopy was an adventure in itself. Ramon, our minibus driver, flew over the
dirt roads pockmarked by an incredible number of huecos (potholes) and bumps with admirable technique.
The return “short cut” had us fording flooded streams on an obstacle course thru dense, wild jungle.
A walk on the beach and swim in the pool preceded a heavy shower this afternoon. Seemingly endless
misinformation, confusion and negotiations ultimately led to our attending mass in a small chapel in
nearby BRASILITO with lots of joyful local singing.
Continue...
This trip to Costa Rica was made October 18 – 31, 2003 by a New York State couple.
Your comments are welcome.
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