Saturday-what a day!

We are now at Casa Luna in LaFortuna in view of the Arenal Volcano. It has been a day full of adventure, challenges and refreshing waters. We woke up with full view of the volcano which doesn't always happen. After breakfast we thought we would take a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. After walking for over a half an hour in the hot, humid sun we discovered that we misunderstood the directions and went the wrong way. After walking back to the hotel we were hot and tired but determined to go see the beautiful falls and swim.

So we continued on, up hill and I would have to say it was far further than the guide books said. A few hours behind schedule we made it. After going down 484 steps (Emma counted) we made it!! It was beautiful and the swim was VERY refreshing. We swam, snacked and took pictures before climbing back up. Clearly we were tired upon arrival as we were all surprised at how fast and easily we made it back up. We taxied back to the hotel, as it was well deserved, to eat lunch before the next adventure. The Costa Rica cuisine is quite multicultural and you often find Italian and Chinese dishes. So we had Caesar salad, grilled chicken and Chicken Alfredo for lunch.

The next adventure was to have a tour of the Arenal Volcano National Park. We hiked through new growth forest and old lava flows. It is the most active volcano and we have heard it rumble and send a dark cloud of smoke into the air. We stopped at dusk to see if we could see any of the hot red rocks being spit out upon erupting and we were lucky enough to see a few flashes of red.

The last leg of the tour was to end at Baldi Hot Springs. Now I have been to a few hot springs in Montana but NOTHING like this place. It was huge with many, many pools of various temperatures, water slides and a buffet. It was a great way to relax after a full day. We all enjoyed laying in the 104 degree pool, surrounded by the many trees and palms of the area,

It was a day that we were challenged by heat and tired legs but the spirit has been strong. The girls, in their tired moments, have been a little silly but such a joy to watch them play together. Time for bed as tomorrow we will take a boat across Lake Arenal and head to Monteverde.

~ Marcy