Yesterday in a nutshell = raining, hiking, laughing, PHUN.
We began our morning with breakfast, but a another speed bump occurred.
Unfortunately, the Safe House was double booked; however, our quick-minded
chaperones pulled a “Peyton Manning Omaha!” and devised a “no questions asked”
adventure (spoiler alert: questions were asked, and not answered). Ten minutes
and 100 “what are we doing?!” questions later, we arrived at Arenal National
Park where we would make our 457 step decline to admire the majestic 286 foot
waterfall. We had a traditional CBS photo shoot by the waterfall and then
explored and swam around the area. When it was time to leave we trekked back up
the same 457 stairs, much harder than camp’s Ted Steps of course. Our legs were
tired but our spirits were high!
For lunch we ate in town at Sol de Visquez and devoured
another typical Costa Rican meal—this time it was a buffet. Big Eats (Kyle)
once again did his thing…eat A LOT. After
lunch we headed back to our hotel and bid adios to our wonderful tour guide,
Nuelvin – what guy. Luckily we had just enough time to sneak in a little siesta
before our next expedition.
Upon arrival at the Volcan Arenal, we split into two
separate groups and hiked the base of the ACTIVE volcano (last eruption was in
2010, don’t worry—we survived). Along the trail, the tour guides pointed out all
three of Costa Rica’s venomous snakes and a termite habitat—aka “dis lump of
poop”, to quote the guide (yes, their humble abode is their very own poop). We
reached the tree line, which was as high as we were permitted to hike, and had
another photo shoot just for you lovely parentals! After taking in the views,
we were ready for yet ANOTHER phun activity and headed back down the trail. Most
walked, but some (some = Monica) slipped
down the muddy terrain. The journey back was made much easier through our excitement
about what the night had in store: Costa Rica’s classy version of
Schlitterbahn.
Our fun-packed day was topped off at Tabacon Hot Springs
where we relaxed in pools heated by the volcano. There was lounging, there was
slipping, and there was some Home Run Derby watching. We were amazed by the
beauty of this natural outdoor sauna. A couple hours later, we again stuffed
ourselves silly at dinner with an unexpected Asian buffet. Big Eats outdid himself
and our expectations of his stomach capacity by piling his plate high with sushi,
lo main, dumplings, fish, vegetables, spring rolls, fried rice, grilled
chicken, beef teriyaki, barbeque pork ribs, and garlic bread. He made sure to
try each of the mini desserts as well, “it’s okay because they are small,
right?” We concluded the night back at the hotel writing this blog entry and
reminiscing on our super happy fun fun times at Arenal Springs in La Fortuna.
Today was spent entirely on the road as we headed towards
our final destination in Manuel Antonio at the Buena Vistas Resort. We stopped
once for lunch and to shop for souvenirs, and again to overlook a river where
blood-thirsty crocodiles bathed in the mud. Six hours later, we finally made it
to our hotel where we are staying in gorgeous bungalows with views of the
beach.
We hoped you enjoyed the innovative, brilliant, and
sophisticated voices of M&M (Michael & Monica) + Cole the Carpenter.
PURA VIDA BABY!
Sloth Watch: 1!!!!!!!!!!! –we met our dearest Karl on our
drive today; he was stereotypically hanging in the trees, just being a classic
sloth.
Total: 1
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