White water rafting

Our next adventure was white water rafting on the Balsa River. We were picked up at our resort by Wave Rafting for the 45 minute drive to the river which I always find interesting as you get to see different parts of the country.  On the way we were given the safety talk and what to do if you fall out at which point I started to feel a little nervous but having rafted before I thought I have this.  I had the illusion of taking a camera but once we were geared up the guide Marco suggested it was not a good idea and I am glad I listened to him as I was too busy concentrating and paddling that it would not have been used.  We were in the raft less than a minute before we hit our first rapid and it was a doozy. Marco had told us when he said down we had to get on the bottom of the raft and between the down and ups we felt like we were in a jack in the box but he kept us safe and in the boat.  We did have one close encounter where we hit a rock and came to a full stop with the boat up on a 90 degree angle.  Kris and I were on the low side right by the rock and were sure we were going over but Marco got Brad to climb to the back corner of the raft to balance it off the rock.  We all breathed a huge sigh of relief.  We were on the river for 2 1/2 hours and it was totally exillerating and very wet.  We did learn on the bus ride back that one raft did flip and the one fellow I talked to was very bruised from his time in the river and bashing against rocks.

From the rafting we went to Vida Campesida which is a family estate where we enjoyed a traditional lunch cooked over wood stoves.  We then had a demonstration of how they harvest the juice from the sugar cane that they grow.  We chewed pieces of the cane as well as drank the very sweet juice.  To finish off the adults had a shot of moonshine which they make on site.  It was very potent and burned on the way down.

Returning to the resort we had a swim before heading into town for dinner.  Returning to the same small family restaurant where we had so enjoyed lunch the day before we were welcomed warmly and the owner brought out small treats such as home made chips and jars of hot sauce his mom made.  Everyone enjoyed a delicious dinner before returning to pack and get ready for an early morning departure to our next destination.

This doesn’t look too bad. Just a bit of rough water

Maybe one should not get too complacent as I think it is about to get more exciting 

Those of us at the front were very wet as the raft buried itself in the rapids

These rapids were definitely not for the weak of heart

Smiling but hard work at times

Coming out of the rapids was also an exciting ride

No time to relax as there was always another rapid along the way

The photographer did a great job of getting shots from all angles

I was a little worried about that rock straight ahead

With a valiant effort by all we got around it

Relief with Tyler hamming it up for the photographer 

A very wet finish to a run of amazing rapids. What a great day

The family sugar farm where we enjoyed lunch

Squeezing the juice from the sugar cane

Isaac and Alanna testing the fountain water in town before a delicious dinner

Arenal hike and Hotsprings

With a very informative guide we set off for a hike on the base of the Arenal Volcano.  The hike took us to the base of the lava flows and allowed us magnificent views of the surrounding countryside as well as Arenal Lake. While we took in the sights our guide filled us with information about the area and the eruption of the volcano which destroyed a whole town in 1967.  Though the volcano is not active at this point it is against the law to hike to the top.  On the way down we hike through a pasture of cows which I believe was a highlight for the kids as there were even some selfies taken with some of the reluctant creatures.  Back at the bus we enjoyed fresh pineapple and watermelon with beer and had a really interesting discussion on how Covid had affected Costa Rica as tourism is their number one industry.  Our guides father is a cheese maker and as the restaurants and supermarkets were not buying he took to bartering with others for products he needed.  Very tough if you had nothing to barter with.

Our next experience was at the incredible Tabacon Hotsprings.  These beautiful pools and waterfalls of mineral water are fed by rivers of thermal water from the veins of the Arenal Volcano and are surrounded by lush tropical gardens.  We spent a few hours soaking in and enjoying the different pools.that are just carved into nature with natural rocky or sand bottoms.  As the sun set and the lights in the gardens and pools came on it was magical.  The experience was one that was enjoyed by all. Totally relaxed we were then served a wonderful three course meal in the restaurant before returning to our resort.

Fabulous view of a sloth eating on our way to the hike

Start of the hiking trail on the volcano

Vegetation has started to grow on the lava flows

The boys at our lookout point

Another group picture as we enjoy the scenery

Alanna taking a selfie with the cows

I do believe the kids liked the cows better than the views

Enjoying a Local beer on a hot day after the hike

The boys enjoying one of the Hotsprings 

The setting and the natural waterfalls was just beautiful 

Another selfie

Going for some big water action

Back massages with hot mineral water

Kids enjoyed going up and down all the various falls

Perfect ledges to sit and enjoy the soothing water

The atmosphere changed as the sun set and lights came on

A beautiful experience with no crowds. We almost felt like we had the springs to ourselves 

Ceviche served with delicious banana chips

A traditional dish of pork belly and beans with some definite spice. Delicious. A fried jalapeño on the side for decoration which had a lot of heat as Tyler is well aware of as he decided to eat it!

The Arenal Volcano

After breakfast we set off for our next set of adventures. Travelling by private transfer we took the 2 1/2 drive to our next destination  the Hotel Arenal which is ten minutes outside of La Fortuna with every suite overlooking the volcano..  During our three day stay here we were very lucky to have many unobstructed views of the top of the volcano.  Apparently many come for a week or more and never see the top due to clouds.  The vegetation at the resort was lush and was proof of how wet this area can be.  We did experience a couple of intense rain showers but they only lasted for short periods.  On the way to the hotel we did stop at the roadside for our first sloth sighting which was a highlight for all.  Spent a lazy afternoon in the pool getting ready for a very busy day to come.

Bright and early the next morning we were off to zip lining.  I was nervous but having read about the company felt quite confident.  Our bus driver on the 45 minute commute was more like a wildlife guide and we had stops for sloths, toucans and monkeys before even getting to our destination.  With a total of 7 zip lines with one a half mile long through the trees and reaching speeds of 45 Kms it was exillerating.  The views were amazing and we were all pumped.

After our commute back to the hotel we all changed and called a taxi to go to town for some souvenir shopping and a quick lunch before our next adventure later in the day.

View of the volcano from our patio

First sloth sighting in the wild on our way to the hotel

Relaxing in the pool

Enjoying a tropical drink before dinner

Ready for our zip lining adventure 

Photo opportunity at the top of the zip

All the smiles hide any nerves there might have been

And Kayla is off on a run.  I think the smile says it all

Alanna going for a ride

Isaac taking off from one of the platforms 

Coming in for the landing was never graceful as instructions were that you had to spread your legs and keep leaning back. Thanks for this pic Brad

Tyler sets off on a very scenic run

Sharing a great experience 

Brad being served a traditional cup of coffee in a small restaurant in Le Fortuna

The bugs were sometimes quite large

A nice view of the Arenal Volcano from the resort