Boyd Bear Tracks

We had a wonderful time at the Arenal volcano. I was concerned that we wouldn't get to see it because we have some friends who have gone two times and haven't been able to see it. God was good, and it was clear almost the whole time we were there! One big surprise was that it was hot there. In San Jose it has been cold (relatively speaking) and rainy, but in La Fortuna (the town) it was sunny and hot!

We stayed at a nice place about 2 km from the town. They have little "villas" where you can stay, and there is a nice view of the "dead" side of the volcano. So we didn't see any lava at night, but frankly, I think it was better that way. I didn't really relish the thought of lava coming towards me even if the volcano wasn't that close. We did hear it explode two times one night. Apparently it was just gases coming out and not a lava explosion.

The first day we went on a hour and a half hike through the forest to see the volcano (of course, carrying Ellie most of the time). By the end of the hike it was dark so we got to see the lava coming down the volcano. Unfortunately, I don't know how to set our camera to take night pictures so we didn't get anything but a black screen :-). Then, as part of the tour, we went to a place where there were hot springs. It was really neat. They had 10 pools all with different temperatures. Obviously, with the kids, we stayed in the pool that was warm. Although we did go exploring and found some pools that were hot enough to boil you (it seemed like it anyway). We didn't get home until about 10 pm (way past the kids' bed time), but the kids did really well. One funny thing, we thought that supper was included in the tour so we didn't bring very much money. Well, supper wasn't included and the food was so expensive that we ended up eating french-fries for supper! :-) I don't think the kids minded!

The next day we went on a horseback ride to see a waterfall. I was a little nervous about Ellie because she's a little scared of horses. When we got there the guide said that the kids should ride with the guides so Jon and I could concentrate on guiding our own horses. However, Ellie did NOT want to go with anyone other than Mommy! Even then, she cried for a little bit but when we started walking she settled down. After a while she even enjoyed it when the horse trotted! Our horses' name was Cherokee. He was very calm. Lucas rode with a guide named William (I forgot to ask what the horses' name was) and had a grand old time!! Willy even let him hold the reins sometimes. Lucas kept asking the main guide (Rudy) if he would give him a horse. Rudy told Lucas that when he turned 18 he could come to Costa Rica and Rudy would give him a horse :-). Then Lucas told him that he was going to need three (one for each of us--I assume he thought Ellie would just ride with me :-)).

The waterfall was really pretty! And, the water was very COLD! Then, the other difficulty was, you have to go down 500 some steps--and back up them again! Fortunately, Rudy offered to carry Lucas up, and Jon carried Ellie, so I just had to carry the backpack (it probably weighed about as much as Ellie with all I had packed in it!).

The last day we decided to go and visit a butterfly house that was down the road by our hotel. The owner said it was about 1600 meters away (about a mile). I think it may have been more. Plus, Ellie was tired and only wanted to be carried . . . by Mommy (again!). It was a long hot walk! Then, we got there and found out that they aren't open on Mondays! So, we walked out to the main road (another 600 meters) and wondered what we should do. We were a ways away from the town, and we didn't think any empty taxis would come by. Once again, God provided, and a taxi came by! We made it back to our hotel just in time to pack up and check out.

The bus ride went really well! It was interesting though. They don't actually sell you a seat, just a place on the bus (be it sitting, or standing). So, there were a bunch of people standing in the aisle for the whole 5 hour trip. Too bad I didn't use Dramamine before; the kids conked out and slept for about 2 and a half hours. I felt a little "zingy," but I didn't get sick either.

Jon and I think this was the most fun vacation we've had as a family. Yes, even with the long bus trips, long hikes carrying kids, bumpy horse rides and 500 some stair "machine" :-). We were happy to get home though. So now we can say we've been to both coasts and three volcanoes in Costa Rica. I think we've made the rounds! :-) We've also made up for not sightseeing the last time we were in Costa Rica (in 2000).