On taking pavement for granted….

Its 6 am and I cannot sleep. Nothing to do with jet lag or time zones, uncomfortable hotels or too much noise. It has to do with an aching body. 


Oh,  from ziplining, or horseback riding, or hiking through the forest - you ask.


No, i respond.  From an 80 mile car ride, from La Fortuna to Monte Verde.


We did not quite comprehend why an 80 mile ride would take 4 hours. We were told it would, but we were not believers. I guess we never dreamed that unpaved roads, and really not just unpaved roads but specked with potholes and tight bridges and cutouts, could go on for miles.  Upon arrival we were met with a snicker from a local who asked, "how was your travels? how was the roads?"


I had to respond it was a test for the body AND the relationship. But we made it alive. In retrospect, it was probably not a good idea to travel in darkness where you can't go more than 15 mph and houses are scarce, with our Gringomobile (see below, we all have them). But we arrived alive and had a very nice meal, a great day around the observatory and a memory of a drive that we will hold forever.


And in the spirit of Thanksgiving, i would like to say I am thankful for pavement.

Anyhoo, here are pictures from our hike yesterday that made the "too late in the day" travels worthwhile.

hanging bridges

Chasing Waterfalls

Laguna Arenal - huge man made lake w Volcano backdrop

Baldi Spa - this was a real local experience

…& random sitings, like horses tied up outside general stores

Today we go to a coffee plantation! and to learn more about the rain forest.
Hasta luego...