PART 2 OF THE FAMILIES VISIT

our impromptu/let the overheating truck cool down photo opp  

At the top of everyones must do list in Costa Rica was zip-lining.  Even my almost seventy year old mom was game.  So the young at hearts with medical clearances in hand and the rest of us all took a bone jarring, breathtaking drive to Monteverde.

We got all geared up, had a quick lesson and off we went. - A pause here to tell you that my mom worked her magic on all the young Costa Ricans and they doted and fawned all over her the whole time.  They called her mama and taxied her across all the zip-lines.  They even carried all her gear - heavy pulleys, helmet etc, when walking the short hikes between platforms.  Way to go, Mom!

We all had an amazing time!  We've done a few other zip-lines in the past and this one was by far the most breathtaking - literally.  We flew above and through the Monteverde cloud forest with views that are un-describable.  It was an incredible, heart pumping good time (we were praying that Vees defibrillator wouldn't go off!)  I know what you're thinking - medical clearance? defibrillators? - like we said they're young at heart!  Nothing stopping these ladies!

The Zipliners - Vee, Justin, Nadine, Rod, Alli and Mom

Next was the Tarzan swing.  Feeling fearless and full of adrenaline, three of us went for it while the others took pictures.  Stepping off and trusting the rope (I was pushed by the guide) into nothing is a very scary thing - yet a lot of fun.

- sorry -

That afternoon, we all partook in more calming activities.  The first part was watching hummingbirds.  There were over a hundred of them of varying species.  What an experience to hear them buzzing continuously by your head.

Next we took a hike through the cloud forest.  We were all in awe over the size and beauty of the forest. Pictures do nothing - this is something that everyone should experience first hand.  If you are ever in Costa Rica, definitely come here.

this fern was massive - at least 14' across

part of the movie Jurassic park was filmed here

So I guess we all didn't get enough zip-lining the first time so off we went to Ricon de la Vieja for some more action.

This zip-line was fun but didn't compare to the one in Monteverde.  The only exception was watching a troop of howler monkeys use the zip-line as swinging points to cross some trees.

We then went on an un-engineered concrete water slide, that was fed by a stream of very cold water. Leather loin clothes (aka - diaper) are provided along with a helmet and inner tube (aka - airbag).  What kind of water slide is this - where you actually need safety gear?  Turns out its one that the guys went on more than once!

Next, the young at hearts took a tractor to the hotsprings/volcanic mud bath while the rest of us saddled up and went on a terrifying horseback ride through a torrential rain storm.  The terrain was rocky, muddy and steep.  At times, it took everything to stay in the saddle.  Justin had a blast as he galloped away down the trial.  The rest of us were happy when the horses would just walk along.  We were all completely soaked by the time we were done.

oops, I have my hat on backwards

The last days of the trip were spent in town and on the beach.  Everyone became acquainted with the rainy season and the mud.  We had many more delicious meals and had a lot of laughs.  The two weeks that we had with everyone went by in a flash.  But, we're left with so many memories and we had such a great time! We loved experiencing Costa Rica with you all!!

the last supper at our favourite restaurant