A Different Perspective: The Arenal Hanging Bridges

February 25, 2012

We packed up our things and left Poas Lodge around mid-morning to make the 70-80 mile trek over to La Fortuna, a mecca for adventure junkies and home of the mighty Arenal Volcano.  Mark, the manager and part-owner of Poas Lodge, suggested that we take the scenic route over to the land of adventure.  Part paved road/part off-road; it turned out that this out-of-the-way path was an adventure in itself.  Along the three-hour trip, we passed La Paz Waterfall Gardens (a must-see next time!), panoramic overlooks, quaint little towns, and copious waterfalls.  (Tip: Don’t forget to look behind you (unless you’re driving) to see waterfalls and vistas you may otherwise miss.)  By the time we checked in to the Lost Iguana Resort & Spa, we were ready to stretch our legs.  At the front desk, we were told that guests received a discounted entrance fee ($18/person vs. $24/person) to the Arenal Hanging Bridges.  Better yet, they provided free shuttle service to the park.

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Beauty & the Beast: A Hike Through Poas Volcano National Park

February 24, 2012

Do you remember, as a kid, sleeping in your clothes all night because you were so excited to start that family road trip to Florida early the next morning?  It didn’t matter that you had to get up at 4am.  You were ready to spring out of bed at 3:56am!  I had a similar feeling when I woke up on Friday morning.  I didn’t need to be up for another hour, but I was laying there with my eyes wide open, impatiently contemplating my first glimpse of the beast…the mighty Poas Volcano!  After all, it’s not every day that one gets to peer directly into the mouth of the world’s largest active volcano.

Poas Volcano’s Sulfuric Lake

Costa Rica 2012: February 22-23 Our Adventure Begins

After a hectic night of delays, negotiating with airline reps, switching planes, and a red-eye flight, we finally landed in San Jose (actually Alajuela), Costa Rica, at about 6am.  As soon as the seatbelt sign was turned off and the bonanza of tourists excitedly stood up in unison, I immediately had an overwhelming urge to empty the contents of my churning stomach.  After a sleepless night, alternating hot & cold flashes, and a bit a claustrophobia, my stomach was ready to erupt.  It’s ironic that in a little over 24 hours we would be visiting an active volcano where you can peer directly into a gurgling acid lake.  Our adventure had begun!

Waiting in Denver for our red-eye flight to SJO.