AVERILL LIFE

Monday, August 01, 2016

Coatis and howlers

The first day we (our driver Fernando) spotted howler monkeys in a tree. We stopped then a family of coatis came up to us, probably 30 in total.

Day two - Pura Vida - Ziplining

We got up early and headed to the base of the Arenal volcano. Along the way we stopped at farm for lunch, made tortillas, learned about the plants of Costa Rica, and milked a cow. Ermi cried when it was time to milk the cow. We thought "oh boy, if this is scary, we are going to have a rough vacation."

But, we kept going. At one point Ermi said "Ermi doesn't cry for Ziplining." So we geared up, then rode the tram to the top of the zip line course.

And, doing what any good parents would do, we sent our kids first on a rope hundreds of feet above the rain forest, then we joined them.

Mason took a video of his race with his sister.

https://www.facebook.com/julie.averill/posts/10154381810133522

What a thrilling adventure! Ermi wanted to go again! He looked so little holding onto the bar and getting tossed down the line over the huge forest. We had seven rides for a total of 1.7 miles.

We stayed two nights at the Arenal Observatory.

Costa Rica itinerary

We signed up for an REI Adventure in Costa Rica.

Here is our itinerary:

Our trip begins today in San Jose, Costa Rica. Depart your home city for San Jose, arriving by 5pm today. A group orientation is held at approximately 6:00 p.m. in the hotel lobby. Meals on your own.

This morning we leave San Jose heading north toward Arenal Volcano. Along the way we have a typical lunch at a locally owned farm and have an opportunity to learn a bit about the life of the resident people. Here we have the chance to milk a cow and make hot tortillas in the local tradition. After lunch we spend the afternoon zipping across the canopy of the rainforest, beginning with a 20 minute tram ride to the highest point within the Arenal Reserve from which the views of the volcano and the lake are unsurpassed. Next, it's on with the harnesses and helmets as we get ready to fly above the treetops on a series of cabled zip-lines. All in all, there are roughly 1.7 miles of lines that criss-cross from platform to platform. While the ride is thrilling, it also provides a panoramic view of the marvelous scenery and biodiversity for which Costa Rica is renowned. We continue our drive to our lodging at Arenal where we spend the next two nights. Arenal is an active volcano that has been regularly spewing lava and smoke plumes since a series of eruptions occurred in 1968 and daily rumblings are not unusual. Enjoy a dip in the pool before dinner. All meals included.

Sky tram – zip-line: 2 hours. Driving: 3.5 hours

A day of high adventure awaits us! After an early breakfast, we're off to something that is sure to delight the kids and thrill the adults: a morning of "canyoning". We transfer from the hotel to a canyon that lies deep in the tropical rainforest and is best explored through a series of rappels and short hikes. Our hike along these canyon trails lead to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Costa Rica – ones not frequently visited by the casual traveler. After a thorough introduction to technique and equipment, we rappel down several waterfalls into crystal clear, knee deep pools as we move through the canyon. Helmets on and on-belay! Tropical birds, monkeys and thousands of different plants and colorful flowers abound. This is truly a magical experience for the whole family - it's a kid friendly activity, no experience is required. After lunch it’s more time in the jungle with a hike and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall. Then, we're off to the nearby hot springs for a final relaxing soak. Overnight back at Arenal. All meals included.

Canyoning: 2.5 hours, some hiking included over rolling terrain with some elevation gain
Additional hiking: 1 hour; Driving: 2 hours

This morning we can get up early for an optional birding walk around the grounds of our hotel or we can choose to just sleep in. After breakfast we leave the volcanic highlands behind for our long drive out to the Pacific Coast (roughly 4.5 hours). This is mainly a travel day but we’ll make a couple of stops along the way including crocodile watching at Carara National Park and being treated to a typical Tico lunch in a Costa Rican home. We’ll arrive to our lovely Manuel Antonio hotel, which has impressive views of the Pacific, in time for a nice afternoon dip in the pool. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant. All meals included.

Driving: 4.5 hours

Miles of white sandy beach bordered by lush forest loaded with wildlife is just the barest description of Manuel Antonio National Park. This small park is one of Costa Rica’s most popular parks and for good reason. Not only is the setting idyllic, the jungle itself is home to sloths, iguanas, squirrel monkeys, coatimundi, agouti and over 180 species of birds. The kids will love exploring the jungle trails with our naturalist guide as well as swimming in the warm, protected waters. Enjoy and relax! In the afternoon we’re back on the water with surf lessons for the whole family. We’ll be outfitted with surfboards, given instruction and demonstration, and then time to try out our new skilll. Breakfast, lunch included; dinner on your own.

Hiking: 2.5 hours, jungle trails + beach time; Surf lessons: 2-3 hours

This morning, a 45-minute drive transports us to the small town of Londres where we make a short stop before beginning our hike in the gorgeous Campesinos Reserve. The reserve, located in a picturesque mountain range between the Naranjo and Savegre Rivers, is managed by a local Costa Rican family. Upon reaching Campesinos, we have an opportunity to swim in a natural pool at the base of a spectacular waterfall and explore a former vanilla plantation bordering the reserve. After lunch, we continue hiking toward the Savegre River, where we cross a bridge over the fast-flowing river en route to the end of the trail and our waiting vehicle. Return to our hotel tonight for our farewell dinner. All meals included.

Hiking: 3.5 hours. Driving: 1.5 hours

There are many options for this “free” morning: sleep in, go on a self-guided walk of Manuel Antonio’s trails, take a hike from the hotel down to the beach or enjoy one last dip in the hotel pool. This afternoon we board our minibus for the final drive back to San Jose where we celebrate our week’s adventure with our traveling companions and newfound friends. All meals included.

Driving: 3 hours

Morning transfer to the international airport for flights home. Breakfast included.

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Day one - travel

We are in Costa Rica!

We got separated in the security line because one of us hasn't done the paperwork to get precheck (ahem Cindy). Boys and I cruised through and sat for a half hour while Cindy and Kenzie zig zagged.

We left our house at 3am and arrived in San Jose at 4pm. Our guides Jackie and Fernando met us at the airport, drove us back to our hotel, and oriented us to what's ahead! We are excited!

They brought the bus because they said we might have more luggage. We are light travelers but were amused at the bus for five.