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Discover Costa Rica Tour

The Rafters
The Rafters
Costa Rica translated means “rich coast” and for our family adventure it was priceless. Sharing experiences and discoveries in the mountains, jungles, and beaches, made memories that will truly last a lifetime.
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It's Finally Here

Dec 28, 2011
Brennan, Trent, and Turrialba Valley
Brennan, Trent, and Turrialba Valley (Torrey Ebaugh)
Here we go, complete with butterflies in my tummy that are somewhere between excitement and nervousness. We have made it through the high demands of Christmas time and now the trip we have planned and anxiously anticipated is finally here! There were several reasons my husband and I planned this trip. Besides loving the activities and new experiences Adventure Life offers, it seemed like a great way to reconnect as a family. Our twin boys (I should say men but I am just not there yet) are fast approaching graduating from college. They seem to be more mature and independent with each month that passes. As gratifying as this is from a parental perspective, there is a bittersweet element as our children transition to forging their own path. With the demands of college, internships, and jobs, it is increasingly difficult to find the time to be together as a family. The time between semesters provided an opportune time window and what better way to experience those priceless moments as a family than to share a travel adventure. We arrived in San Jose Costa Rica after dark and navigated through Customs and Immigration without a problem. After finding a taxi and settling in, off we went towards our Hotel. It was a special introduction to San Jose, with Christmas lights and decorations still up adding that festive feel. We arrived at the Hotel and were shown to beautiful rooms. Being on a hill, we had a view above a little sitting area on a balcony. The only disappointment is that we will only be here for the night because first thing tomorrow we are off to the Pacuare River.

Riding the Rapids

Dec 29, 2011
Turrialba Valley
Turrialba Valley (Torrey Ebaugh)
Six o'clock came early but somehow it was easy to get up. Our guide Luis met us right on time and off we went towards the Pacuare River. We soon left the city streets and were climbing the hills towards the volcanic ridges. We stopped for breakfast at a wonderful spot with gear on the lower floor and an open air dining area above. We enjoyed a delicious Costa Rican breakfast while watching tanager's nibbling on bananas and taking in the view of the surrounding hillsides. After breakfast we picked up two more couples and after a short ride we were at the launching spot. We meet Diego, our river raft guide, get our gear on and off we go. For a short time we are able to take in the beautiful forest that lines the river on each side. We are frequently joined by bright butterflies fluttering along next to our raft. Then we hear what we've been waiting for. . . the rapids. Paddling, bouncing, and sliding through the white water, just pure excitement. ''Pura Vida'' Diego says and I think I may be beginning to understand. After several more rapids we stop for lunch and have a delicious meal on the banks of the river. During lunch, we enjoyed watching some local indigenous children who had come down to play in the boats and the river. Water play is indeed universal. We ended our river raft trip by floating through the area called Dos Montagnes (Two Mountains). With sheer cliffs on both sides we paddled under cascading waterfalls and couldn't resist our guide's suggestion to slide out of the raft and have a float. The peacefulness of lying back and gazing up at the sky between the sheer cliffs was a memory in the making. After rafting, we were dropped at the Guayabo Lodge, our accommodations for the next 2 nights. We had comfy rooms on the third floor. The small balcony had a view of the beautiful valley, and a local church on the hill, and just a glimpse of the top of the Turrialba volcano. I am glad we paid attention to the packing list as it was quite cool in the evening.

Two Wheelin

Dec 30, 2011
A happy group
A happy group (Torrey Ebaugh)
This morning we went for a bike ride through CATIE, the agricultural research center. Jose, our guide, got us situated and did a wonderful job tailoring the ride for the two 21 year olds who enjoyed a quick pace and their parents, who enjoyed a bit slower ride. We saw several colonies of leaf cutter ants and learned about their efficient societal organization. As we rode through the groves, we tasted sugar cane, cocoa, guava, and coffee. The cocoa and coffee barely resembles the processed products we are used to tasting. We stopped at a pond and although we did not see the resident crocodile, we saw a variety of brightly colored birds. The Northern Jacana was quite adept at balancing on the lily pads. The last part of the trip took us by different types of palms that are grown for a variety of products. After our ride, Jose took us to the same place for lunch that we had breakfast before our river raft. Today instead of a tanager, a beautiful hummingbird buzzed around visiting the flowers surrounding the dining area. During our free afternoon at the Lodge, the boys caught up with their friends online and Mark and I explored the grounds of the Guayabo Lodge and surrounding area. As evening approached, the encroaching clouds were almost mystical as they crept up the valley mingling with the rays of the sun. The clouds as it turned out were a little preview of the approaching change in the weather.

The New and the Ancient

Dec 31, 2011
Ready for rafting
Ready for rafting (Torrey Ebaugh)
As we woke this New Year's Eve we heard the rain falling. Ah well, rain is a necessary component for the rain forest. Undeterred, we put on our slickers and headed to Guayabo National Monument for a tour the archaeological site. After a short introduction by the guide, we were able to explore the area that was thought to be inhabited from 1000 B.C. to 1400 A.D. We hiked through the lush forest with a variety of different looking trees. There were several tombs that were stone lined rectangular structures recessed into the ground. The trail led us out of the forest and to viewpoint that allowed us to see the size of the site. There were aqueducts and pools that made up the elaborate water system. Mounds of various sizes were the foundations for homes and other buildings. It was fascinating to see the carved stones, some with recognizable images and some with mythical type creatures. The guide described the culture as having some aspects of those to the north such as the Maya and Aztecs and some aspects of those to the south, specifically the Inca. As we wound around the open area, the trail bordered a long stone lined avenue where it was thought that traders bringing goods ceremoniously entered the community. It was apparent why the Monument was declared a World Heritage Engineering site. Next on the agenda was the transfer to the Savegre Mountain Lodge. So we left the Turriabla area for our next adventure. We wound our way through the hills and valleys passing farms and villages that each has their own unique ambiance. We passed through the city of Cartago before we began the climb up and over the mountain to the Savegre Reserve. We arrived weary from a long day but were amazed at the variety of birds buzzing all around as we walked to reception. What a truly unique way to begin a new year!

Happy New Year Mr. Quetzal

Jan 01, 2012
Riding the rapids
Riding the rapids (Torrey Ebaugh)
We began our New Year by travelling up the road to see if we could find the Resplendent Quetzal. Our guide Melvin was an expert on all the birds in the area. Just driving up the road, he named anything and everything that flew by. It was a wonderland of diversity. We stopped where a pair of Quetzals had recently been seen. As we took in the beautiful mountain ridges, Melvin slipped down by the creek to scout a favorite tree. Bingo! Off we went doing our best to navigate the terrain to get a peek. And there he was, sitting in the branches of a tree with his beautiful long tail trailing behind. While my husband and sons quickly took pictures, I just smiled up at him sitting resplendently on his perch. Melvin had a great zoom lens so we were all able to get a close look. After lunch, we arranged for a ride to the top of the nature reserve hiking trail. Riding up and hiking down through the old growth forest was a wonderful way to take in the unique ecosystem. A dense canopy, cool mountain streams, and mosquitoes were reminiscent of the forests I was more familiar with in the Western United States. But then, around the corner, I would find a palm tree, epiphyte, or beautiful orchid reminding me I am near the equator. We all would have enjoyed more time exploring this wonderful area but with fading light, we had to return to the lodge with that ''I could spend a week here'' feeling.

Flying by the Toucan

Jan 02, 2012
Heading over the rapids
Heading over the rapids (Torrey Ebaugh)
As hard as it was to leave this beautiful mountain retreat, we were all excited to head to the coast. Before we arrived at the ocean, we stopped at Hacienda Baru for a visit to the Butterfly habitat and a slide on the zip line. Unlike other zip lines, we had a bit of a hike to get to the first platform. On our way, we were rewarded with several wildlife sightings. Little anoles scooted off quickly and we caught a glimpse of an agouti scampering away. We saw a sloth napping in the canopy and what would the Toucan Zip Line be without a toucan! A pair of Keel-billed toucans watched us hiking up to our first platform. Our guide Carlos had some fun with us getting us to try new ways to ''zip''. As exciting as it was, there is just something special ''flying'' along the tree tops in a beautiful rain forest! After we said goodbye to Carlos we started off towards the coast. When we turned off the highway onto the dirt road, I smiled as I felt that feeling of excitement and anticipation going to a new destination. We passed a little cluster of shops and restaurants that were reminiscent of an old surf town. We continued along the Baru River until we reached our accommodations. The grounds were green and lush with a beautiful large pool. Our visit to the ocean will need to wait as the sunlight is fading, but cool pool, here we come!

In Search of an Ocean Swim

Jan 03, 2012
Local children playing
Local children playing (Torrey Ebaugh)
The free time before our ocean kayak expedition gave us the perfect opportunity to check out the ocean. We set off down the road, past all the surfing schools to find a spot to do a bit of body surfing. After finding a spot that fit the bill, off my guys went. Only one problem, it was a board surfing beach not a body surfing beach. Ah well, we walked down the beach a bit farther only to find this section of the beach was too dangerous due to rip tides. We decided to save our swimming plan for later and check out the local artisans and merchants on the way back. Our kayak adventure at Marino Ballena National Park began with a short hike down a tree lined road to the launch location. As we neared the beach, we spotted a sloth up in the tree doing what they do best, sleeping. Just beyond his location we found the beach that eluded us this morning. We selected our kayaks and off we went. Our group was successful navigating the waves with no one capsizing. After a vigorous paddle, we arrived at the snorkeling spot. We slipped on our masks, slipped off our kayaks, and there below us, were countless brightly colored fish swimming around rock and coral formations. Being a huge snorkeling fan, it was fun to see some familiar brightly colored Moorish idols and parrot fish. It's amazing how one can lose track of time in the peaceful world under the sea. Before we knew it, it was time to paddle back. Paddling back to shore, we were treated to the view of the mountains in the distance as frigate birds floated on the currents and pelicans skimmed the ocean's surface. As we neared the shore, we were tired from our active day yet I know none of us were tired of snorkeling. The good news: tomorrow we had another day of snorkeling in another spectacular location!

Above and Below the Sea

Jan 04, 2012
Church at Santa Cruz
Church at Santa Cruz (Torrey Ebaugh)
Bright and early, our guide Erick met us for our BIG snorkel day. As we headed south towards Sierpe, I was hoping our guide would know something about the stone spheres that were unique to the area. We hit the jackpot, as Erick was able to share a tremendous amount of information about the artifacts. Researchers are still not exactly sure how the culture was able to produce such well formed spheres as they have not found any tools that were used. They do know that many of the large spheres were made over several generations and were thought to be related to navigation. It also appears that the culture had ties to Peru and Easter Island. We were able to see several very large spheres in a pleasant park in Palmar Sur. The craftsmanship without modern technology was truly amazing. Soon after we left the park we met our boat and were motoring down the Sierpe River. Our captain suddenly slowed the boat to show us a boa, slithering through a hole in a tree. I still do not know how he was able to see it when we were traveling at such fast speed. We arrived at Cano Island and eagerly jumped into the clear water below us. Off we went, each in a different direction it seems to observe the beautiful underwater world. Part of the joy of snorkeling is not knowing what you will find just around the next rock. In this case, it was a large school of jack fish swimming slowly in a circular motion. We were able to float above them enjoying the show. After a lunch break on the island, we got one more chance to swim with the fish then we were off for the boat ride home. As we re-entered the river we encountered a crocodile sunning himself of the banks. What happened next was truly a surprise. Again, the boat captain slowed and pointed to trees lining the river bank. There scampering from branch to branch was a group of White Faced Capuchin monkeys. Even more amazing was a mother, with her cute baby clinging to her back, jumping from branch to branch looking for fruit. We all added a significant amount of pictures to our memory cards!

Our Last Paddle

Jan 05, 2012
Sunset at Turrialba
Sunset at Turrialba (Torrey Ebaugh)
We have a busy day planned for our last full day in Costa Rica. This morning we are kayaking in the Hatillo Mangroves then we will be setting off for San Jose. When we met our guide we were thrilled to see Erick again. After a short bus ride to the point where the river joins the ocean, we were on our way. We navigated narrow water ways learning about the trees, fish, birds, and animals that are uniquely adapted to the brackish water of the mangrove swamps. The silence was suddenly interrupted by a shout from my son. It seems as he explored the shoreline, a fish jumped and hit him in the face. After a few piranha jokes, things seemed to settle down. . .for a while. Then, at nearly the end of the paddle, Mark happened to notice the pair of eyes just above the water line. Yes indeed it was a small crocodile with just his eyes above the water. Our guide explained that small crocodiles do inhabit the mangroves until they grow too large and then move to a larger river. This was indeed a preview of what was yet to come. After checking out and starting our trip back to San Jose, we were able to quietly revisit all the adventures we had had on our vacation. Our driver let us know that maybe our sightseeing was not completely over. He stopped at a bridge where the highway crossed the Tarcoles River and let us out to view what was below. There on sandbanks were numerous, very large, crocodiles. It seems that the sheer number and size of these guys indicated they had found a happy home in this large river. As night fell, we entered San Jose at rush hour. After days in smaller cities and the countryside, it was the first step to returning to our world.

Hasta Luego Costa Rica

Jan 06, 2012
Stone Carving at Guayabo National Monument
Stone Carving at Guayabo National Monument (Torrey Ebaugh)
The alarm went off incredibly early for us to meet our 4 a.m. transport to the airport. Again, way too short a stay in San Jose and the Hotel Le Bergerac. Ah well, perhaps the measure of a successful vacation is the desire to return. As my sleepy eyed travelers climb into the van and we are whisked away to the airport, we are not only returning with suitcases of dirty laundry but fun filled memories of wonderful places, awesome activities, and fantastic experiences we shared. Soon my husband and I will be back at our jobs, our children will be back to college, but I know for all of us, there will be those moments when we drift back to our fabulous adventures in Costa Rica, and we will smile.

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