Fire and Water

Today was our first full day of fun and sightseeing and what a terrific day we had! We were awakened by monkeys screaming and birds singing.

Thermal Springs

We started our day with breakfast in the Tabacon restaurant. My mother-in-law thought it was over the top to have heat lamps to keep the plates warm and ceiling fans to keep the fruit cool. Breakfast was a combination of continental items (bacon, eggs, bread) and Costa Rican dishes. I loved the wild rice, stewed chicken, smoked salmon and fresh fruit. The papaya was incredible -- sweet and fragrant. My brother Alex flew in this morning and joined us for breakfast.

After breakfast, we headed back to the thermal springs. It turns out that morning is a good time to visit the thermal springs since there are few people around. We practically had the run of the place. CJ and I explored the hot springs by climbing up until we reached the highest waterfall we could find. It was really steamy up there. Then he and I proceeded to try every pool. He didn't like the hot pools, so we spent most of our time in the big pool, which had warm water. CJ got a kick out of swimming to the swim-up bar and ordering some water.

CJ just loves the water. He wears a swim vest and with it, he can dog paddle, do a modified crawl, spin around, even do a short backstroke.  I loved the hot springs; the water was very hot and I particularly loved the waterfall.

Arenal Volcano

After lunch, it was time for our hike to see the Arenal volcano. Costa Rica is part of the ring of fire; there is a lot of volcanic activity in this part of the world. Costa Rica alone has over 100 volcanos, several active. Arenal is the most active. The volcano spews smoke and ash most of the time, and huge lava flows occurred as late as 1992.

We were part of a tour that includes over 35 other people and several guides. After a 15-minute ride, we set off to hike to the base of the mountain. It was a pretty easy hike and we saw a baby tarantula, a couple of monkeys, a termite mound, and lots of birds. The highlight of the hike was the very last part. We visited the lava flows from 1992 which produced a huge mound of rocks and boulders. We had to climb up a rock staircase, then clamber over a field of rocks. CJ got help from one of the guides in a couple of areas, but he insisted on "doing it himself." CJ takes after Maki in this area. I swear, Maki climbs across a field of boulders like he's crossing a lawn.

From the rock field, we had an amazing view of Arenal above, and the fields and Arenal lake down below. We even saw some boulders falling down the side of the volcano, and some smoke and ash spew from the side of the volcano. We were close enough to admire the volcano, but far enough to be safe.

Massage Time

CJ was pooped after two hours of hiking (he was such a trooper and only had to be carried for a short 5-minute stretch on the way back), but he fell fast asleep on the bus. So we let him nap for an hour, then headed back to the thermal springs for some pool time and dinner.

Me, I booked a Swedish massage. The Grand Spa at Tabacon has got to be the nicest spa I have ever visited (not that I have visited many). My massage took place in an outdoor hut with no walls, just a thatched roof, surrounded by tall bamboo groves, lit by candelight, with some new age music piped in. My masseuse did an amazing job, especially on my chronically stiff shoulders and upper back.

We leave for Monteverde in the morning. I'm sorry to be leaving such an amazing place, but I'm sure the next adventure will be just as fabulous. Love Costa Rica so far!