Myth number 1: there is such a thing as a "dry season" in a rainforest. Or in Monteverde, more accurately a cloud forest. I believe the distinction is the altitude. Driving around is quite interesting as you go into pretty deep cloud cover for periods of time, which makes it more exciting! :o)
Sam's bucket list
Item #122: Canopy tour/zip line--- CHECK!
I did it. Well, more accurately, Marcello and I did it, but more on that.. We got to Selvatura Part and my heart started to race. I'm not only afraid of heights, but the height and speed.. well, let's say I tried my best to not think too much (yes, Jason, it's possible). We got geared up in the harness and the helmet, of which I have a lovely photo to remember the moment. I then made up my mind that I was going tandem (taxi, as they call it.) Standing at the top of the first platform with my heart racing, I knew there was no way I was doing this without someone else. So, Marcello to the rescue! What more could I want than an adorable Costa Rican guide to go with me. I apologized in advance for the volume that I knew would come, and he just laughed. Silly man. Marcello must mean either "hero" or "man with bloody ears." I let out a yelp as we jumped off, and what a thrill it was! It took me two trips off the platform to open my eyes and look, but i was glad I did. The trees rushed by and the rain pelted my face. The views were gorgeous.
Until I got caught on a platform in a wind gust (thankfully, not hanging on the line.) The platforms do move a bit which didn't have me feeling very happy. It was only two to the end, and a huge gust (mind you, the entire time was windy) blew causing the guys on the platform to yell "grab the line." I won't repeat what I said.. There was a "Jesus" swing as well, where people could jump off the platform and swing. Much like bungee jumping. Um.. no way in hell anything but my corpse was doing that one. It was great fun to watch and the men yelped more than the women! What a hoot.
15 lines we slid down. I'm glad I did it, I am, but probably won't be doing it again anytime soon. Unless I see Marcello again. :o)
Almost forgot to mention (actually I did, and just went back in to edit) the last zip line was over 1KM!! OMG, I was scared half to death. It went on and on into the clouds and we went so quickly! It was funny as it ended up as three of us (a guide, me and melanie.) We noticed once we got in that no one went solo on this one as it was so long. This was was really incredibly fast, and with the wind and rain, I actually couldn't see. About 3/4 the way through it, I was able to look (though I'm not sure that was the best idea.) Apparently this is one of the longest zip lines and it was something!
We saw an interesting animal when we got back to the lodge. I'm not sure what it was-- was like a raccoon in size and manner, but had a longer pointy nose. I got my camera out and was just prepared to click when a rather brilliant person ran over to greet it. Yeah. So the creature ran off and no one caught it on film. What a shame, but hopefully we'll see one tomorrow during our Monteverde cloud forest tour. We're going early to hopefully see more wildlife.
We got back and I have only been this wet once in my life I think! It took work to strip off our saturated clothes, and of course it's cold and windy so we were frozen. Decided to grab a bite to warm up and headed to Morphos. Sandy, for your benefit (as I know you love to know about the restaurants!) Morphos was a very cute little place in the center of town near our hotel. It was raining so hard we did choose to drive there. It was decorated with butterflies everywhere, and candle light. The food was fantastic. Melanie got arroz con camarones (rice and shrimp) which was fabulous. Had a lot of cilantro, which was unexpected. I got curried chicken and pineapples which was very good as well. We got got hot tea (for the obvious reason) and headed out to look for a laundry to dry our clothes. With the cold temps and humidity, we don't think our stuff will dry. Oh, and no heat in the room! This was the most expensive laundromat I've ever seen! We didn't even ask for them to wash, only dry a load of clothes and two pairs of sneakers, and it was around $25!!! They said the sneakers will take two hours (???) I was debating just trying to light a fire and hanging them over, but I'd probably get arrested! It would have been less costly to get waterproof boots, though my fleece managed to get soaked under my waterproof jacket. The wind and water apparently found a few not perfectly fastened parts!!
So, came back to the hotel for a bit, and then need to pick our nice and toasty clothes up at the laundromat. Expecting a rather cold night, but thankfully I brought my fleece pjs and melanie flannel. Yeah, what a hot picture I know, but we'll be toasty at least!!!
Tomorrow's weather is expected to be like today, so we'll probably have another fortune in dryer bills! I did bring my keens and may just wear them instead of soaking my hiking shoes every day. The room doesn't have a hair dryer either which we figure doesn't matter much! Within a few minutes of stepping outside we're soaked anyways!!!
Enjoying the trip, though this weather does make me appreciate Phoenix!!! I'll post again tomorrow.
Sam
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Costa Rica Adventures
Welcome to Costa Rica!
Although Melanie's first flight was delayed, we both made it in at the same time. The airport is small so it was easy to find each other. My flight was interesting, only in the fact that I thought up a perfect Mythbusters episode. Ever hear the saying "she screamed so loudly that she could break glass?" Well, maybe it's not a good Mythbusters show premise, as it was disproved on my flight. It would have been quite an impressive showing though, had it been a larger space (and not sitting RIGHT next to me!!)
We get to the hotel at around 10:30 or so, after an interesting meandering trip, ready to check in and get some sleep. The roads are unmarked, and while our map had lots of good detail, it was still pretty confusing. We stopped at a supermarket to get me a toothbrush (oops) and a few big bottles of water. While walking to the car, two cars swerved around a speedbump in the lot aimed right at me! I stood there in astonishment and scurried off. This was only a view of what was to come while driving!!!! The hotel was a bit spread out so someone walked us over to our room. Or what he suspected was our room. The key didn't fit the lock, and over 10 minutes of rapid fire spanish ensued on a walkie talkie trying to figure out what the problem was. Then his frustration was shared with us, also in rapid-fire spanish. My tired brain just barely comprehended enough to realize we weren't sleeping anytime soon.
Maybe 30 minutes later, we drive to another part of the property to find the door that fits our key. The room was quite cute with a tile floor, and brightly colored walls. It was hot and muggy out, and we were so excited to find we had air conditioning to take some of the humidity out for a bit.
We woke up really early this morning and decided to get on the road. Our next stop, Monteverde, is only something like 60 miles away, and we were curious why it would take four hours. Ha! Had breakfast at an outside little restaurant at hotel, joined by a very friendly dog. (Yeah, I know, but Barb, I didn't touch her at first!) She had a cute pink collar with a tag "Marilyn." After my first cup of coffee it dawned on me that the inside part of the restaurant is plastered with over 100 pictures of the goddess herself, Ms. Monroe. So maybe Marilyn is the reincarnation of THE Marilyn. For some reason, it seems oddly appropriate and twisted all at the same time.
Breakfast was local fare with an omelette and surprisingly hot peppers, queso, tomatoes. Also watermelon, papaya, fresh pineapple, stewed plantains, and they had some other things like rice and beans and potatoes.
Hit the road and again had some challenges navigating. We aimed for the Pan-American Hwy, unmarked, though after a bit we realized it's a route 1. We did end up off it once accidentally (goes to show how small this "highway" is!) Cars passing on the road enter the approaching traffic, and it's the approaching traffic's responsibility to move out of the way to not be hit dead on. Interesting, esp when it's motorcycles coming at you, or trucks! My favorite part of the directions goes something like this "continue past the big reg La Cuera sign, then take a left after the soccer field." Truly. Around 21 km from Monteverde the road turned to gravel, and not for the faint of heart. If you plan to do this trek, be sure to have a steady car, and a steady bra as well! It was as bumpy as any four wheeling I've done, complete with steep drop offs and trees down in a few places. Dad, do not EVER bring your lovely wife here (unless she's muzzled in the backseat with a blindfold!) We passed goats in the road, some loose dogs (that mostly look in great condition, as in Peru), bulls and cows and some horses.
We got into town (Santa Elena) and checked in. Our hotel is adorable! Very cute, beautifully landscaped. The room is very sparse but nice with a nice view. It's much cooler there and windy (probably 60s vs 80s) and so muggy still. No hairdryer in the room, which is probably just as well as with the humidity our hair won't dry anyways. Speaking of which, I'm already looking like I could compete in the "white Diana Ross contest." Um.. yeah. I have curles on curles!
When we checked in we were warned to not leave anything on our balcony, due to the two dogs who live on the property. "they're puppies" she said sheepishly "and they like to steal things!" We heard them barking but haven't seen them yet. There are two cats in the lobby as well, and yes Barb, I did pet them.
Went to a place called Stella's that people on the fodors talk site raved about. I got a pollo empanada (good, but not like Peru!!) and Melanie got a quiche. I heard about the sandwiches there but saw no sign, that is, until after we ordered and someone brought this hulking sandwich out! Just as well (and I'll explain in a moment.) We got milk shakes as well. Saw a beautiful bird outside, sitting on a platform with some watermelon and got a shot!
Got back to our hotel to see if they were able to book us on the El Trapiche tour today (it's a sugar cane plantation, and a coffee plantation.) They are not answering for some reason, so instead we're booked on a canopy tour (the reason I'm glad for the very small lunch.) Mom-- continue reading at your own risk... So in an hour, we're set to do the zip lines. EEEK! I was told that I can do it in tandem, and asked if an option was for the poor soul doing it with me to hold their hands over my mouth so as not to pierce their ears with my screams. I think she thought I was joking...
Tomorrow we are doing an early tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the best time to see wildlife. Then hopefully El Trapiche, and the butterfly farm and Frog farm (why not!?)
I'll probably post later tonight or tomorrow... I think I need to throw up now. :o)
Although Melanie's first flight was delayed, we both made it in at the same time. The airport is small so it was easy to find each other. My flight was interesting, only in the fact that I thought up a perfect Mythbusters episode. Ever hear the saying "she screamed so loudly that she could break glass?" Well, maybe it's not a good Mythbusters show premise, as it was disproved on my flight. It would have been quite an impressive showing though, had it been a larger space (and not sitting RIGHT next to me!!)
We get to the hotel at around 10:30 or so, after an interesting meandering trip, ready to check in and get some sleep. The roads are unmarked, and while our map had lots of good detail, it was still pretty confusing. We stopped at a supermarket to get me a toothbrush (oops) and a few big bottles of water. While walking to the car, two cars swerved around a speedbump in the lot aimed right at me! I stood there in astonishment and scurried off. This was only a view of what was to come while driving!!!! The hotel was a bit spread out so someone walked us over to our room. Or what he suspected was our room. The key didn't fit the lock, and over 10 minutes of rapid fire spanish ensued on a walkie talkie trying to figure out what the problem was. Then his frustration was shared with us, also in rapid-fire spanish. My tired brain just barely comprehended enough to realize we weren't sleeping anytime soon.
Maybe 30 minutes later, we drive to another part of the property to find the door that fits our key. The room was quite cute with a tile floor, and brightly colored walls. It was hot and muggy out, and we were so excited to find we had air conditioning to take some of the humidity out for a bit.
We woke up really early this morning and decided to get on the road. Our next stop, Monteverde, is only something like 60 miles away, and we were curious why it would take four hours. Ha! Had breakfast at an outside little restaurant at hotel, joined by a very friendly dog. (Yeah, I know, but Barb, I didn't touch her at first!) She had a cute pink collar with a tag "Marilyn." After my first cup of coffee it dawned on me that the inside part of the restaurant is plastered with over 100 pictures of the goddess herself, Ms. Monroe. So maybe Marilyn is the reincarnation of THE Marilyn. For some reason, it seems oddly appropriate and twisted all at the same time.
Breakfast was local fare with an omelette and surprisingly hot peppers, queso, tomatoes. Also watermelon, papaya, fresh pineapple, stewed plantains, and they had some other things like rice and beans and potatoes.
Hit the road and again had some challenges navigating. We aimed for the Pan-American Hwy, unmarked, though after a bit we realized it's a route 1. We did end up off it once accidentally (goes to show how small this "highway" is!) Cars passing on the road enter the approaching traffic, and it's the approaching traffic's responsibility to move out of the way to not be hit dead on. Interesting, esp when it's motorcycles coming at you, or trucks! My favorite part of the directions goes something like this "continue past the big reg La Cuera sign, then take a left after the soccer field." Truly. Around 21 km from Monteverde the road turned to gravel, and not for the faint of heart. If you plan to do this trek, be sure to have a steady car, and a steady bra as well! It was as bumpy as any four wheeling I've done, complete with steep drop offs and trees down in a few places. Dad, do not EVER bring your lovely wife here (unless she's muzzled in the backseat with a blindfold!) We passed goats in the road, some loose dogs (that mostly look in great condition, as in Peru), bulls and cows and some horses.
We got into town (Santa Elena) and checked in. Our hotel is adorable! Very cute, beautifully landscaped. The room is very sparse but nice with a nice view. It's much cooler there and windy (probably 60s vs 80s) and so muggy still. No hairdryer in the room, which is probably just as well as with the humidity our hair won't dry anyways. Speaking of which, I'm already looking like I could compete in the "white Diana Ross contest." Um.. yeah. I have curles on curles!
When we checked in we were warned to not leave anything on our balcony, due to the two dogs who live on the property. "they're puppies" she said sheepishly "and they like to steal things!" We heard them barking but haven't seen them yet. There are two cats in the lobby as well, and yes Barb, I did pet them.
Went to a place called Stella's that people on the fodors talk site raved about. I got a pollo empanada (good, but not like Peru!!) and Melanie got a quiche. I heard about the sandwiches there but saw no sign, that is, until after we ordered and someone brought this hulking sandwich out! Just as well (and I'll explain in a moment.) We got milk shakes as well. Saw a beautiful bird outside, sitting on a platform with some watermelon and got a shot!
Got back to our hotel to see if they were able to book us on the El Trapiche tour today (it's a sugar cane plantation, and a coffee plantation.) They are not answering for some reason, so instead we're booked on a canopy tour (the reason I'm glad for the very small lunch.) Mom-- continue reading at your own risk... So in an hour, we're set to do the zip lines. EEEK! I was told that I can do it in tandem, and asked if an option was for the poor soul doing it with me to hold their hands over my mouth so as not to pierce their ears with my screams. I think she thought I was joking...
Tomorrow we are doing an early tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, the best time to see wildlife. Then hopefully El Trapiche, and the butterfly farm and Frog farm (why not!?)
I'll probably post later tonight or tomorrow... I think I need to throw up now. :o)
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Harmon's 14th Birthday Party
In honor of my very special boy, I wanted to post his birthday party pictures. November 6, 2008 marks three wonderful years since he's come home, and I wanted to do something special to commemorate the day. A good time was had by all!
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| Harmon's 14th Birthday Party 11/9/08 |
Denver with Mason
I snuck in a weekend trip to visit with my very favorite nephew, Mason. He's so cute (unbiased opinion, of course!) I got to go on a great hike with my brother as well. We had planned to go sledding, but the storm missed the mountains. I'm sure I'll be hitting my snow quota there soon enough!
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| Mason in Denver |
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| Mason in Denver |
Back to Boston
This trip started as my musings of what I'd like to do for my birthday, and became a wonderful week reconnecting with my friends in New England. I spent time with my best friend Tom, his crazy dog Becca and his wonderful roommate (who made me a birthday cake!) I visited with Kristin (college), Lauri and Fang (worked with both of them).
I also spent time in my New England "Happy Places": Boston, Newport, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, and Amherst/Northampton. My birthday was wonderful! I got to spend it with Katya, whom I used to mentor when she was in high school. We kicked around Boston, had lunch at my favorite restaurant in the North End (Assagio), enjoyed a cannoli in an italian bakery, then I high-tailed it up to Maine where my other birthday wish came true: I dipped my toes in the sand in Ogunquit. Had a wonderful day up there as well. I got to see the Nubble Lighthouse, walk the marginal way (Ogunquit) and the cliffwalk (Newport), and dine in my favorite restaurants in Northhampton and Amherst, as well as fit in a quick driving tour around my former college campus.
Then I had a special trip to meet Sheryl, whom I've been chatting with through the Best Friends network for quite a while. I met her and her husband Chris, as well as her furry crew of four cats (Teazer, Bailer, Jewel and the very special "Sammy the Serpent.") We had a beautifully crisp fall day and had a great time talking in person!
The trip was really wonderful and I'll admit to being the tiniest bit homesick for New England..
I also spent time in my New England "Happy Places": Boston, Newport, Ogunquit and Kennebunkport, and Amherst/Northampton. My birthday was wonderful! I got to spend it with Katya, whom I used to mentor when she was in high school. We kicked around Boston, had lunch at my favorite restaurant in the North End (Assagio), enjoyed a cannoli in an italian bakery, then I high-tailed it up to Maine where my other birthday wish came true: I dipped my toes in the sand in Ogunquit. Had a wonderful day up there as well. I got to see the Nubble Lighthouse, walk the marginal way (Ogunquit) and the cliffwalk (Newport), and dine in my favorite restaurants in Northhampton and Amherst, as well as fit in a quick driving tour around my former college campus.
Then I had a special trip to meet Sheryl, whom I've been chatting with through the Best Friends network for quite a while. I met her and her husband Chris, as well as her furry crew of four cats (Teazer, Bailer, Jewel and the very special "Sammy the Serpent.") We had a beautifully crisp fall day and had a great time talking in person!
The trip was really wonderful and I'll admit to being the tiniest bit homesick for New England..
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| Trip to Boston 11/08 |
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| Trip to Boston 2 |
October 2-6th: NYC with the Ya-Yas!!
It's been two years since the last Ya-Yas and Ya-Yits (Ya-Yas in Training) adventure, so I jetted across the country to meet up with them. It was a smaller crew, Carol (aka. Buffalo Woman), Chris, Lisa and me, but that didn't stop the fun!
Lisa and I got there a day before the rest, so we walked the city a bit and then enjoyed a night on the town. We had a fabulous dinner at 21, followed by Wicked on Broadway. I enjoyed it much more than I expected, and it was a lot of fun. We did lots of walking, shopping and of course, eating! I got my two favorite Manhattan things: pizza (of course, the way it's supposed to be made!) and a macaron, to enable me to reminisce of my Parisian adventure a few years ago. Breakfast at our favorite diner around the corner then back off to the airport. Just a long weekend but it was a great time!
Lisa and I got there a day before the rest, so we walked the city a bit and then enjoyed a night on the town. We had a fabulous dinner at 21, followed by Wicked on Broadway. I enjoyed it much more than I expected, and it was a lot of fun. We did lots of walking, shopping and of course, eating! I got my two favorite Manhattan things: pizza (of course, the way it's supposed to be made!) and a macaron, to enable me to reminisce of my Parisian adventure a few years ago. Breakfast at our favorite diner around the corner then back off to the airport. Just a long weekend but it was a great time!
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