Updates post Arenal Visit

We went to Arenal Volcano. No lava since the start of the year. It had a lot of clouds on it 99% of the time but it did clear up a bit here and there and you can see the stem on the peak to the left side. 






We went for a horse back ride while there, the kids loved it!









The kids did a 2.5 hrs hike, we saw spider and howler monkeys but taking picutures of monkeys in a tree is hard to get.  We also saw a water fall.  Up at the hotel there were all these really tall eucalyptus and pine trees.  They were planted for lumber to save the native trees that take longer to grow.

We then drove to the 'Cloud Forest' a nature preserve.  Saw the contential divide and lots flowers.  We didn't see any of the frogs but we did a zip line tour.  It was the highlight of the trip.  They have cables strung between trees and platforms and you put on a climbing harness and zip from tree to tree.  EVERYONE loved it!

Enlarge this picture to see the fear in momma's eyes, this is the first one.  The kids were supper excited.  Since we were up at the rain forest there was a light rain, that's why the coats.



Momma just went and she thought it was fun.  There were 8 or so tree to tree lines, two rappels and a tarzan swing.







The kids all had to go with a guide.  You use your gloved hand to brake at the end of the line.  You go fast.  The kids did go on a couple solo and also did the rappels solo  Not enough photos or video because of low camera battery. 




We plan to go again when the Q family comes to visit.

Having a rental car for a few extra days after the trip let me to explore a few other surf spots.  Got some good surf in Hermosa, Esterillos West 10min drive or 1hr walk from the house, and Jaco (no good didn't get in).  Surf was smaller and really fun/good today!  No luck fishing yet but I keep trying.