Costa Rica day 5

The bed was so comfortable and the air conditioning was a delight!  Our bed faced a double sliding door but it was already dark when we arrived so had no idea what was behind the huge curtain . . .

. . . so I pulled it back . . .

. . . WOW what a view of the Arenal Volcano from our bed!  Unbelievable how clear the view is so I get snap happy because I have read that the clouds move in and then you don't see it for days.  Let me get on the balcony so the bars are gone . . .

Today is one of the activities we have both looked forward to for different reasons . . . it is suppose to be the highlight of the trip.  My nerves are a bit frazzled, but I have no choice but to do this activity.  I am sure not letting my ten year old son do it alone.  Since it is a real thrill, adrenaline rushing activity we both had a light breakfast, and I drank some hot peppermint tea to try and tame my nerves a little bit.  Can you guess what we are doing?  A few hints . . . we will travel between 40-55 miles per hour . . . at the highest point will be 656 feet above the ground . . . and you will probably hear my knees knocking all the way back in Texas!  ZIP LINES TOUR . . .

. . . but first we must be fitted for our gear.  I think we are ready to go . . .

We board a sky tram to go far, far above the trees to the zip line platforms.  The views were amazing and there is not a sound to be heard!  I think our smiles express how we both truly feel at the moment . . .

Amazing views . . .

Guess we are really going to do this . . .

Before you go on the real zip lines there are two short ones for you to get a trial run . . .

I should have known he would be hooked and good!  These short cables let you see if you really want to do all 8 cables because once they push you off of cable 3 there is absolutely no turning back!  The gang was all good to go . . .

So no turning back now.  The kids were all over the place and could not get started fast enough while some of the adults sort of beat around the bush and waited until they had no choice.  Thankfully our group was fun and hilarious all at the same time!  Everyone was encouraging and full of laughs and maybe a few naughty words in the beginning.  Did I mention we would be going up to 55 miles per hour?  The highest cable was 656 feet above ground.  The longest cable was 2660 feet long.  And it only last for less than a minute . . . the longest seconds of my life!  I tell you that when they clip you in and push you off, it takes your breath away and then you look left and look right and realize what an amazing experience.  Granted the photos with your legs spread aren't so attractive but what can you do?

. . . and one time Colin did not make it all the way to the platform so like a pro he turned around and pulled himself in . . .

We survived all eight lines and the only time I was nervous was going down the 60 stairs between number 7 and 8 . . .

My heart was beating so fast as I went down all those stairs but WE DID IT!  I never doubted Colin would do it, but I was not so sure!  Don't really need to rush out and do it again but it was really fun and beautiful.  We loaded up the bus and headed to town to have an hour on our own to eat lunch and do a little shopping.  It was nice to get away from the group just the two of us and hang out.  Of course Colin spotted the POPS ice cream shop . . .

. . . he had his usual chocolate and vanilla while I had coconut today!  We headed back to the bus at the meeting time and were greeted by this guy which quickly ran off into the trees, thankfully!

This tour is packed full of adventures and activities . . . of course you can do as much or as little as you wish but my thought is if I am here and something is planned, we are going.  Today's optional activity was a visit with members of the Maleku tribe to learn about their culture.  They taught us a few words in their language, about their culture, and then we did a painting activity . . . super fun and a great souvenir from our trip too!

While you can't imagine having anything else to do for the day, we then head out to the Hidalgo Hot Springs to relax in the super warm hot springs.

After an hour of relaxing in the hot springs, we had a nice enjoyable dinner before heading back to the hotel for bed!  We had our own 'turtle' nesting on the hot tub . . .

. . . and then I took a shower and looked up to see a lizard watching me.  Tomorrow brings yet another exciting adventure . . .