We
traveled into the mountains to see the Arenal volcano.
We didn't know what to expect for
roads but they were as good as any in
KY.
You would find one lane bridges
occasionally on the secondary roads.
We passed roadside stands were
selling bananas, papayas, other fruits
and vegetables.
Wild streams coming down from the
mountains.
And coffee plantations.
We made a stop for souvenirs where
there were craftsmen working.
Some of the products.
Decorations on the building
Unfortunately the volcano was
shrouded in clouds and we could only see
the bottom 10 percent or so.
If you visit make sure that you get
to the western side where you will be able to see the lava fields
(weather permitting).
You may get to see the lava
flowing as well.
Unfortunately the mountain
kept itself hidden so we only saw a very small sample.
In compensation for
our disappointment in missing Arenal we
stopped at a hot spring.
These were a lot more than a spring.
A small river of hot water cascaded
from pool to pool.
We have been in others in the Yukon,
Yellowstone, Greece, and a couple
in New Zealand but these were by far the most plush.
The setting was fantastic.
You could go into any of them and
swim, lounge, or become part of the
torrent.
The stream cooled as it went along so
you could find a place to your
liking by exploring up or downstream.
This waterfall had a bench behind it
where you could sit looking out
through it.
The water temperature at this point
was above body temperature and the
relative humidity was very close to 100% so you couldn't stay long.
Can you see my outline behind the
cataract in the last picture?
This water slide was a lot of fun.
The slide dropped you into a swimming
pool where a wet bar was available for those who were so inclined.
The meal we had at the restaurant
there was excellent.
We discovered a spot with a fountain
modeled after the round rock balls that the indigenous peoples carved.
Before returning to our hotel we
stopped to look at the volcano from Arenal lake.
The clouds still obscured it but they
broke enough for us to see this beautiful sunset.