Zipping in Sarapiqui

Our two hour bus ride took us away from the city of San Jose and into Braulio Carrillo National Preserve. Our guide, Victor, shared local lore and random facts about the rain forest to keep us engaged during the scenic drive through Braulio Carrillo. The bus ride had its moments, like driving through the base of the volcano and watching the clouds embrace the mountains like something from a misty hollywood movie scene. But the real adventure began on the river called Sarapiqui.

The Sarapiqui river is one of only 4 in the world that flows from south to north. Home to countless animals and native plants, the cruise up river towards our canopy entrance was national geographic live! We saw a two toed sloth hanging upside down and munching away at seeds from a tree top. Over a dozen howler monkeys shouted from the trees. Beautiful birds, crocodiles, iguanas, and basilisks all made appearances as well.

When we landed at the canopy base camp, we had another dose of wildlife including poison dart frogs, snakes, and dozens of butterflies. We split into groups for horseback riding and ziplining. Ina and I were pleased to share the tree tops with Dody the Brave, Victoria the Fearless, Matt the Stuntman, and Jim the Safety Guru. Between the six of us, we gave our guides a run for their money. Our horseback riding was fairly uneventful and as always impressive to be on such a huge animal. However, the peacefulness of the horseback ride was a sharp contrast to the adrenaline rush of zip-lining.

It's hard to describe zip-lining. It's a lot like straping a seat belt around your bum, attaching yourself to cable and then letting go as you race from tree top landing to landing. You ignore the fact that you are ridiculously high above the ground, that the suspension bridge is put together with planks and cables that bounce when you walk, and that the howler monkeys are laughing at you. You trust that the clips and cables will keep you from plummeting to the rain forest floor. You just let go. Dody, Victoria, Matt, Jim, Ina, and I quickly learned that if you laugh and don't look down zip-lining is a blast! Ten zip lines later we were safely on the ground again. After a late lunch, we took the river cruise back to Braulio Carrillo and enjoyed a quiet bus ride home.

Tomorrow we are headed for museums and a lazy day in San Jose. Til then,

Love from the land of "Pura Vida,"

Rickelle & Ina

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