White Water Rafting . . .

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Today we’re in Costa Rica. Last time here. I love this country with all of it’s lush jungle.

There was a crew tour organized for today - white water rafting. Lots of crew went on the tour which was pretty exciting.

I was nervous. After nearly drowning in the Nile while white water rafting, I’ve got a bit of a fear of white water. But on the Nile we were doing class 5 rapids and today we were only going as high as class 3. My thinking was therefore it would be easier. My hope was today would help rid of me of this developed fear.

The drive to the river was about an hour and a half. It was overcast and we hit the odd spot of rain. But still, such a nice drive through the Costa Rican countryside. I love the trees, the plants along the road. The rivers we cross over. The villages - some rough, some picturesque. How we’ll cut straight through forest, but then the landscape opens to rolling mountains and valleys covered in gorgeous green.

I love the rainforest, especially here. I will definitely miss it when I go home. We have beautiful forests, but they’re completely different from these.

So, when we finally reached the river, we first stopped for a lunch break. Then got back on the bus for another 10 minute drive. Then we were transferred to two smaller vehicles: a small bus and the back of a pick-up truck. We were rather entertained by the group of us herded like cattle in the back of the pick-up. We were brought downhill to the river, given our equipment and put into teams.

I went with Marchelle (the Youth Director), Suzy (dancer) and two camp girls, Stella and Nadia. We were the only team of all girls - but we did it as well as everyone else.

Again, I was sooooo nervous. I was just expecting the intensity of the Nile and was so afraid of being thrown in the water and not being able to get air.

But it realyl was nothing. I mean, the rapids were good enough for a fun ride, lots of splashing and a few heart-racing moments. But my nerves were the worst part!

We had a lto of fun having paddle-splashing wars with the other rafts. In one quieter section of the river, we got to jump out and swim alongside the raft . . . Trying to get back into the raft was an adventure on it’s own . . . Suzy and I were flailing around and laughing all over the place. Finally the guide helped me up and then I heaved Suzy out - a good skill I picked up on the Nile. She was shocked how quickly I hauled her up! Then - boom! - right back into another rapid.

The scenery was gorgeous. Dramatic mountains and cliffs covered with lush jungle, rose on both sides of the river. It was overcast and at one point rained, but it somehow just made the scenery more dramatic.

Being down there on that river was so so awesome. I had a moment where I just thought to myself that soon I would be home again, so far away from this adventure and life here that I feel so settled in. But I’ll look back and think “Yup, I was there, white water rafting in Costa Rica”.

I’m a lucky kid.

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Comments

[Aunt Renee]

Thanks for the adventures!!
Hey there Nettie...thanks for taking me on an adventure of a lifetime....I know I'll never visit many of these places in this life but I feel as though I've experienced them all through your blogs.....can't wait to see you xoxo

[swills82]

Pura Vida
You are definitely a lucky kid. Miss you. Looking forward to seeing you and sharing stories :)

[Brooks]

SPLASH
Netter, I am soo proud of you for conquering your fear and getting back in that raft. I am not sure if its the same rapids that I did when I was in Costa Rica. But I agree with you 100% it was one of the coolest things I did on the ship. YEAH,, this has been on heck of a contract for you.