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Harman Family Trip
Harman Family Trip
By The Harman Family
June 1, 1999 |
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The Costa Rica Harman Family Vacation Slide Show - By The Harman Family. The approximate running time is 10 minutes. Please be patient while the PowerPoint presentation (7.62MB in size) downloads.
DAY 1: We arrived in San Jose at 8:30am and were met by our Guide Jim. We then got a quick tour of San Jose as we drove through the city (that is all we really needed). We were then driven up and over the grade to the Caribbean side. We then boarded a small open-air boat for a cruise on the jungle canals to Tortuguero. We saw several alligators, howler monkeys and numerous birds on the way, the trip was really very nice. We stopped at a nice picnic area along the way for lunch. Mid afternoon we arrived at Tortuga Lodge, which sits right next to the river, has beautiful gardens, nice big rooms and great food. Just before dusk we were taken across the river to the Green Turtle beach. You could see many marks were the large turtles had come up and dug out holes for their eggs. We were lucky enough to see one of the newly hatched turtle make his way down to the ocean.
DAY 2: After breakfast and seeing two river otters we took a boat ride with our same driver Franklin. There was a little rain, but nothing bad. We saw Howler, Spider, and White Faced Monkeys. We also saw many birds, butterflies, lizards, caiman and a sloth. We went back to the lodge for a nice lunch and then off again for another great afternoon on the canals. We were lucky to sea two river otters up close, as they had just gotten themselves a nice fish. We also visited the Caribbean Conservation Corporation research center and museum. The weather was great the rest of the day and we had a delicious dinner.
Day 3: Another beautiful day and great breakfast, then we were off in a very small airplane to Arenal Volcano. When we arrived we had a fantastic view of the volcano with no clouds. Our new driver Bernardo then drove us to the Montana Del Fuego Inn. The rooms were large separate cottages with an excellent view of the volcano out the front window and a beautiful valley out the back. The pool area was really nice with a swim up bar, that we took advantage of in the afternoon. We then took off for a nice hike around the volcano. After the hike we had lunch at the Inn. After lunch we hiked down to Fortuna Falls, the falls are very pretty in a very lush setting. We had dinner at a very good local restaurant with a view of the volcano and saw some red lava rocks roll down the side.
Day 4: First thing in the morning we were off for our mountain bike ride around part of Arenal Lake. The bikes were not in very good shape, but the views and the ride were really nice. After our biking we came back to change and then off to town for lunch. After a nice lunch we were taken to a private hot springs, which we had all to ourselves. The water was wonderful and we all had a lot of fun. That night we tried a new restaurant in the local town.
Day 5: After a quick morning breakfast we were driven to Lake Arenal and took a 30-minute boat ride across the lake. We then mounted our horses and were off for a 3-hour horse ride and then an hour car ride to Monteverde Lodge. After checking in we went to the Butterfly Garden, which was really interesting-four different habitats represented. Then back to our wonderful lodge with good food and a great bar for drinks and relaxation.
Day 6: This morning we were up for an early breakfast and off for our hike in the cloud forest. It is a very fascinating spot and we were really lucky to see the Resplendent Quetzal. Their mating season was over and only three had been spotted recently. We were able to see two of them. They were in the canopy and without a good telescopic lens; I was not able to get a good photo. Hopefully Holly, Bill or Carol got a good picture. On the way back to the lodge we stopped at the local cheese factory for a quick tour. A great lunch and then we were off to the Sky Walk. It was scary for me crossing seven very high and long suspension bridges. Everyone else really enjoyed it and got to see some Howler monkeys very close.
Day 7: Up for an early breakfast and then our long drive to Tamarindo and the Pacific Ocean. We arrived around noon and had a nice lunch overlooking the pool and the ocean. The hotel was really nice with great rooms and Iguanas around the pool. After lunch we walked into the local town to do a little shopping and sight seeing. After an early afternoon dinner we were picked up for our turtle walk. We took a night walk with a trained guide and were able to witness up close a Leatherback Turtle laying her eggs. We then got to watch her cover them up. It was a once in a lifetime experience not to be missed.
Day 8: Up early again and off on our kayaking tour in the estuary. Some of the Kayaks needed repair and Holly's sank at one point. At another spot we were looking at some baby caiman, when Sherry fell off into the water. The guide got her back on very quickly as the mother caiman was around somewhere. All in all it was pretty exciting. That took up most of the morning. After lunch all of us except Bill went on a snorkeling trip. Bill met a couple of guys and they took him down the coast surfing, he had a great time. Our small boat ride out to snorkel was pretty exciting with the high swells. We were tossed around pretty good, but the snorkeling was good.
Day 9: Nice early breakfast and then a morning run on the beach. A little time to relax by the pool while feeding the Iguanas by hand. After lunch we were off for our plane ride to San Jose. After arriving in San Jose we did a little shopping before we were dropped at the Xandari Plantation. It sits on a hill overlooking San Jose. The rooms were beautiful with great views. There are seven waterfalls you can hike to, really a great place. Had a great dinner while overlooking the city lights.
Day 10: Up early for a great breakfast and a little hike. Then off to the airport to fly home (DARN).
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