Meeting Cheddar

When Jeff lived here in Monteverde (which translates to Green Mountain) he took in and adopted a scrappy little Companion dog he need Cheddar. Jeff introduced her to the butterfly garden. Even when he used to call home to check in with Rich and I from CR, we would hear about Cheddar. When he returned to the states and told stories they usually included Cheddar.  He never expected to see Cheddar again.

Here they are reunited at the butterfly garden 8 years later.  This poor girl has had a hard life and could tell you hundreds of stories. Someone should make a movie about her life and adventures.  Dogs are not treated like they are in the US.  This encounter made my heart sing... Happy to meet cheddar.

When we came back to hike a few days later around the garden she came to the car to greet us..

Finally getting around to posting this story that was started 10 days ago. Just had to share this sweet moment from vacation. 

Coming Back Someday

Last full day in Arenal, and the top of the volcano has been clear all day.  By far the best weather day. Just wondering why vacation always does that with the weather? Saves the best for last.  Blue skies, no rains and today we never left the property, no bumpy roads from the back seat.

This is the live blog view at the moment so clear and a little steam on the top...4:06 pm 

We enjoyed a visit from this guy on our patio this morning about 6:00am... Hunter rises about 5:30 am before the wild life is up.  Wish I could bring the critter home, you know I would.

After breakfast we enjoyed some great birding (bird watching) from our room. I believe Heather is over 60 birds on her list that she has seen so far, while working for her "birder badge". She may only have 999 more to go here in Costa Rica. Jeff has captured some amazing video.  Thinking we should open a Costa Rica tourism board at Hylands Island for anyone who wants to come here in the future.  

I highly recommend the lodge where we are staying.  I will gets more pictures up. The views never get old no matter what the weather is doing. To bad the Marriott can't adopt them so I could stay on points next time. 

After Hunters morning nap we hiked this trail today. Hardest one on the property 

Reminds me of the hike to queens bath in Kauai times 10.  Apparently it used to be longer and you could hike up the lava flow trails. Now it stops at the river.  Slippery, muddy, down hill with lots of tree roots and elevation (reminder to self I have to come back up). A lady named Terri stopped and gave me her hiking stick about a third of the way down.  She was my piece of heaven today.  Really, I am such a whimp.... Heather, just trucking along enjoying the moment and the beauty, Jeff with a 35 pound toddler on his back carrying a tripod, large camera with a lens.  Me with a heaven stick..  I was saying as my feet caught one of the 800 tree roots "thank heavens for this stick" and the lady who stopped to give it to me, don't know her but love her.  Otherwise, I would have face planted and looked like one of those roots. At one point I did fall I was muddy and back in the states you would pay good money for this type of exploration at a spa.  Four hours later a swim in the pool and the jacuzzi and it is still stuck in my pores. It may be coming home as a souvenir, will it ever come off?  Just for the record met up with my stick lady later in the day and wanted to kiss her for giving me the stick or else I would still be in the junngle... Best part she and the hubby had adult libations at the pool. 

Defiantly, we were nuts and some of the things we did on this adventure were crazy, scarey and beyond the normal adventure mode. Being on top of one another and so close to your family for 21 days not always the Ozzie and Harriet moments they show on TV.  But, as the adventure draws to a close you have to ask yourself, if given the opportunity to do it again would you????? YES, I would and I know my adventurous family would agree. A million times YES....

You know it is time  go home when you have major unibrow... Maintenance here I come. 

thunder clouds and it looks like two suns over the lake.  Soaking up the last of an amazing experience.  

Painting sunset tonight over the lake. God was the artist !!! 

Today and Arenal

Taking a walk in the rain forest sure does not look like Irvine.  

Morning entertainment. This place blows (no pun intended being close to a semi active volcano) my socks off. The rooms are great especially now that we moved from the two queen (some people had to sleep with a rolling toddler in between, Jeff took a couple of toddler punches to the face in the middle of the night) room to the junior suite.  Last nights room was called the Smithsonian. The loge was at one time the observation location for the Smithsonian.  Great way to wrap up and end our trip.  Check these volcano view changes out from the iPhone while driving.   There is steam coming out the top.....they say we are very safe here at the lodge!

 

And this is how it looks from the lodge at 4:59 pm

It reminds of a canvas painting that keeps changing every few minutes.

Want to share the way to the pool pictures.

Cross the suspension bridge

Arrive at the pool area check out the rain forest behind the pool

The water was very cold

Here is our trail guide this morning for our hike to the waterfall. He's a little young but he can spot a lizzard, animal or butterfly with a big ohhhohhhoh from a block away.  He has probably had more nature in the last 17 days than some have in a lifetime.

Hugs to all only 2 full days left in CR, than Tuesday we travel home...  

Heather in Costa Rica Experience

When I was 5 years old I was obsessed with birds already. I did yard work for neighbors and helped out with certain chores to make money to buy my own bird seed for my 20 feeders. I told my parents all I wanted for my birthday was a pair of adult binoculars. I wrote down all the birds that came to my feeder in scribble! Haha 

I always looked at national geographic and ranger Rick. It was my dream to see all these beautiful exotic animals in Costa Rica that I saw in these magazines and on PBS Nature. I was already a nature nerd. Now I am here and I am not disappointed!!! It has been everything and more! 

Costa Rica is a country of abundance when it comes to green plants, tasty fruits, amazing animals and kind people. The people called Ticos and Ticas love their country, care for the environment and live simply which we could all learn from. They live not wanting, they live happy lives. I learned so much here. 

We take so much for granted and when I see you can have so much with so little it warms my heart and makes me feel a bit guilty for wanting more sometimes.... Pura Vida, Costa Rica! Your green, pure and lovely country is staying in my heart and this trip will be filled with memories with my family that I will never forget.

Sloth Sanctuary, crazy boat rides, coffee tours, orchid gardens, howler monkeys howling at 4 am to say good morning, Hunter seeing a sloth and all these animals for the first time, watching Jackie see these animals for the first time and cursing at the horrible horse flies around here! Lol  Me, getting crazy about everyone wearing insect spray because I hate bites! Watching Jeff like a kid in a candy shop with his camera getting great shots of wildlife. I love my family they have all been so brave and strong through a fun, challenging trip. 

Hunter is the most amazing toddler ever! He just soaked it all up and loved every minute of nature. He loved exploring the sights and sounds and believe it or not his favorite animals were the cows on the farms hahahaha he thought the monkeys were cool but when we saw cows he screamed OHHHHH and pointed to the window for Jeff to roll it down so he could moooo at them. 

3 weeks here living out of a suitcase has been tiring at times and I give us all kudos for our patience for this trip because sometimes it's tough on the road! 

I want to thank Jackie for her support and taking this adventure with us that has been on our minds for a long time, Jeff for being an amazing man, son, husband and father and lifting everything and taking care of all of us and our Hunter Bug for being the bravest Toddler around and taking this magical, epic trip with us!

To all my friends and family back home... You want adventure and the trip of a lifetime? Costa Rica BABY!

Life

Hello from Costa Rica ....   

Really.....August 20th had a nice blog post and zap! The fact that there is no internet at the VRBO it is gone and not saved.  It was really good if I do say so myself so for now I will try and remember what updates there where and how many more dirt roads I can write about and crazy drivers. Currently, nicely secured in the house as we here the roaring thunder in the distance while Hunter naps. Seems we all take a rest when Hunter naps. 

Catching up....

Last Saturday before we left the Puerto Viejo area close to sunset, Jeff, Heather Hunter and myself scattered some of Rich's ashes in the warm Caribbean Sea at the National Park in Cahuita. When Hunter saw the ocean he was smiling and laughing and pulling away from the hand holding his as hard as he could to get in the water.  It was like he was seeing an old friend and he was just happy to have his toes in the sand and warm water on his feet (such a Hyland). Soon he was down to his diaper which soaked up half the sea and must have weighed 30 pounds, soon that was discard too. 

It wasn't the Caribbean we experienced on the Sabore, but it is the Caribbean, where Rich and I did manage to vacation a few times with outstanding memories. Rich, would be pleased and it pleased us to leave some of him in this amazing part of the world. Once we were done it felt like a piece was missing although it was a peaceful feeling. He had been in my back pack and gone everywhere on the trip. Some day I hope Hunter returns to this spot as a grown up with his children and scatters some my ashes here with Rich. 

The sad didn't come just a calm feeling of moving forward and this is how life is going to look and feel now and in the future. It was a moment. I felt blessed.  Was life how I pictured it. No but all the pieces of the past collided to bring this joyful thankful moment. I gave thanks and prayed to my Lord and Savior Jesus. 

Just a moment to blog and share.  More importantly to keep the memory fresh for the future. Love, hugs, prayers, blessings and Aloha.   

I miss the internet... I can't even read or catch up on what I posted previously.  I have no idea what is happening in the world.  No TV, no radio...very refreshing in a way.  Praying all of you who read this are safe and healthy.  

A few more pics from the burn Hike...

Pictures from dinner before we left Puerto Viejo.

A sloth at dinner that evening above our head where we were eating dinner.  

Where had dinner was on top of the waves... Can't get this close in so cal.

 

Dale and Diane check out this hammock at the restaurant.  Right over the water.  I did not try it not even for a photo op.  

Catching up Feel the Burn

This post was started on the 19th... Finally getting time to post.

Feel the burn.  What a hike we had this morning at a national park close to the VBRO we hiked all over the park very steep in place and 100's of steps going up and down hill on a tiny narrow path in some spots the path was invisible from the wet leaves covering the ground.  Oh my, at times it was uphill, uphill and more uphill (feel the burn).  While trying to watch our slippery steps these giant horse flies were trying to carry us off the mountain buzzing our ears and trying to bite us.  I felt like a circus performer and I had it easy trying to balance on a narrow, wet slippery path and swat flies at the same time, with arms flapping and naughty words flying from my mouth .  Jeff had the same conditions with Hunter in the back pack.  Heather just kept chugging along looking like a graceful bird with her swatting. 

Taking a break at the moment at a great cafe to let our bodies recover. TheOrchid besides good food has internet.  Such a novelty internet (our current VRBO is supposed to have internet but it is broken, they had to take the router and you can't drive down the street to a computer store and just replace it probably a 4 hour drive to San Jose)  We have eaten at the Orchid 3 times so far, not just for the internet it has great atmosphere and yummy food too.   Next time I am starting with dessert first.  They have banna foster crepes with ice cream.... And  did I mention internet. Time to go no no no don't take away my internet.  NOTE... This post was started on 8-19.

True confessions time.  The VRBO where we are staying is very seclude and I love my family but I am missing my friends back home and socializing with a good glass of wine or tea from Coffee Bean. We are here until Friday and then a couple of days in Arenal by the volcano park.  Three weeks is a long time to be away on this adventure.  It is an adventure and not for the faint of heart.  Just the drive way up to this house is bumpy, steep and rocky.  I have affectionately named the driveway the bladder buster. 

Heather and Hunter at the butterfly garden where Jeff worked in 2006.  More on this to follow.

Happy 37th birthday Jeff

Hello... NOTE:  this is not the lazy river or jungle cruise at Disneyland.  It is the river that runs next to the sloth sanctuary where we have checked in for the next two nights.

Tomorrow it is breakfast with Buttercup the sloth.  We won't be able to touch her but we can take a photo or two I hope.

Today's  BIG event.... 37 years ago today Rich and I anxiously waited for the arrival of our baby.  Thirty seven years ago you didn't know if you were having a boy or girl (mama insights made me think it would be a boy). Between 10 and 11am on August 15, we were blessed with a 9 lbs. 6 oz. baby boy we Named Jeffrey Wayne. He gets his middle name from his Dad and has since passed that middle name onto Hunter.  Today we celebrate Jeff's day in Puerto Viejo and by heading to the sloth sanctuary. It's very rainy here but compared to where Jeff was last year we are all happy. Last year on his birthday he was coming home from the hospital. It was after he had his gallbladder removed, was septic, and spent six days in the hospital. It was a very trying and miserable time for our families.  What a great way to celebrate in CR today, celebrating life and health.  

The latest.... Last night you would have thought you were sleeping on a military base practice range. There was so much rain and thunder the most we have experienced on this trip (although we are close to the beginning of the countries rainy season ) This was no mild Disneyland type of lighting and thunder!  At times the whole Bungalow would shake.  I wanted to be afraid and put on my scaredy-frightened pants, but I am pretty sure I got that all out of my system earlier on the trip.  I laid there last night and enjoyed the awesome show that mother nature was putting on at 3:30 in the morning. What you can do to entertain yourself during such a storm, is get up and go to the window, hold up your iPad and try doing a video of the night sky and shoreline-lightning crashing down on the beach.  Really I don't recommend this activity and I don't think you will find it as a suggestion in the tour books.

Here we are sloth land.  It has been Heathers dream to visit since high school,when she saw Jack Hanna do a show from here.  Currently listening to holler monikers in the trees, not a sound you would here in Irvine.  Enjoy everyone this is going to be fun. Hugs from the CR Hylands 

Pictures from our First Week

Good morning

Taiper 

Hunter 

Playing in the Oso jungle yard 

One of the 33 birds species we have seen so far

You need to check your shoes in the am and your luggage. 

Some of the locals in Oso

More locals squirrel monkey

The boys 

A Blessed Time

Saying Audios to Oso. According to Jeff it means to God (dos).   I have not officially checked this fact but I believe it to be true...

Wondering what is next on our adventure. Today we are packing and cleaning up the place.  Jeff, picked up our clean laundry in town today (what a beautiful smell,  all those stinky drenched ocean clothes from Thursday, now smell like spring rain),  while Heather and I went for a splendid massage.  We are leaving to go back to San Jose tomorrow where we pick up our next rolling home, aka: rental car.  The plan is to drive to Turialba which is a four to six hour drive. Jeff says the road will be paved..hallelujah (car shocks are probably done as often as you fill up your tank here).  We are going to really wing it since we don't have a place booked for lodging tomorrow night.   Thinking they probably don't have a Marriott on every corner.

Going to miss some of the sights and sounds of this location. Those brilliant colored macaws won't be waking us up in the morning (this is their native habitat and they won't be in the wild elsewhere in the country).  The sound of the waves crashing and the seclusion will be gone.  No more naked time....Hunter not the adults. Hunter has loved his naked, in the hose, run around the tropical jungle, without a diaper time. 

Hammocking or getting in out of the hammock is something I am getting better at doing.  I no longer look like I am about to give birth.  If you want to put your feet up at the VRBO downstairs you have to get in the hammock. I guess this is their idea of a couch.  Dale and Diane,  I know you two our experts at hammocks but I don't think I will be installing one any time soon in my living room.  To bad just when I figured out how to get in and out of it we are leaving. 

Live -  play by play blogging until our pasta dinner, prepared by Jeff is ready, who at the moment is in the kitchen wearing his head lamp to cook (the lighting is not the best so we wear the head lamp while cooking).  I am in the hammock sort of (to the best of my hammock abilities), watching the place light up from the lightening storm, listening to the thunder and the pouring rain...Hunter and Heather, are cuddled up playing with a Mickey Mouse app on her phone. Seriously wondering if at the moment I should be on the iPad in a lightening storm.  If there is no further blogging you will know the answer to that question.  Although we are all finding it very peaceful.

FYI! Found out from Adam at the Blue Oso that the 13% tax applies to  all goods and services in CR (except groceries). Apparently the government is looking to improve their roads (me laughing) and because of the tax structure here being so low they have to find ways to make up the revenue. Lesson learned for me about taxes in CR.

Blue Oso massage. The facial for Heather and the massage for me were heavenly... It has been awhile since Heather had her chakras balanced and she came out looking like a new person with all the tension gone from her mama shoulders.  My massage was great to and every time I was really hitting my zen and getting my chakras lined up, some large 30 pound coconut or fruit decided it was time to hit the tin roof above my head...okey deep breath exhale finding my zen, nope there is another one of those annoying fruits.  The singing birds were joyful, falling fruit not so much. Don't know if it is true, Rich used to say more people are killed by falling coconuts than shark bites?  Good thing that treatment area had a roof.

Living without TV, cell phones, Facebook, music and other connections, really makes you explore other talents for things to do. Like practice annoying your friends with your travels and writing skills by writing a blog.  Right now it is 7:15pm, the dishes are done, packing and cleaning is done and all my travel companions are in bed. So here I sit annoying my friends more. I could go for a walk but, I am afraid of the holler monkeys, and the million little crabs who live in the dirt and in the grass.  Perhaps it is my way to feel like I am in touch.  Thanks for reading, by the end of three weeks if I can keep up with it I should be the next Ann Landers..!   

Eddy the local yellow lab, whom we only see at night just came up and scared the life out of me.  Now he is out barking at some wild thing in the night and  I think I just saw the shadow of a bat and the Mosquitos seem to be hungry (they have not been a problem - surprisingly. I just wouldn't want to sleep without that mosquito net around the bed).  That's it 7:47pm and now I scared myself off to bed.

Prayers for safe and healthy travels is always welcome.  

Weathering Stormy Seas. ...

Weathering stormy seas

The title is an understatement. After 4 plus hours on the sea yesterday as we travelled over 80 nautical miles, to Oso penninusla in a tiny un-cushioned boat (we all have achy boat butt today, spinal cord injuries and the cramps are starting to come out of our hands from white knuckling and our skin is almost dry), we are safely back on dry land.   Right now we are enjoying the peaceful sound of rain hitting the ground and not our face, in our VRBO while the macaw's hide in nearby trees to stay dry and I enjoy a warm cup of tea.  

Personally, I did more praying in 4 hours on the water yesterday than I do in a week.  I barely opened my eyes to see more water coming at us from all directions including the sky and not one inch of our bodies were dry.   All I could do was say the Lord's Prayer and pray for the fear ball mixed with anxiety in my stomach was HUGE... Heather and Hunter were clenched together for security while Jeff and I tried to see where we going through the grey clouds winds and buckets of rain.  Heather and I exchange a few light chuckles along with that are we crazy look.  I couldn't help think of the comfortable trips on the Eaton's boat and thought to myself even captain Scott who loves the ocean wouldn't do what we are doing he would head back to the harbor.  All this wetness and our guide kept saying we are almost there, almost there are you nuts?  In California what you call 15 minutes is 45....  Lesson: Costa Rica time is different.

We arrive at Oso, two plus bone jerking hours later and now it's time for the boat dismount...oh but wait, not until a few waves hit the front of the boat and we are drenched, as the captain tries backing into a beach with tons of floating debris from trees that swarm around us.  One guide holds the boat and we are attempting to jump off the back between waves as the other guy tries to motor through them back and fourth back and fourth.  Keep in mind we need to get Hunter out of the boat Heather, me Jeff and our stuff... And our guides thinking save the boat.   There is something about getting on land that is not moving that has lots of promise..... We go for it and jump into a couple of feet of water after the Hunter handoff and we are exhausted but safe and happy... We did it.  Oh wait we need our backpacks and water from the boat...the guide is in 5 feet of water wading through it and luckily keeps those cameras and diapers dry....

Take a deep breath, praise God we are all safe. Let's go hike one of the places on earth few people will ever visit (I might have a clue as to why).  Look for Tapirs and wild life.  But then a second later as we start getting our land legs back that awful thought attacks my brain... We have to go back on the ocean the same way we came or hike out for three days.  Suddenly hiking sounds like something I would like to take up.  Really you can't make me get back on that floating disaster for another two plus hours with my loved ones. Can't be any worse going back???  Deep breathing... Jeff, interrupts my anxiety party "good job I am so proud of you three we are here let's go hike and enjoy". 

I want to continue stressing and the worry meter is on overtime.  Time to put it away for the sanity of everyone.  This adventure was tops on Jeff's list, it has been his dream for the last 7 years to come to CR and see a very rare Tapier.  Along with our guide Eric we are off to search for tappers and other wildlife.  We find it all monkeys, lizards, snakes, coatimundi (who we observe eating turtle eggs in the sand - sad but that is nature) a giant iguana... No Tapier.  We see untouched rain forest, cross a few streams and stop for a break at the ranger station.  Bathroom breaks and time for a diaper change, Hunters not mine.

Our stop at the ranger station is over.  Back into our dripping wet shoes and socks, squish squish squish... Hunter back in the backpack on daddy's back and let's go look for the illusive Tapier (hoping for Jeff and Heather we see one), before we head to the boat, yep, I am still thinking about the ride back.  The hiking is a piece of cake and Heather is in her element.   Hunter catches a few winks in the back pack and and and....our guide finds the Taiper.... Picture time and huge smiles.

Our time at the reserve is done and now it's time to try and get back in the boat. No time to think of a game plan they are in the surf saying hurry hurry... I need my head examined.  Heather and I make a break for it, so we can get Hunter and Jeff on next.  Ouch... My chin gets knocked by a big piece of wood... That's going to leave a mark...  I am determined, I am in Heather is in, our stuff, next  Hunter and Jeff ...yes yes celebrating.  We are in.... Then our guide shouts watch out. Yikes a wave hit us. Probably a small wave but seemed like a 10 footer to me as it came over the bow of our boat.  Guess who was front and center.

We are through the surf on our way back.   119 minutes (CR time) but who is counting until we are back... Couldn't be any worse than the way here right... No I am wrong... Rougher seas, freezing cold wind, hard driving rain, more prayers and then a quick peak I open my eyes and let's throw in some lighting. Did you know you can hear thunder over the roar of a boat engine and the sea????  Only 117 minutes to go....praying.  

Since I am writing this you know we made it back safely.  Praise God. This adventure is not for the faint of heart.  And in all fairness maybe we just got a bad day with the conditions.  The entire day Hunter fussed once...And is one super duper amazing TODDLER....

My family is amazing they give me energy, strength and motivation.  My heart is happy when I can witness them enjoying this life.  The boat ride and the adventure was something we will carry in our heart and soul for ever.  It may have cost a few colones, and tested how brave we can be but, the experience was priceless.  We all agree after that experience we won't complain about the weather,  bumps in the road and other little things in life (like I did  in yesterday's post)....

Today we are just kicking back and taking it easy not moving except to our own will and staying dry... Life is good!   

Pictures to follow uploading now.  Also stories and reviews to follow from Jeff and Heather....

Sticky And primitive

We have arrived on the Oso Penninusla.  The flight on Nature Air was not bad and the weather cooperated.  I only had to say the Lord's Prayer once and there was a beautiful rainbow, which also helps to sooth ones soul. Hunter loved it and slept through most of it.  We were met at the air strip by caretakers of the VRBO who showed us the way to our home for the next 5 days.  A brief stop at the market for a few items and a few colones later 107,024.00 (also known as $200.00), we arrived.   Primitive is probably a compliment or to be fair it's no place for a 16 month old.  The location couldn't be better but it is like living on your patio.   Open air, no doors, no walls except in the kitchen.  Who would have thought I would miss doors.  Sticky - humid.  It feels like we are in a sauna...  Ok wondering how this Marriott mascot (me) is going to survive the next 5 days, no internet so I am drafting this blog now so I can remember those first thoughts.  Feeling  like the Hylands need to go back to the bat cave and re-think this portion of the trip.  Didn't know how much of an irvineite I had turned into.  

Although I was questioning the lack of creature comforts today.... We had a great time around the local area with Nature.  Two types of monkeys out of the four species that live in Costa Rica, a toucan and scarlet beautiful macaws in the wild that land in a tree just off the house....I mean patio.  Speaking of macaws I hear they will be squawking their head off at 5 am. It may only be 7:58 in the evening but I think it is time for the Hylands to crawl under their mosquito nets and get some sleep 

Heather helpful hints and thoughts... As she chases Hunter around this free landscape:

As we rolled up to the tin roofed casa we thought how fun!!! Living like Swiss Family Robinson! Lol I looked around and loved the Costa Rican style of amazing woods and rich colors. I saw stairs and no doors and thought "oh boy Hunter is going to love it here but we are going to be exhausted!" Hunter looked up at yveethe stairs like it was the stairway to heaven! He just loves stairs and it gives me a heart attack. We looked around the area and found a gold mine of little hermit crabs that Hunter oooooed and ahhhhed at! It was like watching the 405 fwy of hermit crabs at rush hour ...they were everywhere, what a delight! We have an amazing view of the ocean that is all ours for the taking. As we look at the sights and sounds we hear red scarlet macaws bellowing in the air CAW CAW!  They landed right in our tree and we couldn't believe our eyes! To see this majestic bird in the wild is a rare sight to behold! They are very endangered and this was quite a treat. We really bird nerded out. We took a drive and found so many birds of prey along with spider and squirrel monkeys! We were so excited! This place is filled with lush,green magical areas. It is truly a gift from above. As the sun set I began to freak out about Mosquitos and sprayed us down. Last trip I ended up with over 53 bites and I'm not going to this time! I geared up for the fight!  

It will be a challenge with a 16 month old who loves to touch everything and not nap but he is having the time of his life. Besides the humid hotness and the sweat dripping everywhere , Hunter seems to not mind it and loves to play in the hose here to cool off. Seeing him having fun makes me think "stop complaining about the heat and just soak it all in", but alas I still complained! Helpful hints: buy a mosquito net one piece suit, don't forget a brush, don't forget your REI pants in the dryer especially made for this trip (ahhhh):( and bring a portable fan! Lol

Costa Rica Count Down

Yes it is really going to happen.  Headed to Costa Rica in a week and we want to share our adventures with family and friends.We thought the best way to do this and stay connected was to have a blog.   Not sure what to expect but it is sure to be an adventure.  We will have myself, Jeff, Heather and Hunter the toddler.  We are going to be all over the map when we get to Costa Rica;  additional plane rides, boat rides, lots of time in the rental car, hotels to VRBO and a couple of nights in a Sloth Sanctuary.   We hope you will follow along on our family adventure!