Continuing with day four of my trip to Costa Rica, we made our way to the Monteverde. Again, it was a very bumpy ride. We stopped at a quaint wayside restaurant which had tropical birds in the backyard. On the way to our hotel, we stopped at the Monteverde Cloud Forest, Selvatura Park. The hike was beautiful, with long hanging bridges. Chris, our guide, pointed out all the native flora and fauna. On the first part of Selvatura, we visited the hummingbird station. Then we hiked the bridges and saw several birds, including a beautiful quetzal. This was the most beautiful bird with reds and greens. We also saw a three waddle bill bird and several other birds.
After the hike, several of us went zip lining. I was happy to see all ages zip lining including an 84 year old. It is a very easy process, with little strength or dexterity needed. They strap you into a seat, rig you to a pulley on a long zip line. You hold on to the cord from your halter to the zip line with your left hand. Your right hand goes towards the back with you making a small circle with you thumb and middle finger around the line to balance. To stop, you just straighten your right hand flat on the top of the line. You have leather gloves on so the friction will slow you down. We went on 11 platforms, and also did a Tarzan swing. I wasn’t sure if I would do the Tarzan swing, but everyone was having so much fun I couldn’t resist. Almost everyone did the swing, including Alberta, our 84 year old fireball.
When we got back, I was ready for a swim at the hotel, El Establo. There was a small pool with exercise equipment surrounding it. It was the least favorite pool area, but still fine. After the pool we went to happy hour at the bar on the hill. We got there in time for the sunset. The bar was up high and we could see the sunset above the treetops. It reminded me of a scene out of Africa. Dinner was family style with several different entrees including beef and chicken.
After the hike, several of us went zip lining. I was happy to see all ages zip lining including an 84 year old. It is a very easy process, with little strength or dexterity needed. They strap you into a seat, rig you to a pulley on a long zip line. You hold on to the cord from your halter to the zip line with your left hand. Your right hand goes towards the back with you making a small circle with you thumb and middle finger around the line to balance. To stop, you just straighten your right hand flat on the top of the line. You have leather gloves on so the friction will slow you down. We went on 11 platforms, and also did a Tarzan swing. I wasn’t sure if I would do the Tarzan swing, but everyone was having so much fun I couldn’t resist. Almost everyone did the swing, including Alberta, our 84 year old fireball.
When we got back, I was ready for a swim at the hotel, El Establo. There was a small pool with exercise equipment surrounding it. It was the least favorite pool area, but still fine. After the pool we went to happy hour at the bar on the hill. We got there in time for the sunset. The bar was up high and we could see the sunset above the treetops. It reminded me of a scene out of Africa. Dinner was family style with several different entrees including beef and chicken.