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Waking up to a refreshing sunrise walk on the beach stimulated our senses for our rigorous day of adventure. Our breakfast consisted of homemade pancakes (thanks to Gary, Moira and Jackie) and fresh fruit.  We piled onto the bus, and the drive into town was fairly short. From there we split up to go into different cabs.    The road to the zipline lodge was very steep and bumpy.  As we disembarked our rides, very friendly natives, who were workers on the zipline, greeted us with enthusiasm. Our gear was laid out on the picnic tables for us to choose and the workers helped us into our harnesses and we were then ready to go.  Walter, leading the first pack, was a little tentative about the heights, but eagerly stepped up to the platform and took off.  The rest of us followed but had an extensive wait at platform 2 because we were the first group.  The next few platforms followed at a quicker pace.  Taking a rest at platform 6 everyone was getting anxious for the next zip.  Abby, Maryn, Crosley, Melanie, and Ariel hung back in the waiting line in order to get a picture with the guapo (Spanish word for cute) worker. He gladly agreed and the rest of us completed platform 6.  The last two ziplines were the fastest and longest ones of all 8.  Once our journey through the rainforest canopy was completed, we soon began yet another.    Meeting and attempting to converse with the workers, who spoke very little English, made the hike entertaining.  As the lodge came into view, we quickly sprinted to the water cooler.  Who wouldíve thought that zip lining could make you so thirsty.  After cooling off and removing our gear, the steep and bumpy ride back down the mountain was made. Marvin (the bus driver) was waiting for us to board his bus and take the group to our next destination: lunch! Eating at the cafÈ in town was very authentic. After our Costa Rican lunch, the group was able to do some shopping. Abby, Crosley, and, Maryn had an incident over inflatable floaty beach animals.  The owner of the store spoke NO English, not even hello.  We were trying to negotiate the price for 3 of them but he was stubborn in lowering his price.  The language barrier did little to help.  Finally we said ìno graciasî and quickly walked to our bus, which led us to our crocodile encounter.  Adonnis, a Baruca Indian guide and friend of the Morgan's, fed his pet crocodiles with fresh meat.  Due to the hot weather the crocodiles were hiding under the leaves in the lagoon, so we only saw 3.  From there we made our trek back to the lodge in our bus.  We are currently relaxing and playing movie charades. Looking forward to a good day at the sandy beach tomorrow!

 

-Maryn Lowry and Abby Schnure (baby schnure)-