Today we left La Fortuna and made our way to Monteverde and the cloud forest. The volcano was still veiled in cloud so sadly no full sightings of the summit. We drove for half an hour to Arenal Lake where we changed from bus to boat. The lake is 135km long and 5km wide. It is much quicker to take the hour boat trip across the lake rather than driving around it; partucularly so as the roads are hilly and windy.
As we crossed the lake the cloud thinned, the air warmed and the sun appeared. We chugged across the lake on a very crowded boat and finally reached the far shore. However, as we approached we could see no sign of a landing area. Then the boat turned to the right and we could see a channel which had been masked from view by the reed beds. The landing point was even more chaotic than the embarkation. Vehicles were parked everywhere on the narrow dirt track down to the lakeside. Three boats had come in at once and some 100 people were trying to manoeuvre their way, with luggage, between the closely parked vehicles and each other. Complete mayhem! We eventually found our bus, passed the cases through the back window for stowage and were once more on our way.
The road was now a stony and bumpy track, yet mopeds and indeed other vehicles managed to overtake us. Fortunately our driver was good and drove very steadily. The road became very steep in places as the terrain was very hilly indeed. I took photos from the bus but apologise for picture quality due to darkened windows, speed and bumpy terrain!
We made a brief stop for refreshments and finally arrived in Monteverde at 12.30. The hotel is not per the itinerary but actually is the best accommodation so far. Large rooms with a good-sized bathroom and I would say recently refurbished. The centre of town is a 10 minute walk down quite a steep hill but fortunately there are several restaurants and a supermarket across the road. We grab a quick lunch before departing at 14.15 for zip-lining. Twelve out of the sixteen of us opted for the trip and we were all apprehensive but need not have been. The zip-lining operators – 100% Aventuras were extremely professional. All equipment was expertly fitted on us and we were given a very clear briefing. Then it was time to give it a go.
There are 10 zip-lines in total. The first is easy – 35m just to check you can get it right and brake when required. The longest is just under 1.6 km and is strung high across a valley. This one you do superman style – lying facedown. It is probably one of the best things I have ever done. The views and sense of freedom were incredible.
It was also possible to try the Tarzan swing. It’s a bit like bungee jumping but this involves having a harness around your waist instead of your feet. You then step off a 40m platform and after a long fall swing through the air like Tarzan. I decided this was not for me but four of our party were brave enough to give it a go. Well done indeed Rob, Duncan, Pat and Sharon!
After all the exercise we were pretty hungry and thirsty so we gathered for drinks on the terrace outside our rooms, then headed off for dinner.