We were up early again! Our pick up for the river tour is 7.00 am; barely squeezing in breakfast which turned out to be pretty good. Porridge with almond milk, fruit and a fried egg with pancake and maple syrup. A nice change from beans and omelettes.
Our guide for the float tour was Aurelio and he was so enthusiastic that between pick up and the river we had learned so much about the area we were visiting. He was a very experienced guide having been extreme kayaking since he was12! He was also very knowledgeable about the birds and a good spotter of animals. It was a delightful experience as we were the only people on the river for most of the trip. All we could hear were bird calls and howler monkeys and the babble of the fast flowing but fairly shallow Peña Blanca river.
The paddlers before launch
We found we were too busy paddling or floating to capture the monkeys but we did see many gamboling through the trees and making a really loud growling call. Much more ferocious sounding than they looked. It was so peaceful on the river and we had a few tiny rapids to add some fun. Too many birds to recall all the names but the highlights were kingfishers and Toucans and three iguanas.
Back at the hotel we headed for the Choyin river. Before the 1968 volcanic explosion the river turned warm. It was a warning that was not understood and locals decided to capitalise on the hot springs and set up thermal pool resorts. However the river remains free access and we organised a taxi to take us and pick us up later. What a delight! A whole hour and a bit soaking in a warm stream amongst the rocks. Very relaxing and Free!
After our hour soaking we were all very relaxed. Ended our day with cocktails and dinner at the Red Frog, a Soda Restaurant. The food was excellent and very well priced. Soda is not soft drink as we thought. It has become a local word for home cooked meals in small restaurants. They get the name from when tourists came and there were no towns or restaurants and they used to knock on the door asking for water or sodas but the locals didn’t understand and offered food which the tourists ate and so the word became linked with food.
Shona, Susan and Amy took a whole day cruise down the Cano Negro and were more able to take photos. They were able to see so many animals and birds and a sloth on the way back. We had sloth envy!
Once again a relaxing afternoon and dinner in the Red Frog Soda was a special delight. The vegetarian fried rice was scrumptious. Tomorrow the cloud forest.
fleetfootkath 
Forgive my silence Kath but for some unfathomable reason your last three posts have gone to my spam folder. Maybe your change of country………?
I’m sure you were so happy to have the opportunity for a little relaxation. The warm river sounds especially memorable. After flooding rains here on the 1st of April we seem to have flicked the seasonal switch and it’s no longer an Indian Summer. It’s nice to be dressing without guessing 😘
I’m off to Book Club today but heading to Malvern to give Jane a break as there is just the two of us. As well as you being somewhere exotic, Helen is recuperating from her operation and Trish has come back unwell from her New Zealand trip. She sounded very despondent on the phone as this makes two holidays in a row where they have both suffered ill health. It’s especially a shame that she will miss her book being discussed as it was a fab read! I’m sure we could talk about it a little next month.
I had dinner with Mardi last night and she flies to London early tomorrow morning to spend time with Grace before meeting me in Venice. We’re both very excited. I’ll head down to Geelong on Sunday to be with mum for a couple of days and then I can turn my mind to packing and allowing myself to anticipate the fun. It’s been such a long time in the talking and planning that I’m surprised that I’m feeling that it’s snuck up and nearly upon me.
As you read this I hope that you’re feeling well and very happy. Seeing sloths in their habitat is simply amazing!
Much love, Nine x
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Janine the mystery of the internet! I have woken to the sound of howler monkeys in the jungle behind the hotel. We are in Manuel Antonio another nature reserve. Yesterday was mountains today we are by the sea. From the lush green we crossed to the pacific side and it is dry and brown. I am sorry to hear about Trish. Such bad luck and it is a reminder that getting older can make travelling more challenging I suppose. Maybe it is just a bad patch they are going through. Recovery from heart surgery probably takes longer at our age and she has had persistent niggles. Give my love to your Mum and Mardi. I wish you a wonderful trip with Mardi and Mikala. It has been a long time coming and I am sure it will be so much fun. Love Kath
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Hi Kath
What a fabulous day on the river, followed by the relaxing hot springs in the river. All capped off with cocktails and what a backdrop!! You and Anne (Peter) look wonderful!
L. Kim
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