Costa Rica

An early flight delay resulted in a long wait at the airport and missing the first day of Costa Rica tour.  Yet, despite the poor start, we had a good time in our first major family vacation.  I enjoyed seeing the family together. 

The first day we walked the San Jose downtown.  The next day, we saw a plethora of animals at the rescue center.   Up north, we stayed near the volcano and enjoyed the hot springs and hanging bridges hike. 

On our first river cruise, we made it up to the Nicaragua border.   On the river, we saw many birds, crocodiles and monkeys.

The hanging bridges was a great hike in the rain forest with 6 suspended bridges which shook as we walked across.  It rained, yet was warm.

On the Pacific coast, we stayed at the Marriott Resort.  It was a restful couple of days, with musical bands in the evening and sunset walks in the dry, warm beach.   We swam, played some volley ball and relaxed, before venturing South to a large national park. 

 Our second river cruise took us out near the Pacific ocean.  The trees and greens were lush. 

Finally, we headed south to the national park.  Rod Grossman visited as he was there with this family.  The beach waves were among my fondest memories, riding the waves -- up and down -- with everyone in the warm water.