Well, January certainly did end on a high note as a group of 45 Mentor Series Trekkers descended upon Costa Rica and San Jose. This is a country of wonderful wildlife, beautiful scenery, and delightful people.
We began Thursday evening with the usual orientation at the Alta Hotel and were introduced to our two photographers, Bill Durrence and David Tejada. The slide shows were great, but more on these two as we go along. Luis Valladares, area San Disk rep, was gracious enough to give us all some very useful gifts! Which worked with our gear! Thank you Luis.
While it would be fun to recount each day of this 9 day Trek, it would take too many kilo bytes. So to summarize: Friday was a bus trip along the west cost of Costa Rica that took us into the Cloud Forest of Monte Verde, where we spent 2 days in beautiful, green, somewhat moist cloud forests, birds, and lots of other stuff. Another highlight was the Don Juan Coffee Plantation, meeting the founder Don Juan himself , and capturing the fun scenes found only on a working plantation. And the coffee was great! And free! But we all bought some beans anyway. Then an interesting Sunday bus trip over the mountains�.
Which took us to the boat, which brought us to Arenal. Arenal is an active volcano, which unfortunately was covered by low hanging clouds. While we never did see the volcano, we did spend some time in the Rain Forests. While they were absolutely lush and beautiful, they were very, very wet! However, being budding young (some not so young) semi-pro photographers, and led on by Bill and David, we made many, many interesting and fine shots that none of us ever would have thought to take. Thank you Bill and David! Then onward to the Hanging Bridges, not for the faint of heart. More rain, but more great photography. One evening was spent at the Ecotermales Hot Springs, naturally created by the subterranean volcanic activity. Many of us swam, recovered from the long hike. Others relaxed and imbibed.
Oh yes. How could I ever forget: The Zip Lines. All 11 of them, over the canopy of forest, zipping from tree to tree, but no cameras, as this all required two hands�or else. Yet there is more: The finale: The Tarzan Swing, or should I say Jump. Many chickened out (including our fearless Trek Director) and walked down. Not even Cheetah, not Jane, more or less Tarzan would do this! You would have to have done it to know: Never again!
Arrhythmia aside, on to Tortuguero by bus, then a long, fun boat ride with many photo ops. Two days, on the water and canals, touring the village, great bird photography, the famous red eye frogs of the night, and our wonderful photo pros coaching us along the way. They were both always there, teaching us things we never knew. They were great. Thank you Bill and David! Always with us on the bus (now heading back to San Jose), and always willing to share some basics, and some tips. Good Job!
Toby Terrell
Facebook
