Chasing Waterfalls

     I love this place.

So, its day two in Costa Rica, and the possibilities are endless of things to do. So after breakfast we decided to take a little hike over to the waterfall. Everywhere in Costa is "5-10" minutes away.. but its really not. And I think the reason everyone says that is because no one wears a watch. And I can't blame them, because I don't wear one either. I'd like to say its because I have really small wrists and watches just don't fit. But the real reason, is I don't know how to read analog clocks very well, and I think I'm a little too old for a digital. But anyway, back to the story.....

So we find the path to the waterfall. We don't really know where we're going, just trying to follow the water upstream for "5-10" minutes until we hit a waterfall. But that's not counting the time it takes to stop and take pictures, or make sure Wendy is making it okay. Props to her for her major efforts on those hikes. She was a real trooper. But the trail was so incredibly beautiful. It wasn't too hot out, lucky for us, the sun was being shaded by all the trees.

 

I love this picture. I don't know why but it just seems so quiet and peaceful.

When we finally arrived at the waterfall, we didn't waste anytime jumping right in. The water was the perfect temperature and the sun was out to keep us warm. Me and Miss had a blast climbing behind the waterfall and jumping off the little rocks. I felt like a kid all over again. I wish we had the pictures of inside the waterfall. We took those with waterproof cameras, so my fingers are crossed they turn out. If so, they're going to be amazing. The exhilaration you feel being inside this massive waterfall, I mean, I really don't have the words. Me and Miss couldn't wipe the grins off our face no matter how hard we tried. But then, again, I wasn't really trying.

Perfection

Looking for fishies...

         Jumping off the rocks.. Weeee!!

While we were swimming, Wendy met a guy. Surprise surprise. His name was Danny and he was telling her about another trail that leads to the top of the waterfall. I was hesitant at first. Rule #1 of travel is don't follow strangers on trails you know nothing about. But the odds were against him. 4 against 1. And my gut is pretty good at telling me if somethings up, and it was keeping pretty quiet. So we packed up our things and were off. This was truly a hike. The trail we followed in the morning was a cake walk compared to this one. But I was loving it. It was so awesome to just hike through the jungle and not worry about snakes or bugs, or aborigines. Just kidding. Aborigines don't live in Costa Rica. :)

Then we came to this dead end. The trail was completely blocked off and had barbed wire on the fence around it. And then I thought, Crap, this is it. My gut fooled me. Mom is gonna be so pissed at me. And then Danny starts saying how a tree fell over and that's why the trail is blocked. I'm pretty hesitant to continue on, but then me and the girls gave it a once over and it looked pretty legit. So we climbed through and carried on. And now looking back, I feel bad for doubting Danny. He is probably the sweetest, most humble person I've ever met. Like ever. He was patient and supportive of Wendy going through the rough parts. He gave us an all day tour for free. We had to pretty much beg him to let us buy him lunch that day. He really was my favorite person we met on the trip. So, I'm glad I trusted my gut and went on with that hike. 

Can't stop smiling....

When we got to the top, the view was insane. There was a fun rope swing to play on. And Danny and Miss were the daredevils and jumped off this super high branch that stuck out over the water. I was content with the rope swing, only so many thrills a day.

         Those afraid of heights, don't look down.

    Danny & Miss monkeying around on the rocks.

                Look at Missy fly!

           So. much. fun!! 

Wendy was content just staying grounded.

            Danny, the fearless flyer.

         Miss taking the plunge!

We packed in a full day of activities that day. Definitely one of my favorite days of the trip. And after all that fun, I'd like to think TLC would enjoy chasing these types of waterfalls. Who wouldn't?! :)