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Bus, boat, bus. Beautiful scenery. We started out amongst mist and driving rain which was misty and cloud like. We were in a cloud forest after all! The scenery was stunning, green as green pasture with contented cows grazing. The road was windy, rocky and potholed, but our driver was carful and drove slowly. At one point I looked down out of my window as we were passing over a bridge and saw the 6 inch clearance we had before slipping off, no side rails here!
We passed by a wind farm with giant generators, which is marvellous. Costa Rica appears to be thriving, the schools all look well built and cared for and the animals in the fields are well nourished. This country abolished its military in 1948 and seems to be investing in infrastructure of all types.
Off the bus and onto the small passenger ferry that would take us across Lake Arenal (really a dam) the slope was a muddy trek first down a series of tyre steps then down the slope lugging my bag, backpack, another small bag and my handbag! A feat of endurance I can assure you. The trip across the lake was just as scenic and luckily we avoided the rain that kept threatening. There was a roof over our heads, but the sides were open at the time.
For interesting facts about Lake Arenal follow this link.
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Arenal
We pulled up at another steep slope, luckily with some paving this time and dragged our bags up to the waiting vehicle. The driver piled everything on the back seats through a side window onto which a towel and piece of carpeted wood were placed to protect the sill.
The road on this side was all paved and we passed by palatial motels with Volcano views (if it was not covered in cloud) into La Fortuna and our scabby motel, what a let down!
La Fortuna was renamed in 1968 after Vulcan Arenal, (still a very active volcano) blew its top and wiped out the town on the other side killing all its inhabitants. This town, now La Fortuna felt very fortunate, hence the name change from El Burio.
Central American tid-bits:
When you read the cost of something on the menu be prepared to pay more because tax (15%) and (voluntary? 10%) tip will be added when you go to settle your bill. So buyer beware!
- comments
Bruce They just wanted a quick service , makes for easy access
bruce it makes you wonder why there is not more of them here
Bruce look at them girls GO
Bruce It's all part of the adventure
Bruce it's still in one piece ? whats the problem ?
Bruce Well it can't fall off
Bruce looks like Ross Dam
Pamela where you taking a picture of the lake or your fellow travellers? Either way nice!
Bruce If its any consolation i've been in much worse in Qld
Bruce If electricity cost keep going up , you may be looking into the future
bevlangbein Yes I did notice the plastic bottle collecting the oil.
bevlangbein I heartily agree.
bevlangbein That's exactly what I said, then I had to explain the comment to Hazel!
Pamela lyons hope you didn't have your high heels on Bev.!
bevlangbein The muddy track that I had to negotiate!
bevlangbein Or get rained on!
bevlangbein But much, much bigger.
bevlangbein Yes, but we were hoping for better :(
bevlangbein Have you installed a coin operated system on our aircon?
Bruce No but I do remember Great Aunty Flo having a coin operated gas meter , for heating , hot water & cooking in Annandale , Sydney - does that count