North to Arenal Volcano

Up early because of the trucks and the time difference. We took a stroll around the gardens and ate a leisurely breakfast of black beans and rice, fresh fruit, plaintains, eggs, and Costa Rican coffee. The food was delicious.

We were on the road by 8 a.m. We figured that we had about a three-hour ride ahead of us. Driving here is like riding a rollercoaster, up and down, and round and round. The roads are not the best, they are narrow, no shoulder, and so many cars that you have to fight for space. At times a very unpleasant experience. Most bridges are only one lane and there are a lot of them, so at one bridge you have to yield (ceda) and the next time the other guy has to yield. It works pretty well, but sometimes I was left wondering if the other guy was going to yield...they get as close as they can.

Keep in mind that it is totally acceptable to honk, so honk away if it makes you feel better.

When you arrive in La Fortuna, you are almost there, just a few more miles up the road. As you turn off the main road and you see a sign for Arenal, 14 km. You think, yeah, we're almost there, but let me tell you, those are 14 of the roughest kilometers I have ever ridden in my life. It took us about 40 minutes. Narrow, short wheel base vehicles do not offer much comfort on roads like these.

It was a great accomplishment when we finally arrived at the security gate. The road got better and we were greeted with this view. . .

We arrived at the lodge around noon. We couldn't check in until 3 so we had some time to burn.

We headed back down the mountain.