DIVERTIDO EN DIAMANTE

The biggest adventure of the trip awaited us at the top of a 2,500 foot mountain: the cave overnight. Eager to begin we woke up Monday morning with bags already packed. A taxi took us to the Tree of Life office, and from there we walked. A short way up we already had an amazing view over the small town.

In total there were about 1,500 wooded, sporadic steps leading us up the steep (and muddy when wet) trail. It took a little less than an hour and a half to hike in, but we stopped for a garden tour along the way so it was longer. This garden was both tasty and beautiful. While walking up the trail you suddenly came to a point where there were garden plants and some bungalows. We started out by trying a jackfruit then proceeded from there. It is a huge garden. We smelled lots of different herbs, fruits, vegetables, and even tasted a cacao bean right off the tree. In the bungalow there were huge spiders, and, yes, snakes in the ceilings. As you can imagine, Mom and I were out of there faster than you could even say the word. After that we stayed close to the guide and his machete.

Leaving the garden there was about a 25 minute hike into the cave. As we approached the waterfalls and cave, our jaws dropped. The natural beauty of this place is nothing you can describe in words, but I'll try. Three larger waterfalls were pouring off the side of the cliff, and the cave was tucked back on the other side. We crossed over the bottom of the waterfall then hiked up a few steps to get into the cave. Part of it was more like an overhang, but the further you went back the more cave-like it was. Inside the cave you found everything you could possibly need: multiple tables, cots for beds, a kitchen, showers, fully functioning bathrooms, and a gorgeous view.

Our guide cooked us up a delicious lunch of heart of palm, warm tortillas, and beans. In the mean time, we learned a new card game that has been played multiple times since.

After our legs were given a break and our stomachs were full it was time to go swimming. Hiking another thirty minutes up and a few river crossings later we reached the swimming hole. Our guide brought us to the top of the waterfall where we could cliff jump in. You could sense everyone taking a step back; "we have to cliff jump to get in?!" The guide made it look easy as anything: front flip. Mom discovered the path down and took the camera along. Dad jumped in next making it look almost as easy, but no front flip. After much mental preparation and a few false starts I made my screaming plunge in. Joelle then proceeded to her turn. About thirty minutes after she initially planned to jump, she too made the plunge. I think we can all agree to the fact that it is much easier the second time.

Back in the cave, card games continued and cookies and tea were served. The tea was made from herbs picked out of the garden on the way up. It tasted heavenly and was exactly what we needed. A wonderful dinner of pasta and salad, again fresh from the garden, followed. After a few more rounds of cards our eyelids began to get heavy. Sleeping bags were set up and everyone was tucked in– except Joelle. An overactive imagination brought many large bugs into the picture that weren't really there and a new fear developed: Costa Rican bugs. Trying to put our minds at ease we drifted off. Every once in a while, we would wake up and look out into the night to see flashes of lightning. It was quite the show.

Opening your eyes to the gorgeous view and the smell of gallo pinto is one I will never forget. Today is a big day for us: repelling. The guide cooked yet another amazing meal, and we learned a little more about him. He is part of a very large family: 18 brothers and sisters. He is number 13 among them. He has been doing cave tours for five years, but has worked as a guide for Outward Bound eight years before that.

His older brother, Diego, number 12, arrived to help us with the repel. We get suited up and tried to push our nerves to the side. It was about a ten minute hike to the top of the waterfall. Once at the top of the waterfall we hook into a line already there while we climb down the river a little bit to the top of the waterfall. It was an incredible view. Dad, being the least nervous, goes first. He makes it to the bottom with ease.

Jo hooks in next. She starts to go, but right before she takes her final step off the edge, she looks down. Not quite being able to bring herself to go she comes back up and I hook in. I am terrified but try to contain it. As I walk off the edge I only look at the silver piece of equipment in front off me and say the steps over and over again in my head. Part way down the rock the guide yells down at me, "don't forget to look around." I'm thinking "this is crazy", I just need to get to the bottom. Temptation won though and I took a slight glance to my left. The waterfall is right next to me, and I can feel the water droplets hitting my face. I then look down. I only can think one thing: that's a long ways. I quickly look back at the silver equipment and keep moving. Once I hit the part right before the free hang comes, I get really nervous. I have to find footing enough to stay away from the wall, but the wall ends. I figure out my way and soon enough I'm just hanging there. Put at ease I lift my head to look around and am in awe. It is absolutely gorgeous: the river flowing below, the waterfalls, the forest, all of it. I slowly made my way all the way to the bottom while enjoying the scenery.

Joelle came down the wall next and then mom. Both of them were able to set their fear aside and enjoy the views as well. As soon as Mom hit the ground, Dad was racing back up to go again. Wanting to see that view one more time Jo and I follow. I remember standing at the top for the second time thinking, "how crazy am I to be doing this not once but twice." None the less I find myself walking over the ledge once again. This time I soak the view in even more the entire way down. It was even more beautiful the second time down, if that's possible.

After everyone made it down the wall a second time, and Dad a third, it was time to hike out. Part way down it began to rain on us, so we found ourselves moving even faster. We made it down the mountain within 45 minutes. We were then picked up and brought back to the Tree of Life office. Our good-byes were said and then we loaded into a taxi.

Back at the hotel we found Nana and Papa. We went to the hotel restaurant to eat lunch and tell the tales of our journey.

After lunch we rotated through the shower, and taught Papa the new card game.

Once cleaned up, we decided it was time to head into town. By recommendation, Patróns was selected for the dinner spot. I loved the vibe of the place, and the food was very good. You could tell we were in a surf town, missing Uncle Mike and Aunt Chie.

Back at the hotel we retired to bed very quickly. We had a full few days.

Our cave adventure can be described in one word: magical.