LOS ARBOLES Y LA PLAYA

Dad and Papa set out early again: Dad for a run and Papa for a bird walk. Mom, Jo, and I set out a few hours later to do the tree climb. We met our energetic guides in the guide center and then began the walk out. Along the way we learned about the property, its history, plants and wildlife in the area, and different projects Mr. Jack has taken on to help the wildlife and ecosystem.

Arriving at the tree, Juan Carlos, one of our guides, continued to joke around while our equipment was getting set. Jo and I climbed first with the other guide. We each had our own rope. You would lift your knees up and then stand up to move along the rope. It was a workout for sure, but super fun. You could lay back in the harness and relax in the tree. A short way up you could see the ocean out in the distance. You could see over many of the trees in the forest and it made for a great view. As I approached the top, the guide was asking me what I would give him if I saw a sloth. I joked around with him for a little, but when I reached the top he swung my rope a little and there it was: a sloth. We were so close to it. We hung out up in the tree for a while enjoying the view and watching the sloth. She was eating and moving around. Her head was very unique. Personally, I love sloths. After about twenty minutes we lowered ourselves back down the rope.

Mom hooked in and began her climb. About a quarter of the way up she yells down at us, "Hannah, Jo! There's two toucans right here!" Jo and I were both jealous because that was one of the other creatures we wanted to see. Mom continued climbing, and she too found the sloth at the top. While mom was up there, the sloth was cleaning herself, so she got a great view of her.

Once everyone's feet were on the ground again we walked back. Already packed we met up with Dad and Papa in the restaurant for a snack.

Our ride came to pick us up around noon. We loaded all our clean and dirty luggage up. An hour later we reached our destination: Manuel Antonio. All six of us are staying in a bungalow. This hotel was much more spread out. We are surrounded by forest and trees with a great view of the ocean.

Stomaches rumbling Mom, Jo, and I ran up the hill to get food to bring back to the bungalow for everyone. After ordering our eyes shift over to the ocean view: stunning.

After everyone was full Dad, Jo, Papa, and I suited up for la playa. It is a short walk from our bungalow. The beach is gorgeous. Much nicer than the one at Hacienda Baru, our last hotel. Dad, Jo, and I waste no time hopping into the waves. They weren't particularly small further out there, but more manageable for sure closer to the shore. The water was warm and beach vendors were around. Dad, being the crazy person he is, headed straight into the big waves, while Jo and I swam in the ones closer to shore. We watched Dad get pummeled by several waves. It died down a little, so Jo paddled out towards him. Growing tired we swam back to Papa. Jo and I proceeded with sand art and races with Dad. As the sun started to set and the sky glow, we headed back up the hill.

On the way back up we spotted a monkey. He was hanging in a tree over the road enjoying some dinner.

Back at the bungalow we hung out with Nana and Mom while rotating through the shower. Mom ran up to get a photo from the restaurant and while she was there, the trees came alive with playful monkeys.

To the right of the bungalow we could see the magnificent glow of the sunset through the trees. We can only imagine its beauty.

For dinner we went to the Cantina BBQ. There was live music downstairs and delicious food.

Pura Vida.