Eric, Haley and the Volcano

So we heard about this new extreme sport that is all the rage: Speed Blogging. So here goes:

Stayed at Essence Arenal, an ultra-cool “hostel” in El Castillo with THE perfect view of Arenal Volcano. Kelly is super helpful and set up many of our day trips. Delicious meals were created by Isaac and Anthony, and at dinner we all get to learn how to make a portion of the dinner with hands-on practice.

Made friends with an Argentinian couple, Mauricio and Gabriella (M&G), who we hiked Cerro Chato with. Cerro Chato is an inactive volcano with a lake residing in its crater. We could hear the lava and rocks fall down the side of neighboring Arenal Volcano. M&G then drove us all over to a free hot springs heated by the volcano where we could float from hot to cold springs.. And then in celebration of Haley's birthday, Isaac created a delicious birthday cake at dinner, and everyone sang happy birthday.

We took the next day off and drove around Lake Arenal, which is gorgeous with it's tropical eastern side and gentle rolling green hills on the eastern end. Had a delicious lunch of ham and gouda cheese sandwich with Haley's favorite tomato basil soup, and a couple fruit smoothies at Macademia Y Cafe north of Neuvo Arenal – recommended by Tammy Huett. Thanks, Tammy.

With our final day in Costa Rica fast approaching, we went for a true extreme sport – waterfall rappelling. We rappelled four waterfalls, with the last one at about a height of 160 feet (50 meters). Very exhilarating!!!

We also had some delicious homemade ice cream and pizza at Pizza John nearby. John is a super cool guy and has a great story about packing up from the big city of L.A. and starting a new life and business in Costa Rica.

Tomorrow we're off to Guatemala for some more adventures. Party on!