¡Llegamos a la selva!

It´s our fourth day in Costa Rica! We've been to a forest preserve, climbed to the bottom of a waterfall for a swim, and seen volcanos.

Today we left the hotel at Lake Arenal and made the long bus ride to Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí. As soon as we arrived we changed, ate lunch and set off for two hours of adreneline-pumping white water rafting. I think Saugerties will live on in the lore of the guides of the Río Sarapiquí. Half way through the trip Ray, encouraged by his guide, made a flying tackle at Luis, the guide on our raft, and sent him flying. Apparently many have tried this stunt before but no one has ever succeeded in knocking him overboard. Hearing that Ray played football and trying to maintain his dignity, Luis kept saying to his fellow guides .

Later we checked in to the Selva Verde Lodge, a big rambling wooden structure surrounded by lush tropical gardens, wildlife (including snakes) and a maze of covered walkways. We have rooms on the second floor fronted by wrap-around balconies with big overhangs, a tin roof, chairs and hammocks. A perfect place to sit and watch the rain -- something we´ve seen way too much of on this trip. Everybody seems to enjoy the place, even Jessica and Nikia who had to thoroughly spray their room to rid it of ants. And we´ve been warned to keep the doors closed too so snakes and other critters can´t get in.

Tomorrow to the jungle canopy.

¡Buenas noches!