Often times Gerardo and I talk about our work and we both agree that we are in the dreams business. We sell people their idea of Costa Rica. For me that is nature. For our good friends (and clients) Frank and Karen Grayczk, found their piece of paradise her in Atenas. We knew they were big nature lovers so we found them just the right lot with a huge conservation area across the ravine from them. I am so inspired by the wonderful photos they take that I asked her if she would send me some of her best ones so I could write about some of the wonderful species we have here in Atenas. Karen was flattered and sent over a sample of what they and so many others enjoy about Costa Rica. Thanks guys for the friendship, and for being such great clients. You are the picture of what it takes to live in this paradise.

So when most people think of the tropics, they think of monkeys. I have lived in Atenas 3 years, and have been coming here for over 6 and saw my first monkeys about one month ago. White faced Capuchin's. This is a very common monkey here in Costa Rica and is considered a New World monkey. They are found through out Central America and South America, as far south as northern Argentina. Their name comes from a group of friars, the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, because of their coloring being similar to that of the robes (with hoods) that the friars wore. Capuchins are considered the smartest of the New World monkeys because of their use of tools. Their diets include fruit, nuts, bugs,

birds eggs, and small vertebrates. In captivity they can live up to 45 years, but in the wild they have a 15-25 year life expectancy. Interestingly enough, Capuchins are sometimes trained to be used as service animals. They are trained to help quadriplegics with tasks such as microwaving food, opening drink bottles, and washing the disableds face...Amazing, not so different from humans...

Toucans are big in Costa Rica. Every time I see one I am transported back to my childhood eating Fruit Loops cereal and thinking about Toucan Sam. The Keel Billed Toucan is what most people think of when they think of, however there are about 40 species of toucans. The Keel Billed are very common around Atenas.

We see them on a daily basis. This particular species can be found from Mexico, to as far south as Colombia. They live in elevations up to 1900 meters (6,200 feet) with a diet of fruits, eggs, small birds, insects, and reptiles. Very social, they travel in small flocks ranging in size from 6 to 30 birds.
Three toed sloths are so cute and cuddly, once you get past the green mold on their backs. We have a great house we property manage in Pica Flora that has a huge Guanacaste tree that is the vacation home to 2 three toed sloths. Every few months, they make their way across the canopy to "hang out" for a few days.

According to Wikipedia, there are 4 living species of three toed sloths (I did not know that). They can be found from Central to South America. Sloths are arboreal, living in trees, coming down once a week only to defecate. They feed on leaves of a variety of trees, liking those that are high in alkaline, which contributes to their "laid back" lazy nature..PURA VIDA!!!

Picking up where we left off....Fiery billed Aracaris are toucans. They are another of the species of toucan we have her in Atenas, however not as common to spot as the Keel billed Toucans. They are smaller in size and are characterized by their bright yellow and red underbellies, and bills that are black and red. Flying in small flocks of up to 10 birds, they feed mostly on fruit, insects, lizards, and bird eggs. They are only found in the Pacific slopes of southern Costa Rica and Western Panama.

Green Iguanas are everywhere. Driving down a dirt road on a sunny day you can see them lounging, stretched out taking in the sun. Growing up in Florida, we have many lizards..well, the green iguana is a lizard on steroids. Found from Mexico, through out Central and South America, green iguanas come in an array of colors from bright blue, to pink, to orange and red. They adapt to their habitats quiet well. Green iguanas are often used as domesticated pets because of their calm demeanor. In the wild, they are arboreal feeding on a variety of leaves, flowers, fruit, and shoots, meaning they are herbivores. Often used as a food source in Central and South America, they are refereed to as "gallina de palo" or tree chickens..."Taste like chicken".

The Turquoise-browed Motmot is a common siting in these parts. Very easy to identify because of the bluish/turquoise color and the two long tail feathers that resemble pendulums. This particular birds do not build nests (traditional style), but rather roost in tunnels that are hollowed out on earth banks and hill sides. They like dry to dry humid forests and can be found from Mexico to South America. It is also the national bird of Nicaragua.
Of the Yellow-throated Euphonia, Karen wrote;"This male Yellow-throated Euphonia was so fun to watch with his little berry, shot from the deck and oh so close to me." Now Karen you should never say to a male that his berries are little!!! These little ones are found only in Central America. The male has a black back with bright yellow underside, and the female is light brown backed with yellow everywhere else.

The Masked Tityra is a curious looking bird because of the markings around it's eyes. Found mostly in Central and South America, but has shown up in the United States when it takes the wrong exit.
And last but not least, the elusive Licenced Realtor. Not commonly spotted in Costa Rica but with patience, calm and diligence you can spot one. Once you do, use them as you won't be sorry....Thanks to Frank and Karen Grayczk for all the wonderful photos. Karen has agreed to keep sending us photo of the beautiful nature we have here in Atenas, most of which they spot from their balcony. Who's your daddies? Did I hear Dennis and Gerardo from Pure Life Development?

A few weeks back Gerardo and I had a friend (William) visiting from Panama. William had never been to Costa Rica. He had limited time here and was really wanting to see the Arenal Volcano. So I suggested that we make a whole day of it and do something that none of us had ever done...the La Fortuna waterfall. Over the years I have been to the Arenal area countless times but had never done the waterfall. The drive up to Arenal is beautiful.

We always go through San Ramon, which passes high in the mountains through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest. Coming down you pass all the large farms of tropical plants that are grown for export to the United States and Europe. Keep your eyes open because during the rainy season you will see several waterfalls that just jet out of the mountain side. There were several things on the agenda so we decided to check in at Baldi first, then go to the waterfall. For nationals and residents, Baldi offers special rates for daily entrance. We choose the full day pass with dinner included. Now let's go check out the waterfall and come back and relax.The La Fortuna Waterfall is located just on the outside of La Fortuna.

Just before you get to downtown (coming from San Ramon) you will see the signs. You have to turn off to the left and go up about 4 kilometers until the road dead ends into the park entrance. Other than the waterfall, there is a mountain lake that is the old crater of a dormant volcano. We did not have time to do this hike as it is about two hours up and two hours back but we have heard it is fantastic. Hiking down over 500 steps to come to the waterfall, you are rewarded with a stunning jet of water falling from above. The river is crystalline, nice and cold...well refreshing for a dip. The climate in La Fortuna is a bit humid, so after the hike the water feels great. At the bottom of the fall is a large pool great for swimming. However a small hike around the corner, you find the La Fortuna river which offers a nice current with water so clear you can see the fish swimming. Ok guys....I am cold. Let's go relax in the hot springs...What do you say???

Going down the steps is easy but going back up...not so easy..well...thinking about Chirripo..it was a breeze. Back at Baldi we pose in the entrance for photos with the fat lady. Inside is a tropical paradise. Lush landscape with almost every species of heliconias, bananas, gingers, palms, birds of paradise, and every other tropical you can think of. A quick change and we are in the pools. Baldi has several pools all with varying temperatures. We start off warm and then work our way up to hot....at about 109 degrees, that is hot. Thank God there is a cold dipping pool next to it. Now this is the life. Relaxing in paradise with a unobstructed view of Volcan Arenal. Does life get better? Cocktail please? Completely relaxed we change and make our way up to have dinner before we leave. Buffet style with great options like grilled fish and chicken, fresh veggies, rice and beans, salad bar, soup, and dessert...I am full...now I have to drive home. Hope you had a great time William....

The idea started a year or so ago...Let's climb Chirripo, Costa Ricas highest peak. At 3,820 meters high (12,530 feet), you have to prepare. So last December, the gang started talking about doing it in earnest. So in January, Nelson called and made reservations. We wanted to do it in March, however the first available space was in May. So we had the reservations...May 2, 3, and 4th. Now we need to get in shape. We began walking in January, but fell off the wagon, and the last month before we did the climb, walking became a religion. Every morning walking 2 hours, Saturday and Sunday, 4-6 hours each day. Were we listo? NO!!

Saturday May 1st. Travel day. We had clients coming in so we had to wait around to check them in. At 4 p.m. we headed south to San Isidro to stay at Rio Chirripo B&B where friends/clients of ours, Chris and Alison, celebrating Chris' birthday. Happy Birthday Chris. Driving down we go the bad news that we were not going to be able to start our climb the next day because of issues with the porters who take your luggage up the hill. You have to check you luggage in the day before you hike, before 7 p.m. We arrived at 9 p.m. so needless to say we missed the deadline. We will figure it out in the morning. Frank greeted us, showed us to our room and left us to enjoy a homemade pizza and glass of wine. Everyone else had go to bed after one too many glasses of wine. Sunday May 2nd.

We were suppose to wake up around 4 a.m. to start our hike at 5:30 a.m. but with the issue of bags, we had to make other arrangements. We got up, greeted everyone, had breakfast and went to the park services to check in. It was quite a fight, but we worked things out and were allowed to start our hike one day late, and stay one day extra. We had reserved for 2 nights and did not want to stay less time as everyone had warned against it. Now, one issue down and one more to go...the baggage. The thing is you can hike up with your bags if you are prepared, but it really pays to hire a porter to take your bags up for you...you will need the extra energy. It was 10 a.m. and the porters office did not open until 12 noon. We headed down to San Isidro to the mall for some shopping. San Isidro is a fast growing town in the south of Costa Rica that has a lot to offer and is very, very clean.

After hanging out, having lunch, we headed back up the mountain to Rio Chirripo B&B to get our luggage and ready ourselves for a long day of hiking on Monday. We arrived at the porters office, and took out our 4 bags of provisions, sleeping bags, and cloths. For those of you who do not know, you must take your own food (I will explain another option later in the story), cloths, and sleeping bags, for the amount of time you are staying. You also need to take your own cook top/burner. The camp has plenty of cooking supplies like pots, pans, dishes, glasses, utensils. We weighed our bags and to our surprise the grand total.... 58,000 colones or about $110. Well it was not about the money but those of you who know me, I am a bit tight, so could not see paying that to have extra luggage. We needed our sleeping bags and food. The other cloths would just have to stay behind. En fin, we paid 31,000 or about $60. Back to the B&B to regroup with our bags and get some rest as 4 a.m. comes early. Especially when you have a 8 hour hike ahead of you. Buenas noches, y se descansas bien.

After a good nights sleep, the alarm went off at 4 a.m. so that we could start our day. Frank had promised to wake us up and 4:30 but we decided on 4 so we could have that extra cup of java to fuel our hike. Rio Chirripo is like a family compound..Beautiful, with a huge rancho that has a wonderful fireplace, kitchen, and dinning room. With coffee in hand, Nelson and Gerardo begin to warm up the pinto that Nelson had made for the trip...true Ticos. I must say Nelson makes the best pinto in Costa Rica and I love me some pinto. Frank suggests we get going. We grab our bags, and load up in the truck to head up the hill to the trail head. We touch down and are ready to take off. Group photo first. Thanks Frank. For weeks we had anticipated what the hike was going to be like. On one side we wanted to believe it would be easier than everyone had said. The other side was telling us the fact that you have to climb 14 kilometers (over 8 miles) the first day, it was going to be difficult. In the first 10 minutes of the hike, I knew we had underestimated Chirripo.

It was going to be a real challenge. I love challenges but what had we gotten ourselves into? They say the last kilometer is the worst, the hill of the repentants, but what about the first kilometer? No one warns you about that one. With our fears conquered we push on and dawn begins to break...Did I mention we started before daylight? This is truly God's country as it is some of the most pristine forest and views I have experienced. About 2 kilometer up,we take a water and photo break. Across the mountain we see a few cabins with tons of pink flowers planted around them. They really stand out surrounded by lush green.

As the morning winds on, things are going smoothly. The views are great. The forest waking up, alive with birds singing. We hear in the distance the splendid quetzals beautiful song. If you are lucky you will spot on..We did but only got a glimpse of the tail as he flew off. Quetzals are very evasive and hard to find, but easy to distinguish because of the 3 foot long tail feather they have. We were happy for just a glimpse. Winding around the mountain, we catch vistas of San Isidro, now several thousand meters below. The sun bright in the sky and the temperature cool and getting cooler with every meter we climb. About9:30 a.m. we hit the halfway mark "Llano Bonito" which also serves as an emergency camp. You can fill your water here if you need to, use the bathroom (a hole in the ground) and have a snack. At this point you are ready for a break and a bite to eat. But be warned. Do not eat or rest too much. You will regret it.
By the time of our break, we had not passed the first hiker, nor did we have anyone else hiking with us. However by the time we were leaving, another group of four was arriving to take a break too. Up and onward, we continue our journey. With the increase in elevation breathing gets a bit harder. Also the trail begins to get steeper. We pass through a very mystical area called "Barba del Viejo" or old mans beard. It is a large stretch of

trees that are covered with a golden colored moss. Amazing and beautiful. Also the sound of the Yiguirro, the national bird of Costa Rica singing in the background. Just the trek in the forest was worth the journey. Around 11 a.m. you start asking yourself in earnest...what was I thinking? It is hard to explain, because you are not too tired, but it is building and you are calculating 2 more hours of hiking. Now the air is getting thin, the flora is changing...the trees and plants are getting smaller. This is high altitude. We are now over the 10,000 foot mark. Can you breath? Me too...In the last few kilometers, you come to an area where once stood large trees but all that remain are deal, charred trunks. Several fires in the 90's and early 2000's swept through devastating the area. It will take years for this area to recover. Walking through it is a place to reflect on how life can change in a split second. As we were walking it started raining, and Gerardo received a phone call that his father was dying. That was hard to swallow after

almost 8 hours of treacherous hiking. Taking a moment to digest, and talk about the options, Gerardo wants to complete the hike in his fathers honor. The last 45 minutes up "Cuesta Arrepentidos" or repentance hill was grueling...Raining, cold, and hungry, we struggle up the hill. Once you make it, you see the base camp where we will be spending the next two nights. You are almost there and you thank God. Once at the base camp we check in, go to our room, relax, and try to take in the events of the day. It is very cold and dreary and ...."the sun will come out tomorrow".

Waking up the day after a 8 hour hike is a challenge. Well, the waking up part no, the getting out of bed part brutal. Especially when it is cold outside. Yes folks at almost 12,000 feet, even in Costa Rica it is cold...try 38 degrees Fahrenheit cold. The idea is to wake up early and summit at sunrise. Well we heard our neighbors wake up around 3 a.m. to do just that. We decided we had seen the sunrise before, and 5 a.m. would do just fine. Dressed and ready to go we grabbed a quick cup of coffee before we headed out to the summit of Chirripo. From the base camp it is another 2.5 hours up to the peak. Up here the topography is amazing. Solid granite peaks that are called the "Crestones" dominate the

foreground. A nice river give a gentle sound of water, with a few small waterfalls in the distance. Every though you are high, there are still tall mountains around you. At this point you still cannot see Chirripo and it is the highest. We take a moment to reflect at the river and a small lake that is calm as glass and reflects the mountains in the background.

Continuing on we reach the Valley of Rabbits. So named because before the fires the area was inhabited by the furry little ones. Unfortunately like so many things in our environment they too have disappeared. Looking around I realize that this is one of the most pure places I have ever visited. The air, the water, the smell, all very sweet and understated.

This is a very spiritual place. Even if you are not religious or spiritual, you cannot help but be moved. Finally we see the sign pointing us in the direction of Mt. Chirripo. Which peak is it? Do you guys see a flag? I sure don't. A nice gradual assent allows for pure enjoyment. Well almost. The air is so thin that you cannot take more than 10 steps without being out of air. Plus I had a pounding headache from the night before. I would find out a few days later this was all due to the altitude, which I had already assumed. Sever nice rock out cropping lend themselves for perching on the edge and enjoying the valley below. We pass our neighbors coming down as we are going up. From the looks on their faces, it was going to get rough.

Up and over one more pass and there it is...Mt. Chirripo. DAMN..it is tall...We had walked 8 hours the day before, and about 2 hours already and I still have to hike up that peak? Are you kidding me? Refund please!!! But then as you clear another turn, you look to your left and see Lago Chirripo and the Valley of Lakes....what a sight to see. Have I said this is heaven? As you reach the base of Mt. Chirripo, you realize that hiking is going to turn to rock climbing. The trail becomes narrow, rocky, and steep. On step at a time. Towards the very top, it is hand over hand, with careful placement of your feet. One slip and you could be in the lake...floating face down. Gerardo reaches the summit first and has a few minutes to take it all in and reflect on all that has happened. We reach the top and take in the accomplishment.

At the top the views are the best you have ever seen. At 12,530 feet how could they not be? It is always nice to have a sense of accomplishment. That is something that I have inside since childhood, and something I was fortunate to have instilled in me by my family. It is particularly strong with a feat like this. You just have to breath it in. Gerardo had already signed the guest book that rest inside a metal box. He dedicated his hike to his father who loved to travel. His accomplishment was how he honored him, knowing it was something he would have loved to have done. He wrote " ". We all cried and took in the beauty that surrounded us. You have great views of the lakes below; the Valley of Morenas and Lago Chirripo. In the distance we could see Volcan Turrialba letting off smoke. We had done it. As we had a drink and snack, little birds began to come close. We shared our granola bars with them as we mustered the energy to make our way down.

The descent was bitter sweet. Like a child at Christmas, it was over all too soon. However you are tired and not sure how much more you can take. There are plenty of other hikes to do. You can hike a few more miles down to the lakes or take a loop up to the crestones. We decided to go back to camp and make lunch. If we felt up to it we would hike up the crestones later. Coming down, things seem to be in slow motion. We made ourselves hungry thinking about what we were going to cook with the leftover food the group before us had left. Nelson was planning on tuna rice with whatever else we could scrape together. Once we arrived we realized that someone had beat us to the punch. Lucky for us it was a cook from down the hill who was hired to cook for a large group. We quickly put in our order for lunch and dinner. It was a nice change from canned tuna and Vienna sausages. Bellies full, we took a nap and realized we would not be hiking more. A quick shower and off to bed.

Showers are another story all together. ICE WATER direct from the river. It is a breath taking experience to say the least. It is all you can do to soap up and rinse off. The base camp is very basic and completely solar powered. The rooms are bunk beds and simple shelves to store you baggage. Sleeping bags are a must. We put the bunks together and all slept on the lower level to keep warm. We had such good sleeping bags we got hot. Others were not so lucky and complained of cold. Most everyone is very friendly and in the common area kitchen/dinning room conversations are easily made. Most travels are Costa Ricans'and a few foreigners who brave the hike. It is a form of national pride for Ticos to climb Chirripo...a right of passage if you will.

The next day was our return to civilization. We began our journey about 6:30 a.m. As we were leaving base camp the we began to pass the porters who would take our luggage down for us. It is amazing to me that these porters do this all the time. Typically they can go up the mountain and back down in about 4 hours. These guys just run down. I am not sure how they don't break their necks. We made it down in about 4 hours. Once down we went to the first soda to have breakfast. We were so hungry and thirsty. After a feast, we called Frank who came and picked us up and took us back to the B&B for a shower and fresh change of cloths. Believe it or not, we were not that tired. It would have been nice to just chill at the B&B by the fireplace but we had to get home. Life to deal with. We are now scratching our heads for the next adventure...Osa or Tortugero???

It's Monday. Game plan in hand, we take off to look at several farms for the group to consider. Again, with great weather, it was a hit. Great views. They were impressed. So we have the land, now off to give a detailed tour of Atenas, other developments, new homes, and everything in between. We need these guys to see everything possible in a short period of time. This was not only business, we had to have some fun too! After a long day at work, we end the day (night) at home going over the events of the day. Everyone is in and ready to go! So with some people leaving on Wednesday, Tuesday

was our play day...and did we play! After a full breakfast at the Mercado Central de Atenas, we are off to enjoy the adventure of a canopy tour in Miramar, at Vista Golfo. We had the whole crew of Pure Life, me, Gerardo, Nelson, Luis, and then all the guys...Glenn, Ray, Bobby, Paul, Brad and Danny. Vista Golfo has much to offer. We chose to do zip lines and horseback ridding...What a trip. Starting around 9 a.m. with a 45 minute horseback ride. The views to the Pacific from this area are stunning. The country side was full of bloom, with a great sea breeze.

Once up to the canopy, we were fitted with our gear, and ready to zip!
The zip tour consists of 25 lines, 2 of which are rappels. All of which follow the El Padre river downstream, passing waterfalls, and an abundance of wild life. White faced monkeys passed through

the canopy, carefully observing the strangers below. About 1/2 through we stopped at a large waterfall, with a huge natural pool below. Needless to say we were all transformed to children, took off our gear, and jumped in! WOW is that water cold...no REFRESHING! Everyone was having a good time, talking, making jokes. We finished up our line tour and back to base camp for lunch. Tipico was lunch...casado with your choice of beef, chicken, pork, or fish...all fresh, healthy and good! After lunch, a few minutes in the rocking chairs overlooking that Gulf

of Nicoya, and it was time to go. Darn the day went fast. Hope you guys had a good time...judging by the smiles on their faces, I would say yes.

To say last week was a whirlwind would be putting it mildly! Pure Life Development had a double whammy with investors and family...Do not misunderstand; it was GREAT! It all started with the arrival of my uncle Glenn and aunt Linda, cousin Ray, and his friends Bobby and Paul. Two days later more friends Brad and Danny arrived from Minnesota. The idea? Have fun, and introduce our investors to Costa Rica and the "pura vida". Were we successful? Judge for yourself.....

So our first afternoon was a meet and greet just to talk and get to know one another. We did not get into too much business as we were waiting for two more investors, Brad and Danny the next day. So early to bed, and up early the next day to hike up to Irazu Volcano! It was Sunday and the weather was perfect! Taking the new "super highway" to San Jose was a breeze, and then on to Cartago to make our way up to Irazu. The skies were clear and we could see Turrialba Volcano huffing and puffing high in the sky.

Once at the Volcano, we all had a snack, coffee (it is very cool up there), and then to see the crater. For many like Ray, Bobby, Paul, and Linda, it was the first time seeing a volcano up close and personal! What do you think guys? We made our way up to the mirrador (lookout) were we could get a closer look at Turrialba letting off steam! Perfect photo op for everyone. What next...Everyone is hungry...We stopped and had pinto with eggs and plenty of fresh watermelon juice (mmm love sandia). After breakfast we were off to pick up Danny and Brad at the airport! Once Danny

and Brad were in the car, we knew it was going to be a fun week...First stop? MegaSuper for beer! Back to the house to get to know each other, then make a game plan for the week.

Guess what? It is was Sunday again and the Pure Life Development team was off for another day trip. This time, Rincon de la Vieja volcano in Guanacaste. With the car packed (ice chest with fruit, juice and tuna salad) we were up and out the door by 6 a.m. only stopping at the MonteVerde Restaurant for a nice buffet breakfast! If you are on the PanAmerica Highway heading to Guanacaste, this is a must stop! Offering pinto, picadillo, sausage, fresh fruit, yogurt, natilla, bread, plantains, cakes and sweetbreads, coffee, juice....do you need more? Actually if you are going to Rincon, then yes..eat all you can,

because you will need the energy later. On the road again to our final destination!

We arrive at the Las Pailas entrance to the volcano (there are two entrances, Las Pailas and Santa Maria) around 10 a.m. ready to hit the trails. The entrance fees to the park are 1,000 colones for locals and residents, and $10 for foreigners. You can buy a map of the park for 100 colones. Rincon has a lot to offer, and you cannot do it in one day. If you want to see everything, you actually need 3 days. There is a 7 hour hike up to the crater, a 4 hour hike to the waterfalls, and a 2 hour loop to see the fumerolas and mud pots. With a plan in hand, we hit the 2 hour loop with the idea of returing for lunch and doing the waterfalls!A nice hike into the woods, a small swinging bridge allows you to cross the Rio Colorado. Off into the forrest we encouter many Matapalo trees, which are strangler figs that attach to the host tree and "strangle" them out. These trees can become HUGE, and Rincon has some great examples of the species. Continuing down the trail you begin to get a hint of rotten eggs!

Sulfer slowly creeping out from some bubbling caldron! We come to a sign that points one direction to a waterfall, and the other to the fumaroles. We head off to the waterfalls first. We were impressed with this nice fall cascading down a solid rock wall! A refreshing break in our hike. Next we were off to see the fumaroles, which are pools of boiling water that can reach temperatures of up to 248 degrees fahrenheit. Now that is hot! With this discovery we had just found where that smell was coming from. Continuing down the path we come to a fork in the trail. Mud pots to the right(200 meters), thermal baths to the left ( 6 kilometers). I got the bright idea that I wanted to experience the natural hot springs, so off we went! Six kilometers is nothing, right guys?

Well about 3 kilometers of going up hill, the path begins to level out. You can tell here the path is less traveled because it feels a bit abandoned. Keep your eyes open because we passed a baby Fer de Lance along the way, sunning on a rock. It is the time of the year that all the wild orchids are in bloom, especially the Nacional flower, the Guardia Morada. Are we there yet? Two

hourslater we arrive at a small river with two large pools full of sulfer water! Trust me, your feet and legs are ready for a break and an indulgent soak is in order. This is heaven. It is nice because the water

is very warm and the river is cold, so you can cool off if you get to hot! After about 45 minutes of heaven, cloths back on, ready to hike back. Let's just say that the hike back is not for the faint of heart. Relaxed and hungry, the body does not want to cooperate! Even though, we made it back in a record one hour and thirty minutes!
Picking up the trail where we left off, we finish our tour with the mud pots! All I can say is out of this world! Large boiling holes of volcanic mud, again at temperatures of up to 248 degrees fahrenheit. Dying tired, and almost back to the park entrance, I find a side path to check out a bubbling lake...I thought everyone was going to kill me, but what the heck...we are here, why not! Picking up the trail satisfied and taking in the last

bit of a strange landscape. Hissing and gurgling all around you. The must be what hell sounds like. But who knew hell would be so beautiful! Six hours later, we arrived at the car ready to chow down! Glad we brought a picnic. Unfortunatly it was 4:30 and no time for the waterfalls....NEXT TIME!

For those of you who do not know, Palmares is a local town about 20 minutes over the mountians from Atenas. But in January of every year, the whole country knows Palmares, as PARTY CENTRAL! According to the Fiestas web site , the festivities have been a tradition for over 20 years. In 2002 the Costa Rican government declaired "las fiestas" a "nacional touristic activity". Starting with the TOPE, which is a big horse parade, and continuing for 15 days, including games, rides, bull fights, sports activites and concerts. For the concerts, Palmares pulls out all the stops bringing in the biggest in Latin stars, including Lucero, Alicia Villareal, and Calle 13. Not to mention all the best fair fare you can handle. http://www.fiestaspalmares.com/

So last Thursday, the Pure Life Development team took the afternoon off to go experience the TOPE of Palmares. Needless to say it was a blast. Cowboys, cowgirls, horses, and everything in between. The people were wild. Drinking, and dancing in the streets. This year the TOPE was dedicated to the president, OSCAR ARIAS, who watched from his seat, like many of his other countrymen. The Nacion printed that Don Oscar was quite upset that he was not allowed to ride in the parade, but did not elaborate as to why. However, all the presidential canidates we up front and center, especially front runner Laura Chinchilla.

We started off by taking in a hour or so of horses, and then made our way through the croud to find something to eat. After a 30 minute walk, which would normally take 5, we chowed down. Vigaron, which is pieces of pork cooked with onions, peppers, with fried yucca, coverd in cole slaw and pico de gallo, chinese style fried rice, fried chicken, candied apples, and of course churros filled with caramel. With our bellies full, we walked around watching others enjoy the afternoon, and then stopped to have a drink and enjoy some more horses. For those of you who are brave enough, we highly reccomend Fiestas Palmares!!

This past Sunday, me and my friend Nelson packed up and headed to Rio Celeste for the day. Located on the slopes of the Tenorio Volcano, inside the Tenorio Volcano National Park, this "blue" river and surrounding park are paradise.

Rio Celeste takes it's name from the unique blue color of the water, which is a result of a chemical change when sulphur and calcium carbonate combine to create the blue color. However, the locals have a saying: "When God finished painting the sky, he cleaned his brushes in Rio Celeste." which if you have ever washed a blue paint brush, makes perfect sence!
Getting there is easy. From San Jose/Central Valley area, just take highway 3 up past Canas, to highway 6 and turn right. Keep going about 30 kilometers until you reach Bijagua. Continue past Bijagua until you reach the signs for Tenorio Volcano and Rio Celeste. Turn right. Follow the bumpy road until you reach the park entrance. The route is very well marked.

At the parkentrance you can buy your tickets, entrance is 800 colones

for residents or $10.00 for forginers. The ranger will give you a map and tell you the best route to take. You can also hire a guide who will give you a detail tour of the park, with all the information on flora, fauna, and everything in between.

Once inside you hike 1.5 kilometers to the waterfall. Getting down to it is not for the weak of heart. It is quite a journey, but you are rewarded with a 30 meter cascade of blue water. You can cross the river and continue the trail on the other side, or simple return the way you came and pick up the same trail. It is not recommended to swim in the river, however we have seen video's and photos of people doing just that. As you pick up the trail you continue another kilometer to the mirrador or "outlook" that has a magnificante view out the valley. Continue on and you come to the "Blue Lagoon", which is actually a very wide deep area of the river.

After you have had you photo op at the Blue Lagoon, pick up the trail again, and you will pass the pass the calderon, which is a bubbling area of the river, where a vein is open letting off pressure from the underground viens. Continuing on, you come to the which is the Teinderos, which is vien where Rio Celeste takes it's color. It is amazing to see how two rivers converge, and like a line drawn in the sand, change colors! This is where God's paint brushes are resting. By this time you have been hiking for a bit over an hour and you could use some relaxing time, right? Well if you can muster the energy, keep going another 15 minutes, and you come to the natural hotsprings formed at the rivers edge. Take off your shirt and shoes,

and take a dip. The water is very hot in areas, so be careful. There are many hotsprings dotted throughout the park, however this one you can actually enjoy. It was nice to sit on the river side, because with back to the river, you have the ice cold of the river water and your front hot from the spring. A very unique sensation!

Make your way through the forest, back to the entrance of the park where you can freshen up with a shower! I hope you brought a picnic, but if not make your way back to Bijagua where you will find a great variety of dinning options. If you need a place to stay in the area, check out www.sueno-celeste.com The owners went out of their way to be helpful and informative, even though they did not have room at the inn! Pura Vida and good travels.

The idea behind blogging is to share information and experiences. Our goal is to give our clients useful information about the Atenas area, and share our experiences here involving everyday life. Having said that, today's blog will be about a recent trip to "Los Chorros" waterfalls, in our neighboring town of Grecia. We will also share a nice listing that will get your attention!

Grecia is located about 20 minutes northeast of Atenas. It is famous for three things: The red metal church, sugar cane, and being know as the cleanest city in Central America. Just out of town on the back road between Grecia and Alajuela, you will find the village of Tacares de Grecia, and "Los Chorros". Los Chorros translated in English is roughly (the stream or jet of water). This public park has great hiking to offer, with areas for picnics, and swimming. The trails are very well marked, and between 30-45 minutes you arrive at one of the most beautiful waterfalls with hundreds of little "chorros" coming out of the mountian side. At the base of the cascade, you find a large natural pool for swimming, along with other small pools along the river. If you are feeling adventurous you can rappel down the large waterfall with a group or private guide. We recommend the guys at: http://www.bungeecostarica.com/. We have not done this yet, but it is on the "list". We hope you will discover this piece of paradise, and feel sure once you do,you will return over and over again like we have!

Pure Life Development was started by Gerardo Gonzalez-Porras and Dennis James Easters in 2007 as a full service Real Estate Company. We offer everything from sales, rentals, property managment, to construction managment and land development. Our philosophy is to provide optimal customer service while educating the client on the do's and dont's here in Costa Rica.

Our staff is completely bi-lingual, and able to assist you with any question you may have. If we do not have the answer, we will find it for you. We invite you to brouse our web site at http://www.purelifedevelopment.com/ . We hope that you too can find your piece of paradise, and start living the "PURA VIDA"