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FAUNA OF
ATENAS PART l....
.jpg) Muchas
veces Gerardo y yo hablamos sobre nuestro trabajo y
estamos de acuerdo en que estamos en el negocio de los
sueños. Vendemos la gente su idea de Costa Rica. Para mí
que es la naturaleza. Para nuestros buenos amigos (y
clientes) y Frank Grayczk Karen, que se encuentra su
pedazo de paraíso ella en Atenas. Sabíamos que eran
amantes de la naturaleza tan grandes las encontramos
sólo la porción derecha con una gran área de
conservación a través del barranco de ellos. Estoy tan
entusiasmado con las fotos maravillosas que considerar
que yo le pregunté si podía enviarme algunas de sus
mejores para que yo pudiera escribir sobre algunas de
las maravillosas especies que tenemos aquí en Atenas.
Karen se sintió halagado y enviados a través de una
muestra de lo que ellos y tantos otros gozan de Costa
Rica. Gracias chicos por la amistad, y por ser tan
grandes clientes. Tú eres la imagen de lo que se
necesita para vivir en este paraíso.
.jpg) Por
eso, cuando la mayoría de la gente piensa en los
trópicos, que piensan de los monos. He vivido en Atenas
3 años, y ha estado viniendo aquí desde hace más de 6 y
vi a mi mono por primera vez hace un mes. Blanco se
enfrentan capuchino. Este es un mono muy común aquí en
Costa Rica y es considerada como un mono del Nuevo Mundo.
Ellos se encuentran a través de América Central y
América del Sur, tan al sur como el norte de Argentina.
Su nombre proviene de un grupo de frailes, la Orden de
Hermanos Menores Capuchinos, debido a su coloración es
similar a la de los trajes (con capucha) que llevaban
los frailes. Capuchinos se consideran los más
inteligentes de los monos del Nuevo Mundo debido a su
uso de herramientas. Sus dietas incluyen frutas, frutos
secos, insectos, huevos de aves y pequeños vertebrados.
En cautiverio pueden vivir hasta 45 años, pero en la
naturaleza tienen una expectativa de 15-25 años de vida.
Curiosamente, a veces Capuchinos entrenados para ser
utilizados como animales de servicio. Ellos están
capacitados para ayudar a los cuadripléjicos con tareas
tales como cocinar en el microondas los alimentos, la
apertura de botellas de bebidas, y lavar la cara ...
disableds sorprender, no tan diferente de los humanos
...
Los tucanes son grandes en Costa Rica. Cada vez que veo
uno me transporto a mi infancia comiendo frutas cereales
Loops y pensando en Toucan Sam. La quilla facturados
tucán es lo que la mayoría de la gente piensa cuando
piensa en, sin embargo hay cerca de 40 especies de
tucanes. El Mandado quilla son muy comunes alrededor de
Atenas. Los vemos a diario. Esta especie se puede
encontrar desde México hasta el sur hasta Colombia.
Ellos viven en elevaciones de hasta 1900 metros (6.200
pies) con una dieta de frutas, huevos, aves pequeñas,
insectos y reptiles. Muy social, viajan en bandadas
pequeñas en tamaño que van desde 6 hasta 30 aves.
 Los
Tucanes Grandes hijo en Costa Rica. CADA UNO Vez Que veo
me transporto una milla Infancia comiendo Frutas
Cereales Loops y Toucan Sam Pensando En. La quilla
facturados Tucán es lo Que La Mayoría de la Gente Piensa
Piensa en de Cuando, embargo pecado Cerca del heno de 40
Especies de tucanes. El hijo de quilla Mandado Muy
Comunes alrededor de Atenas. Los vemos un Diario. This
Especie Se Puede encontrar DESDE México Hasta El sur
Hasta Colombia. ELLOS Viven en elevaciones de 1900
metros Hasta (6.200 pies) Con Una Dieta de Frutas,
huevos, aves Pequeñas, Insectos y reptiles. Muy social,
viajan en bandadas en Pequeñas Tamaño Que van DESDE 6
Hasta 30 aves.
Pura Vida,
Dennis
Fiery aracaris facturados son
tucanes. Son otra de las especies de tucanes que la
tenemos en Atenas, sin embargo, no tan común de ver como
la quilla tucán. Son más pequeñas en tamaño y se
caracterizan por sus bajos vientres de color amarillo y
rojo, y proyectos de ley que son de color negro y rojo.
Volando en bandadas pequeñas de hasta 10 aves, que se
alimentan principalmente de frutos, insectos, lagartijas
y huevos de aves. Ellos sólo se encuentran en la
vertiente del Pacífico del sur de Costa Rica y Panamá
Oeste.
 Las
iguanas verdes son en todas partes. Conduciendo por una
carretera de tierra en un día soleado se pueden ver
descansando, tirado tomando el sol. Crecer en la
Florida, tenemos muchos lagartos .. bueno, la iguana
verde es una lagartija con esteroides. Se encuentra
desde México, a través de América Central y del Sur,
iguanas verdes vienen en una variedad de colores desde
el azul brillante, de color rosa, el naranja y el rojo.
Se adaptan a sus hábitats y tranquila. iguanas verdes
son de uso frecuente como mascotas domésticas a causa de
su actitud calmada. En la naturaleza, se alimentan
arbóreas en una variedad de hojas, flores, frutas y
brotes, lo que significa que son herbívoros. A menudo se
utiliza como fuente de alimentos en América Central y
del Sur, son conocidas como "gallina de palo" o pollos
árbol ... "El gusto como el pollo".
.jpg) El
Eumomota superciliosa es un emplazamiento común en estas
piezas. Muy fácil de identificar por el color turquesa
azul / y las dos plumas largas de la cola que se
asemejan a los péndulos. Este particular, las aves no
construyen nidos (estilo tradicional), sino más bien se
posan en los túneles que están excavadas en la tierra a
los bancos y las laderas del cerro. A ellos les gusta y
seca para secar los bosques húmedos y se puede encontrar
desde México hasta América del Sur. También es el ave
nacional de Nicaragua.
.jpg) De
los de cuello amarillo Euphonia, Karen escribió: "Este
hombre Euphonia de cuello amarillo era tan divertido ver
con su pequeña baya, tomada desde la cubierta y oh tan
cerca de mí." Ahora Karen nunca debe decir a un hombre
que su bayas son poco! Estos pequeños se encuentran sólo
en América Central. El macho tiene un fondo negro con la
parte inferior de color amarillo brillante, y la hembra
es de color marrón con amarillo respaldado por todas
partes.
.jpg) El
Enmascarado Tityra es una curiosa mirando los ojos de
aves a causa de las marcas en todo es todo. Se encuentra
principalmente en América Central y del Sur, pero ha
aparecido en los Estados Unidos cuando se toma la salida
equivocada.
Y por último pero no menos
importante, el escurridizo Corredor Autorizado. No
comúnmente visto en Costa Rica, pero con paciencia,
calma y diligencia que puede detectar una. Una vez que
usted lo hace, los utilizan como usted no se lo siento
.... Gracias a Frank y Karen Grayczk para todas las
fotos maravillosas. Karen ha acordado mantener enviarnos
fotos de la hermosa naturaleza que tenemos aquí en
Atenas, la mayoría de los que punto desde su balcón. ¿Quién
es tu papis? ¿He oído Dennis y Gerardo de Pure
desarrollo de la vida?
LA FOALDI....FORTUNA: ARENAL, WATERFALL
 Hace
unas semanas Gerardo y yo tenía un amigo (William)
visita desde Panamá. Guillermo nunca había estado en
Costa Rica. Tenía poco tiempo aquí y estaba realmente
deseando ver el Volcán Arenal. Así que me sugirió que
hacemos un día entero de ella y hacer algo que ninguno
de nosotros había hecho en su vida ... la cascada de La
Fortuna. Durante los años he ido a la zona del Arenal,
en innumerables ocasiones, pero nunca lo había hecho la
cascada.
La unidad hasta Arenal es hermoso.
Siempre vamos por San Ramón, que pasa en las altas
montañas a través del Bosque Nuboso de Los Angeles. Al
bajar se pasa todas las granjas grandes de plantas
tropicales que se cultivan para la exportación a los
Estados Unidos y Europa. Mantenga sus ojos abiertos,
porque durante la temporada de lluvias podrás ver varias
cascadas que sólo chorro fuera de la ladera de la
montaña. Había varias cosas en el orden del día así que
decidimos facturar en Baldi primero, y luego ir a la
cascada. Para los nacionales y residentes, Baldi ofrece
tarifas especiales para el ingreso diario. Elegimos el
día pase completo con cena incluida. Ahora vamos echa un
vistazo a la cascada y volver y relajarse.
 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, yo u
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 wi th
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....
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....
Pura Vida,
Dennis & Gerardo
May 2010 Cerro Chirripo Part 1
 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.
Pura Vida,
D, G y N
Chirripo Part 2
 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
Ch irripo.
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".
Pura Vida,
Dennis, Gerardo, y Nelson
Chirripo part 3
 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???
Pura Vida,
Dennis, Gerardo, y Nelson
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.
Pura vida!!!
Pure Life Development Team
 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.
Pura Vida!
Pure Life Development Team
 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 slo  wly 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 hours  later 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!
Now for a great listing in LOMAS DEL PARAISO....Follow this link:
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"!
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Por
eso, cuando la mayoría de la gente piensa en los
trópicos, que piensan de los monos. He vivido en Atenas
3 años, y ha estado viniendo aquí desde hace más de 6 y
vi a mi mono por primera vez hace un mes. Blanco se
enfrentan capuchino. Este es un mono muy común aquí en
Costa Rica y es considerada como un mono del Nuevo Mundo.
Ellos se encuentran a través de América Central y
América del Sur, tan al sur como el norte de Argentina.
Su nombre proviene de un grupo de frailes, la Orden de
Hermanos Menores Capuchinos, debido a su coloración es
similar a la de los trajes (con capucha) que llevaban
los frailes. Capuchinos se consideran los más
inteligentes de los monos del Nuevo Mundo debido a su
uso de herramientas. Sus dietas incluyen frutas, frutos
secos, insectos, huevos de aves y pequeños vertebrados.
En cautiverio pueden vivir hasta 45 años, pero en la
naturaleza tienen una expectativa de 15-25 años de vida.
Curiosamente, a veces Capuchinos entrenados para ser
utilizados como animales de servicio. Ellos están
capacitados para ayudar a los cuadripléjicos con tareas
tales como cocinar en el microondas los alimentos, la
apertura de botellas de bebidas, y lavar la cara ...
disableds sorprender, no tan diferente de los humanos
...
Los
Tucanes Grandes hijo en Costa Rica. CADA UNO Vez Que veo
me transporto una milla Infancia comiendo Frutas
Cereales Loops y Toucan Sam Pensando En. La quilla
facturados Tucán es lo Que La Mayoría de la Gente Piensa
Piensa en de Cuando, embargo pecado Cerca del heno de 40
Especies de tucanes. El hijo de quilla Mandado Muy
Comunes alrededor de Atenas. Los vemos un Diario. This
Especie Se Puede encontrar DESDE México Hasta El sur
Hasta Colombia. ELLOS Viven en elevaciones de 1900
metros Hasta (6.200 pies) Con Una Dieta de Frutas,
huevos, aves Pequeñas, Insectos y reptiles. Muy social,
viajan en bandadas en Pequeñas Tamaño Que van DESDE 6
Hasta 30 aves.
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Once up to the canopy, we were fitted with our gear, and ready to zip! 
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.
