Into the Wild!

We've tasted of the fruit of knowledge, it seems, and so we must leave Eden - though we retain the privilege of returning!

Everest started his day reading by the light of the jungle while most of us still slept. (Mindy was awake at least long enough to get him set up and capture the moment!)

We have replaced one kind of paradise - feeling in harmony with the wild rainforest around us - with a much more polished beauty here at La Mansion Inn Arenal. 

It's inspiring that we were greeted by a rainbow as we arrived!

Long before I knew where we'd land this evening - this morning at Eden - I was anxious for (another delicious) breakfast and chorreador coffee so that we could search for monkeys in unspoiled primary rainforest at La Fortuna Monkey Park. Surrounded by farms where the jungle has been cleared, this wildlife sanctuary offers a 2.5km walking trail through dense jungle, as well as a more accessible meander through an open garden and along the stream. 

If you have the chance to go to La Fortuna Monkey Park, go! It's incredible. Have confidence that you've made the right decision as you drive down progressively less developed routes, off the main highway and past local houses spaced along small landholdings, culminating in what is little more than a farm path down through banana trees. We arrived the better part of an hour after they opened but the staff were still struggling to properly open the heavy wooden doors of the reception counter. I helped rig them open (the doors were admittedly heavy and had to be connected high over my head). Guillermo thanked us with freshly made drinks from the naranjilla after our hike - pulpy and sweet - almost a smoothie. I loved it. The rest of the family didn't. I had four glasses of it. 😁 

First, though, into the jungle! According to the sign-in book, ahead of us is a Canadian family!

Actually, before we had even left reception we were greeted by our first experience of a coati - close up and looking for bananas (provided by Guillermo). 

There is an intensity to entering this untrammelled, dense forest. A feeling that the whole place is alive -not in the individual sense, which of course it is, but as though the jungle is one thing and by entering into it we are now enclosed within it. (I can only imagine how it felt for most of human existence where there was no air conditioned car on the way in!)

The "blue jeans" frogs (poisonous) were out in force enjoying the wetness from this morning's heavy rain. Guillermo walked in with us and set us on our way, pointing out several of these within the first few steps.

Perhaps this is the meal these frogs were seeking? Leaf cutter ants, gradually but inexhaustibly defoliating a tree.

On the lookout in the trees! (Though you also have to watch for snakes on the ground.)

(Lauren wasn't happy whenever I put her down to be nearer to those snakes.)

We walked slowly....very...slowly...through the jungle, peering up in the branches. "If I were a monkey, I'd like that tree" I thought over and over as we scrutinised the canopy above us. I reminded myself that even if we don't see monkeys, we are still experiencing the amazing rainforest around us!

Howler monkeys!!! Just up ahead! I gripped the kids' hands tightly as we purposefully rounded a bend in the trail, and suddenly the noise stopped. High above us but coming down - as though to greet us - at least 8 of the most incredible trapeze artists the natural world has to offer!

Oh...my..... A magical moment! Breath-taking and awe-inspiring. Heart-racing to see them RIGHT THERE! The realisation of a dream! We could have stayed there for hours watching these incredible animals in their natural habitat. Alas, children's attention spans waver even in the face of this delight. We moved on through the rest of the jungle circuit, spotting some lizards on the path ahead of us as we emerged triumphantly back at reception to tell Guillermo about our experience!

A very kind man, Guillermo then offered to walk us through the short garden path, hoping to help us see white-faced monkeys that had passed that way shortly before we returned. While we didn't see more monkeys, we spotted a 4+ foot long snake and quintessential macaw parrots high up in a tree.

Lizards along the edge of the water, and even two caimans waiting for something to get a little too close!

Eventually we had to leave the monkey park, and pack up our Eden home. Temporarily homeless, we took a reprieve from the rain at Raul Castano coffee for a view of the Arenal Volcano.

Perhaps next time - when the kids are older - we'll ATV trek up through the base of the Arenal Volcano. 

For now, though, a different sort of entertainment. (This is what happens when we limit their screen time! 💓)

Pleasantly tired, the drive to La Mansion was an escape...at least, for the rest of us. Mindy had to contend with winding, twisting, narrow roads and sharp drops. I looked out the window and marvelled at spotting a toucan and an oropendola! 

Which brings us to La Mansion. Unpacking, I was surprised to see what Mindy had kept from Eden in my toiletries bag.

I suppose a crafty little girl (that being Lauren, not Mindy) needs her supplies to produce these works of art! 

(Mental note: next vacation, pack craft supplies.)

We spent a quiet evening enjoying the amenities (including cold and warm pools) and views at La Mansion.

Good night.