Today was probably the least action we have seen this long week. We bade farewell to Lavas Tacotal under heavy clouds and fog. The clear mountain view from yesterday was long gone and the day felt as if the clouds were going to pout on us. A quick exit took us to the Arenal National Park about 10 minutes down the road. We went on a short (2 kilometer) hike that took us to a lava-covered viewpoint that was as close to Areanl as we were allowed to get.
A small group of students and teachers stayed back at the hotel as a combination virus/sun/food illness swept our crew. Even one of our guides (Gustavo) was afflicted. In each case the illness affected its victim differently, although in most cases it was a 24-hour upset. Much speculation on the source of the illnesses, but families were notified as needed and students ate less and were given time to get better. The bulk of the illnesses are probably over at this point, but the experience, nasty and unpleasant for the sick seems to have given everyone a good conversation piece at home.
The remainder of the day was spent leaving the jungles on the volcano's slopes and heading towards Guanacaste. Within minutes of our lunch break, the environment shifted to ranchland - the northwestern part of Costa Rica is something like Texas in look and feel. Ranches are everywhere, stables are now visible, the land is dry and the air is hot - all sense of lushness is vanished. There was even a saddlery on the main road.
After a pit stop at a supermarket, we returned to the road. Our final hotel, Nacascol, is just a couple of miles from the beach. It is designed as a small village of condos and single family buildings, with dozens of exciting amenities for the kids: ping-pong, futbol, volleyball, video games, and more. We just finished our 57th large meal and are off to do a room check. Tomorrow, the beach beckons - and then a short night and a return.
We are here having fun, but we are also almost home. See you soon!
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