Today as we gathered in front of the adventure park, Jonathan gave us some more background about the land and forest that we were in. I learned that the cloud forest is one of 14 different types of forests in Costa Rica.
The first activity that my group jumped into was the jungle fly. This is a giant human pendulum swing through the trees and each person is pulled up into the sky by everyone else in the group working together to pull on a rope connected to their harness. It was incredible and definitely relaxing at first but once you get pulled up to the top you feel like time freezes for a second. the worst/best part is when the rope is pulled and the clip holding you up in the sky is released as you feel yourself drop and swing through the forest. It was sketchy for Edgar who has never been to a zip line adventure park.
The second obstacle was the tree tower. We entered through the side of a tree and climbed up the center of the tree. There are ropes and holds that are there to help you ascend up the tree. It was a hard climb on the way up and at first you feel confident climbing and trusting each of the ropes. Then as you get higher the ropes are a little loose at some spots and you just have to trust in each step and each climbing hold. The last ten meters were the hardest part because you are so tired and didn't think that you were going to make it. Once you get to the top you have to hug onto the tree and are so tired physical and mentally you get clipped back in to repel down the tree. The view from the top is amazing but just don't look down. I've never felt so glad to be on the ground!
Our third exciting outdoor obstacle was the Tarzan drop. A three year old boy was able to do this one so there was no backing down from our group. After hiking up to the top of the zip line you get right onto the first zip line. The brake that stopped each of us as we flew towards the platform was unexpected. The scariest part is when you are setting up for the drop. It was scary to put you feet on the platform and be able to see down to the forest floor. The scariest part is stepping off the platform because there is a 30 foot zip line that leads to a 100 foot drop to get to the forest floor.
Our last and most challenging excursion was the monkey bridge. The set up is like a slack-line with ropes to use for balance. There are two cables about 8 feet apart vertically - one is for your feet and one is for the carabiner to keep you from falling. My arms were hanging on until the muscles burned. Jonathan would bounce the line we were standing on to make it more challenging and fun. We all teamed up on Angel and Edgar by bouncing them off the line and they almost got stuck in the dangling in the middle of the forest with no way to pull them selves back up.
On the way back from the adventure park we rode in the back of the truck as Jonathan played "seven nation army" and "American idiot"
Most of the group went to a nearby waterfall and swimming hole in the afternoon. The water was really nice but cold because it is winter in costa rica which is their rainy season. I learned that white water rivers can create a circular vortex that can suck you in if you swim in the wrong areas. We decided to swim in a safer area of the river and enjoyed jumping off of a rock into a deep part of the river.
For cafecito today we ate black bean tacos with our coffee instead of cake today and it was delicious.
It was another unforgettable day in Providencia enjoying all this place has to offer and getting closer to understanding the true meaning of Pura Vida!!
Uriel chose to share something I said today during our daily group reflection:
"this is what i live for. working out there all day, making something, staying in the zone for hours"
-señor Elan
