Last week I traveled to Costa Rica as part of a team from Beach Church here in Jacksonville. We worked with Pura Vida Missions and Faithful Servant Missions on a variety of construction projects (repairing roofs, laying a foundation for a church, building bunk beds). At the end of the week we had a free day in La Fortuna, near the Arenal volcano. After the requisite zip lining, I was intrigued by a sign I saw while eating lunch.
"Scooters for rent"
Well now, that has potential, doesn't it? After lunch, I checked it out. Six or seven hours on a Honda Elite was just $35. Done. After stopping by the hotel to put on long sleeves/long pants (the lack of my usual gear did make me feel more than a little exposed), I headed west to the volcano.
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| My ride for the day |
The road meanders towards and around the volcano with plenty of fun curves, although I did have to dodge a lot of bicycles due to a big race taking place on the same road. While I didn't go hiking near the volcano (not when it was such a beautiful afternoon to ride), I did stop by the observation point which had perfect views of the volcano and lake.
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| Arenal volcano |
I kept going on the same road for a while longer, over the dam and along the lake, until I hit a road that was all loose rock. That seemed like a good point to turn around and head back the way I came. Back in La Fortuna, I headed over to the La Fortuna waterfall where the road turns into dirt. Then back into pavement. Then back into dirt. Then back into pavement. Then back into...
Anyway, it's a steep hike downhill for a closeup view of the waterfall but well worth it. You can go swimming in the pool at the base (unfortunately I didn't have my swimsuit with me).
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| La Fortuna waterfall |
To round out the afternoon, I then took the road east out of La Fortuna for a ways, just to see what was there. Then I turned around.
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| It doesn't get better than this! |
Riding in Costa Rica towards a volcano with the sun dipping behind it, does it get any better?
