Saturday, July 20, 2013

The Secret Waterfall

Dad and I got to sleep in this morning a bit, which was nice.

At 8:30am, dad and I were picked up by Gustavo, who was going to be our guide for horseback riding. We set off down the beach to meet the horses, which were much smaller than the horses I am used to. We hopped on and set off falling Gustavo, who could speak very little english. We walked along the beach and the horses loved walking in and drinking the saltwater. We eventually headed up the path towards the town and walked along the roads.

After about 20 minutes, we were met by two men who were going to take us to a canopy tour, which involved zip line. Danny was the main guide and he got us all suited up and explained how to work all of the equipment. When going on a zip line, you hold on the the rope that holds you in with one hand, your other hand has a certain glove, which goes on the line, and that's your break, and your body sits in a chair position.

Once I was ready, Danny let me go and I sped down the zip line. As I looked around, I could see all around me. We were really high up in the trees and I could feel the wind in my face. The other guide caught me at the other platform and hooked me up to the tree. Dad followed and I watched him zoom across. It was a wonderful feeling of freedom and it was surprisingly comfortable. We had to belay down to another platform to get to the next zip line. Ever line was different and you could see different things. You could see the river, and bridges, and different trees, it was really quite fantastic.

After eight zip lines, Gustavo met us on the final platform. He lead us down to the river where our horses were tied up. We got back on and went along the river until we eventually got in and walked through the river. Some areas were so deep, they came up the horses stomach! I loved walking through the water on the horse. The slow and steady pace allowed for time to look all around the jungle. Although we didn't see much wildlife, it was really wonderful.

After who knows how long, maybe 45 minutes, we got off the horses and to go on foot. We climbed up the cliff along skinny paths, over huge roots. When we walked over the top of the cliff, we were excited to find a large hidden waterfall! Gustavo led us through the large slippery rocks, helping us out when needed. Eventually he signaled for us to take off our shoes. We followed him barefoot through the rocks and eventually he signaled for me to jump in. I had worn my swim suit so I took off my shirt and left my new leggings on. He climbed behind me and dove off a rock. The water felt cool on my skin, yet refreshing. After a while, dad appeared on the rocks in his underwear and eased himself into the water. Walking on rocks may be my cup of tea, for I like to feel exactly where I'm stepping. It's very difficult for my dad though, but he made it! I was so proud of him.

Eventually he stayed behind and Gustavo led me a bit further. Neither of us could speak much of each others language and that made for slower communication but we did our best. Gustavo is 23 and comes to the waterfall often with the horses. He and his friends like to skip rocks there. Most of the things he said to me, I couldn't understand. But certain things I was able to pick up on. We did handstands in the water and had water fights. We skipped rocks and made a man out of sand. It also started to rain, which made the swimming more exciting! It was really great to be around him, a lot of fun! I was able to eventually figure out one phrase he said to me, "tu eres bonita." I didn't know what to do except smile and respond, "gracias!"

We headed back towards my dad and made our way back to the horses. We had to go over the steep and narrow path again, through the vines, down the rocks, but we made it! The horses were waiting for us and we hopped back on and set out on the long road back to our hotel. Back through the river, up a steep hill, through the town, and eventually back to our hotel. We said goodbye to Gustavo, who wanted to know when we were returning to Drake Bay. I didn't know what to say, except we hope to come back someday.

Gustavo headed off with another group for a horseback ride and dad and I headed to lunch. We hung out the rest of the day, took it easy. We met up with the rest of the people who were staying at Jinetes de Osa and talked to them about their day, scuba diving and such. After dinner, I chatted with Ivan, our scuba diving instructor, for a good hour about languages, government, other places, previous guests at the hotel, it was really interesting.

We are sad to leave Drake Bay. Tomorrow morning we head off on an 8:45am flight. It will be a new adjustment going back to San Jose not only because I'm working, but because it's an actual city, a college town, and not a small town on the beach. I know it will be wonderful and I will love it, but it hurts me to leave new friends and a wonderful place behind. But at least I have my pictures and memories. I definitely plan on returning.

1 comment:

  1. Ever since I read this post, I've been picturing your dad singing Loudon Wainwright's song "That's my daughter, in the water" :-)
    SinDientes

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