Swim up to bar in volcanic hot water.
We woke up Monday morning in San Jose to a city with few tourist and more working locals. We planned to drive north and west to the Arenal Volcano which is normally a 2-3 hour drive. We decided to take a winding two lane paved road up and over the high mountains range. The ride to the top was pretty easy - as we climbed we went through patches of drizzle. When we got over the summit - we noticed traffic had backed up - we could not see how far - because the road was windy. We sat for nearly an hour - with no cars coming in the other direction. Later we would see a couple ambulances. Traffic started moving for a few miles - then we stopped again - and again. After nearly another hour - we came across two giant wreckers trying to pull something that had fallen over the edge. It looked bad with a few guard rails missing.
Once we were over the mountain - we stopped at the next village and had a nice local late lunch. We had to continue along. It was another two hours to our destination La Fortuna. On the way in - we noticed a giant volcano - shaped like a perfect cone. This is Arenal. Every now and then she puts off some smoke and vapors.
Lulu takes great pride in selecting hotels. She reads reviews - and posts from former customers. Volcano Lodge is very nice. It is a gated community of single story lodges. It is well landscaped with tropical plants and has an unmistakable volcanic motif - igneous rock in the characteristic brown/orange color. But the trademark of the place the collection of pools - tubs - streams - heated by volcanic water. They are several places where you have "swim up" bars.
By the time we checked in - it was 5 PM - but we got our bathing suits on and enjoyed a drink and the hot waters. It started to rain - that happens in the tropics even during the dry season. We have a perfect view of the volcano - but the rain clouds obscured the top at sunset. We will get better pictures tomorrow.
Our Volcano Lodge is at 800 feet elevation - about the height of Tamaqua PA. The mountain climbs to 5400 feet - about one miles high - about as high as Denver CO. We will climb it tomorrow - or as much as I can take.
We are scheduled to spend two nights here at $80 a night. That includes a nice looking outdoor breakfast buffet. Most of the restaurants here in the tropics remind me of the pavilions back home. The tables are under cover from the rain and sun. But there are no windows or doors - it is just open. Our lodge seems very empty - guessing maybe 20% full. If there are other things in the area to do - we may spend another night here.
Costa Rica has about 20 volcanoes - this one is very popular due to it classic shape - its good location - and its historic eruptions. During normal times - it is probably filled with busloads of gray heads. Right now we are experiencing a really nice vibe in the resort.
After our "swimming" session - we went back to our room and dressed for dinner. I guess they used to have trouble with gate crashers because we have to wear these silly wrist bands. We went back to the dining area - only one other table was occupied.
I am tired but will post this before bed. As I finish - it is a stead pouring rain on our flat roof - very soothing. Welcome to the tropics.
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