Adrenaline Junkies

Another beautiful day in the jungle. 

Arenal is an active volcano and when the sky is clear you can see 

steam coming from its vent. 

(Although we've also been told theres not an actual hole at the top 

where you can look down and see lave inside.)

It's the most volcano looking volcano I've ever seen. 

Kinda makes me want to make a baking soda and vinegar one out of mud.

Did my kids ever do that? 

This morning we walked down the road to "Club Rio," another part of the resort,

with loungers by the river, hot tubs hidden in the mountainside

and a wild animal sanctuary that I was very eager to see. Unfortunately, visits are only by tour and we didn't have time to wait for the next opening. 

A shuttle runs between the resort and Club Rio, because it's a mile down a VERY steep road.

We walked both ways for exercise and by the time we were home,

we were drenched with sweat. It's humid. 

Today's adventure was canyoneering -- rappelling over four cliffs, two with waterfalls and one a "monkey drop" into a small pond at the bottom. Every one of us was nervous about it.

When we finished, everyone loved it, and said the anticipation was the scariest thing about the day,

 and wish we could do the course one more time!

180 feet for the first rappel. Of course I looked down. Of course I did.

Fortunately the guys click on onto the ropes turn you around by the shoulders and essentially sit you over the cliff so you're going down before you can think twice.

After the first cliff, we climbed a ladder and went off to the next spot. 

By the time the last descent was over, my legs were shaking.

Not because they worked hard, but the adrenaline. It was crazy. And super fun.

Our excursions are a couple hours away by van, but today we had time to

visit the hot springs before dinner. Behind the hotel is a pool and hot tub that a bunch of us hung out in last night. But to the side of the road hidden in the jungle are dozens more natural hot springs hot tubs.

We stayed until it started to downpour.

I love afternoon rainstorms.

At night we meet together for dinner. 

It's been fun catching up with friends I don't see often and getting to know new ones.

Three board members came this time so I haven't met them or their spouses before.

(Of the 12 executives, 11 were able to come, plus their spouses, plus the three board members and their spouses. Some will arrive on Saturday when we change resorts, but we're a group of 24 right now.)