September 17: The trail to Mount Chirripó

Our hostel was a short walk to the Cloudbridge Nature Reserve where we hiked the last two days and also to the trail that leads to Mount Chirripó, the tallest mountain in Costa Rica.  They say that on a clear day you can see both oceans from the summit.  Climbing to the summit requires two days of hiking and footware other than flip flops so we didn't attempt this challenge.  However, we did have time to start the trail to Mount Chirripó which starts at an altitude of 5,000 feet.  We hiked for 1.5 hours and then packed up for our 11:30 bus ride.

In case you think all the Vander Beek moments are one glorious adventure after another, here's a recap of a conversation from today:

"Mom, I HATE this.  I don't want to do this.  Why do we have to hike MORE??  We just did this for four hours yesterday."

"Honey, just look at this beautiful place.  We don't get to see these views in Zeeland."

"I don't CARE about looking around.  I've been to Canada, out west, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala and Nicaragua.  I've seen enough places.  I DON'T WANT TO DO THIS!!!"  

The perturbed child's walking stick gets thrown to the ground at this point.

About two minutes later I hear a terrified scream from another child who wants to quit....massive beetle crossing her path.  I do admit it was the largest beetle I've ever seen (4-5 inches) and it was rather traumatizing to a bug hater.

Oh, the joys of trekking into new territory...not always easy or desirable but definitely not dull. 

Before we headed off to the Mount Chirripó trail, we walked through the gorgeous grounds of the hostel.  The morning air was cool - felt so good to wear long sleeves!!

Giving thanks to God for a safe weekend exploring a beautiful part of His diverse world.