Bike & Hike

I last left you with a mini cliffhanger.  Let's put that on the back burner for now.

Today I rented a mountain bike with the intention of touring the area.  Though not North Shore capable, the bike had smooth gears and the brakes worked.  Good enough for me.

The main natural attraction in La Fortuna is a waterfall called Cataratas Fortuna.  It's about 5km out of town up a steep road that gives no quarter.  The steepest parts are cemented (nice and smooth), but the road is otherwise gravel.  Was able to ride the entire climb, but had to switchback up the steepest parts.

 Road just out of town, before it really pitches up

Hammock & 3rd.  Couldn't find Mary's though.

Reached the top in about 25 minutes from town.  The waterfall is contained in an ecological reserve, so of course there is a fee.  Most websites are outdated on their pricing, it's now up to $10.  Better be a show.

Entrance, the bridge is about 60' above a narrow ravine

Rules and warnings.

You descend about 200' to the waterfall.  It's not difficult, but the climb back up can be for people WAY out of shape.  I didn't see anyone struggling.

A bit like the Grouse Grind,

just much shorter and fewer hipsters

Plenty of people out today

This is a nearly vertical wall.

Wouldn't want to be on the path when it lets go.

First glimpse of the waterfall

We're there!!!  Didn't take long at all.

The water was cold, but not bad compared to BC lakes.

Had a quick dip.

I hiked down stream just a short distance and found a small pool where more people were swimming.  there appeared to be a path on the far side of the stream.  Off come the shoes again and I wade across.  The path kept going, so I kept following it until I came to a neat little suspension bridge.  About the same length as the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, but nearly as stable.  The crossing was 'interesting'.  Wouldn't want to ride a bike across this one.

The first step is always the hardest

Then the trail went UP

This sign was at the top.

Glad it was there, almost missed the trail on the return.

What are the strange wires?

(Yes, I know too, but don't give it away to the others)

...and platform...

No choice but to climb it.  Can't believe there isn't a locked gate.  Must be safe, right?

So far so good

Made it safely to the top

Loooong way down.  Best not to think of it.

Views from the top

More cables at the top of the platform

....and people swinging through the trees

Ziplines!!!

Not long after I reached the top, I heard a whirring noise emanating from the cable above.  I felt it, and sure enough, there was a fish on.  I took some video and might add it later when I have more time.  Within another three minutes, three guides and two tourists joined me on the platform.

And off they go again towards the waterfall,

screaming like their hair is on fire

Retraced my steps and headed back to the info center.  I was also planning on riding up to the adjacent Chato Vocano (Cerra Chato), but that was another fee and the clouds were starting to look threatening.

I headed back into town (which took about 5 minutes - all downhill), and there was traffic jam.  Must be the event my hotel reservation was nixed for.  Turns out it was a mountain bike race!!!  Oh, the irony.

Hoards of mountain bikers straggle into the finish in La Fortuna

Sculpture at a local artisan's shop

Got out of the West end of town, then turned back to finish sorting out my lodgings for the night.

Two things I left out in my description of laundry room.  It's in a basement, and the 'windows' don't have glass, just steel bars.  Security wouldn't be an issue, but you can use your imagination to envisage the kinds of things that could come through those windows at night when all the drinking holes close.  This was an option that wasn't really an option for me personally.

I finally found a vacancy at a place called Arenal Backpackers Resort (not to be confused with Arenal Hostel Resort).   My digs for the night.

Not cheap, but not expensive either.  $25/night and there is power in the tent, and free locked storage 50' away.  Leaving at 7am for a wildlife tour anyway, so I won't need it for very long.  Back to the other hotel tomorrow night.

Time for a beer.  Maybe another bottle of water too.  That was one heck of a sweaty day.  Most exercise I've had since I've been in Costa Rica.