San Gerardo & Back

If you are reading this post, one of two things have happened – we’ve gotten our telephone/internet service restored (out since last Thursday’s storm) or I’ve connected to the wireless network on the school’s campus…regardless, happy to be back…and back we are!

Last Friday, we had an opportunity to (along with other teachers) go on an overnight experience with a very talented and well-known author and guide, Mark Wainwright. At a mere $15.00 charge for the adults, Mike and decided to seize the chance to experience this hike, overnight and night exploration led by Mark. Mike and I vacillated as to whether we should go as a family or if he should go solo – after some discussion and finding out that three other young boys would be going along, we made sure the van had room for the Schaefer crew. We departed about 3 p.m. Friday in three mini-vans, heading to the Santa Elena Reserve. This reserve is about a 30 to 45 minute drive and is for the most part up-hill. This Reserve has quite a unique feel to it – much different than the Monteverde Reserve. More tropical and what I would say, more lush than its counterpart. We arrived at the Welcome Center/parking lot with both boys fast asleep (they were coming right from a busy afternoon in Kinder). Mark summarized the activities for the night/next morning and we were all off – oozing with anticipation and excitement. Michael in dad’s arms, and John in mine. Luckily they both awoke shortly after we departed and walked the rest of the way (about a two hour hike in with a couple of stops along the way for Mark to point out and comment on fruit, trees and insects). With a sign up ahead “Estacion this way”, I thought to myself, won’t be long now – another ½ hour with the clouds/mist thickening and darkness descending upon us. Michael delighted in holding Miss Melody’s hand and chatting with her the last leg of the trip in. Miss Melody and Miss Eliotth (the boy’s teachers) were two of the 20 or 25 folks on the trip. Some teachers came with their spouses, others invited their children or mothers along…a nice mix of ages and backgrounds which contributed to the richness of the outing. Of course, Ginna and Tedi came along which I’m sure contributed to the boys comfort level and laugh/happy factor. ☺

We reached the Estacion about 5:00 p.m. – the accommodations were lovely, think of it as a ‘lodge’, with a multi-purpose room when you walk in, which was large enough to accommodate a ping-pong table and a couple of rooms off the back, partitioned off was the dining area and the kitchen. Above were the majority of the cabins (adjoining rooms)…about six, equipped with two bunk-beds, shower and toilet, very nice and clean. The balcony supported a ½ dozen hammocks and a spectacular view, not to mention a cozy place to rest your weary bones, crack open a book or suffice as a somewhat make-shift playground for the younger ones. Mike and I made sure the boys understood that although the balcony was awesome – it was very hazardous as the railing was surely not up to any code. The couple that took care of us (cooked the meals) were very accommodating and the meals, well – YUM in a word. I gorged myself and am quite sure none went away hungry. Everyone was responsible for cleaning their own plate, utensils and cup once done to assist with the clean-up. Mark announced the activities for that night (an earlier night-hike to depart at 7 p.m. and a later around 9 p.m.) – we opted for the 7 p.m. We outfitted ourselves in long pants, shirts and flashlights and took to the trail. Not even getting off the front porch, Mark’s son, Kyle, discovered several frogs hanging out in the front yard. Mark was so patient with the little ones and was sure that everyone had a chance for an ‘up close' and personal view of the little jumpers. Michael and John’s eyes lit up when the frog jumped onto their tummy and then SMACK, stuck to John’s forehead– how neat! We saw fungus on sticks that when all flashlights were turned off – glowed like a ‘glow-stick’ – having the kids keep the flashlights off to admire this was the challenge! We marveled in the sight of fire-flies hanging out in the tree canopies above and caught a glimpse of a tropical rabbit before it took cover. No rain to speak of, but plenty of little bugs which required me and a couple of others to pull up our hoods of our rain gear tight around our chins and ears!

Saturday, our day started at 5:30 a.m. – the kids slept through the night and no crying or whining – so all was good. Breakfast was a filler – complete with breads, rice and beans, fruit, eggs, granola, juice and plenty of coffee! The clouds broke for a spectacular view of Volcano Arenal – it is about three hours by car and much less by something called a Jeep-Boat-Jeep (I think). The lot that housed the lodge was open and wide with lots of Guava trees to entertain the little ones. Peaceful and serene with so much nature to take in. Mike and I both enjoyed getting to know the other teachers and meeting parts of their family. Trisha (the music/drama teacher) strummed the guitar and sang which was just perfect for this setting. Post breakfast, we suited up for another hike – have you ever seen a Blue Morpho butterfly up close? Mark pulled out his net (the smaller ones had fun playing with it and putting it over their heads – it covered Michael and John’s entire body). The one side of this creature a brilliant blue, the other side a kaleidoscope of colors (salmon, browns, blues, yellows) something I could see as an ensemble an interior decorator might select for a home. Back to the lodge for lunch, a group photo and a grueling hike back up to the main entrance. The hike back was all up-hill and I carried Michael on my shoulders the entire way (except for a short time when Ginna took him) – THANKS GINNA! At each corner I thought for sure we would be greeted with a flat section, but that did not come until the last 200 meters. Thankful that I had been running, my lungs were in good shape, but the almost 40 pounds on my shoulders still a chore. Michael slept a lot of the way and I jostled his position so as to balance the weight. The sweat was cascading off my brow as the sun was out and no rain insight this day either. Coupled by Michael's drool – I am sure I looked a “sight” when I reached the others waiting, huddling, sharing their snacks and cheering us on when we finally made it back to the vans. Mike and John followed shortly thereafter and all were accounted for. Back in the vans and home by 4 p.m. – just time enough for Mike and I to grab quick showers, accept the pizzas made by Goudy’s mother-in-law and hot-foot it to the Coffee House/Pizza Night/Talent Show Fundraiser at the school that night. From what I could tell, the event was well attended – John proceeded to devour 5 pieces of pizzas and a pumpkin pie. A long day was brought to a close quickly as the boys were going down hill fast – we scooped them up and headed for home with our flashlights and headlamps in toe.

We are blessed to have had this experience and would love to return to San Gerardo with friends or family (make sure your knees are in good working order and don’t forget your hiking/rain boots!

P.S. - Just had the phone company here at the house, so we are back in biz!

Signed: S