June 30, 2010
The Surf Costa Rica and Panama expedition is off to a terrific start. All flights arrived on time for the first time ever, and the group arrived safely at Costa Rica Backpacker to hit the hay just before midnight. By 9:30 AM the next day, the private transport had all kids and leaders packed up and they headed southwest through the mountains towards the Pacific Ocean and Diamante Falls Nature Reserve. The group grabbed their essentials for the next 2 days and was led by their guide on this short, but challenging, hike into this one-of-a-kind sanctuary. “Seriously. The most beautiful place on Earth” is what the kids and our well-traveled Longacre Leaders had to say about the Diamante Nature Reserve. 
When we heard from leader Britt, he was calling from underneath Costa Rica’s tallest waterfall. The group had just finished a splendid day of hiking to the top of 2 different waterfalls and rappelling down each of them, 50 and 90 ft respectively. Sam was quoted as saying ”this place has exceeded everyone’s expectations.“ The group also spent time working in the community organic garden, giving back to this incredible unique local population. Also, Ben has been dazzling the group with his guitar skills. When we last spoke to the team, they had arrived safely in Playa Uvita and were looking forward to hitting the pristine surf tomorrow. The weather thus far has been classic Costa Rica, a mix of sunshine and tropical storms in the afternoon.
July 5, 2010
The Surf Costa Rica and Panama expedition has completed the epic surf session on the Pacific Ocean. For 3 days the crew enjoyed some of the world’s greatest surfing conditions. Playa Uvita provided 2 days of great waves. The Californian connection of Jesse and Henry put their skills to the test, paddling out with Longacre leader Kevin while the rest of the team worked with the awesome local instructors on proper techniques. Nearly everyone got up on the boards on their first day. Jesse was quoted as saying, “ This is the best time I have ever had.”
On July 1st, the expedition celebrated Emma’s Birthday, Costa Rica-style, with a trip to a local restaurant. When not surfing, there have been a few jungle hikes and plenty of “Tico Time” by the pool. One trip to the clinic for a middle ear infection but otherwise the group has remained healthy and safe. The overcast conditions have protected them from getting too much sun. Yesterday they packed up their gear and headed North to Turrialba for a night of rest before heading down the Pacuare River today to their rainforest camp. On a sad note, Yelena took one of the students to the airport today. Yelena will be meeting back up with her trip mates mid-river this evening. All of the kids should have called home last night, so I hope you were able to speak with them. With 2 days on the river, we look forward to hearing about how their adventures went.. Pura Vida!
July 7, 2010
After a wonderful stay at the very nice Turrialtico Hotel, the expedition packed up their belongings, grabbed their helmets and paddles and charged the legendary Pacuare River. The first day was mostly Class I and II rapids, and the kiddos eased their way into this ultra fun adventure sport. Along the way they stopped of for a swim in an all-natural spring pool and swam into waterfalls that produced a welcomed massage from Mother Nature. The water was so pure and clean that the leaders had to repeatedly restrain some of the fellows from trying to drink from it. Lunch on the river was local fresh fruit and vegetables.
They eventually arrived at their eco-village, situated right on the river, and settled in for the night. The kind folks of Exploradores prepared a terrific feast. The highlight was “River cheescake” – a combination of guanabana fruit, cream cheese and sweet cookies. That night, the rainforest canopy provided plenty of sights and sounds. Day 2 on the river was an epic charge of Class III and IV rapids. The 2nd section of the Pacuare River is hailed as one of the great river runs in all of Central America. Apparently, just one student was launched from the raft that day, with plenty of volunteers self-propelling themselves into the river.
When we last spoke with our leaders they had safely arrived at their Caribbean accommodations, Hotel Yare, and were in the process of doing some laundry. They said the group was really coming together and some solid bonding took place on the River. Today the group will be surfing and exploring a nearby wildlife preserve. Just a few more days in Costa Rica before heading south to Panama!
July 13, 2010
Alrighty. Well the adventure finally got back on course. After getting denied at the Panamanian border, and returing to their Carribean accommodation at Hotel Yare, the expedition carried on. First stop, Cahuita National Park. While it is know as one of the nicest and least developed beaches in all of Costa Rica, the jungle is known for a great deal of species diversity. At some point the group saw “the coolest sloth ever”. We will assume they had plenty of time to run and get a camera. After a nice lunch they returned to their “home” beach and played soccer. Apparently, the group was caught up in World Cup Fever, the first medical condition that didn’t result in a trip to the clinic. The next day, enroute to Arenal, they stopped off at a local soda shop to watch the finale. According to our sources, apparently the entire country did as well.
That evening they finally arrived at Hotel Kokora, perhaps the nicest accommodations thus far. The next day it was off for a well-needed day of adventure. The day began with a trip to “Sky Trek and Tram Canopy Tour”. Over the course of several hours they zip-lined 10 different cables while taking in the dynamic view of Volcano Arenal, Lake Arenal and the Monteverde Cloudforests. The leaders reported everyone being super-duper pumped. Next up was a visit to the Eco-Zoo. A local family put together this amazing display of tropical insects and reptiles. They do a great tour and are very heartfelt about what they are doing. They like to get the kids involved and give them a chance to hold some of the creatures including a 10-foot python. They also served up a tasty lunch. Check out the menu:
1- Pollo a la plancha o al ajillo con arroz, y vegetales o ensalada (Grilled chicken ogarlic chicken with rice, and vegetables or salad).
2 – Espaghetti pomodoro (spaghetti with tomatoe, basil and garlic sauce)
3 – Casados con opción de pollo a la plancha, bistek, filet de pescado a la plancha, o vegetariano, acompanado por arroz, frijoles y ensalada
The group returned to the hotel and that evening they went to Eco-Termales Hotsprings, just down the road from the hotel. Soaking in hot springs is the perfect ending to a near perfect day.
Today the group was headed to some truly magnificent waterfalls and an observatory where they could check out the active volcanoes up close and personal. They will be arriving in San Jose this evening. All of the flight changes have been made. All the kiddos who flew in together will be flying out together. Be sure to give those brave expeditioners some big hugs at the airport. Also plan for at least one full day of sleeping as we expect them to be very tired. We are incredibly proud of all of them. Pura Vida!!
