So...
We arrived at Rincon Lodge on Wednesday evening - a rather nice spot, especially if you've just been trekking for weeks. We met up with Zulu 3 at about 5:30, said our hellos, set up camp, did dinner and got to bed for a sleep in (5am wake up! luxury!).
Rincon is an active volcano in the North West (Guanacaste) region of Costa Rica, topping out at roughly 1800m above sea level. For reference, Rincon Lodge is at about 600m, so we had 1200m to climb.
We started on our way just after 6, reaching the ranger's station just before 7am. After a bit of faffing (40 minutes worth...) we were once again on our way, this time through a pleasant jungle walk, climbing about 800m before reaching the ridge line to the summit.
The weather up top was... windy. I was glad to have my poncho to break the icy wind because without it I suspect I would not have been able to continue. The views from the top were initially disappointing... in that there weren't any.
But then the wind would blow some more...
We carried on climbing...
Climbing...
The volcano was quite impressive...
More climbing... The terrain become less and less vegetated as the wind become stronger and stronger...
Dramatic recreation:
We had to pass a narrow ridge - normally no problem, but with the wind blowing at a constant gale, with gusts enough to knock you off your feet...
Climbing around the crater toward the summit...
The alien landscape
Once we climbed some more we reached a flat area. At that point we split roughly in half - a brave few decided to climb the last 200m (vertical, 700m horizontal). I didn't take any photos on the way up because of the driving moisture in the air, but it was spectacular - unlike anything I can describe or could ever hope to see again. At one point I found myself about 20m up from everyone else and I sat, crouching behind a rock, looking back down the hill watching the other 9 clinging to the rocks in the driving wind and cloud. Just epic.
But we finally reached the top! My camera braved the elements for a couple of victory photos
The summit:
After topping out we made our way back down to a sheltered side of the mountain for our lunch rations which were, as always, eaten gladly.
Further down we were greeted by some even better views of the mountain and surrounds
Back in the safety of the forest we warmed up slowly - I didn't realise how numb my hands and arms were until I tried to fiddle with my camera and was completely powerless to do anything.
The forest:
We were back at camp by 4pm, a good effort considering what we had achieved, and the fact that I was actually horribly ill.
Interesting tree at the camp site:
It was a hard, long day, and I really didn't feel up to it, but I'm beyond glad that I did. I know I said Cassita was one of the best moments of my life, but this topped it, easily.
That night was incredibly windy at the camp site - the tent would just about fold flat every time there was a big gust (every 30 seconds or so) and the wind was slowly folding the corners of the tent in on itself, meaning that it got smaller and smaller throughout the night and I had a face-ful of tent every time the wind blew at all (every 1.5 seconds). Not a great nights sleep, especially after the porch tent pole snapped and half the tent (the non sleeping half, fortunately) collapsed.
The next morning the hardy trekkers left at 4:45am. We swanned about for a few hours - packed up our battered and broken tents and loaded up the car.
We then headed to Playa Junquillal on the coast where Zulu 3 will finish their trek - it's a beautiful beach.
We made our own breakfast - scrambled eggs on the trangier.
It's a hard job, but somebody has to do it.
We headed South after that that, to Camaronal. We stopped at the place where I'd previously seen all the parrots and toucans (which you would remember if you've been paying attention!)
Behold: The Amazing, Jumping toucan (Greatest creature in existence)
We arrived at Camaronal later on that afternoon and settled in for the night.
The next morning was Saturday - their day off from working on the path and miradors up on the hill at the end of the beach.
They decided to head to the next beach north - Playa Carillo (Ca-ree-yo) for a day of R&R.
It was a 7km walk. Keeping in mind that I was ill and rather tired, this seemed an unnecessary thing to do, but I went along anyway.
Large, but shallow river to cross.
Wet boots.
Playa Carillo - marvelous.
(Soon to be) Dry boots
We (The PMs and fieldbase) headed back via a cafe for some snacks - a (very disappointing) Pinya con leche ("pineapple and milk") and some semi sweet potato fries (which were lovely). Got back at about 4 - decided to take my boots off and take the river like a man. Only hurt a little.
The sunset was lovely that night, but the sand-flies were not (The fires are burning driftwood)
A great nights sleep followed.
Onto this morning - we decided to head out around 5:30 to see the miradors and to be up the top for some nice views and light (and miss the heat).
I was completely knackered - no energy in my legs at all and it was by far the longest beach in the world (ignoring the amount of dodging waves that was needed) - no doubt in my mind.
It was pretty though...
The view from the top:
By now it was pretty hot - the slog back took a thousand years and aged me greatly, but I got there in the end, where I waited ages for a delicious rice pudding for breakfast and then we were on our way!
The drive back was uneventful, though I did have a delicious ice cream and coke for lunch.
It was a bit sad thinking how I would never see these places again, drive on these roads - my last real road trip. But at the same time really exciting that I will be home soon, and just thinking about all I have seen, done and achieved was quite gratifying. It really has been amazing.
Looking forward to seeing everyone, but for now - to Cahuita!