We’ll be in Costa Rica in 11 days! As we’re finalizing all the adventures, I’m getting so excited! This is going to be the most action-packed, thrilling vacation we’ve ever been on… by far! Our first adventure of the trip is white water rafting on the Pacuare River, one of National Geographic’s 10 best rivers to raft on in the world because of the breathtaking rain forest that surrounds the river.

We’re also going Canyoneering near the Arenal Volcano. Have you heard of canyoneering? It’s a new sport that combines rappelling, down-climbing and river tracing in a deep, tropical canyon. Here’s some information from the website: “Imagine yourself in the midst of thick rainforest at the top of a magical canyon full of tropical waterfalls with surprises each step of the way. Prepare to get wet! You will be provided high-quality technical climbing gear such as a harness, helmet, gloves and you will get to practice your first descent on a mini 15-ft waterfall, just to get the hang of things. Take a deep breath! And there you are, on a sturdy, government-approved platform looking down into the depths of a 150-ft massive waterfall. You’ll rappel down for the thrill of a lifetime! Make your way along the river bed by down-climbing and rappelling a series of about six waterfalls that get gradually bigger and… BIGGER! We save the best waterfall for last… you’ll finish with a 200ft-guided rappel at the end!” I have to admit… this one makes me NERVOUS. I’m not what anyone would call a thrill-seeker, and as I age, I get wussier, and wussier. But this is something I CANNOT PASS UP. I can’t wait to have this experience!

And, of course, we’re going to do ziplines! They call them canopy tours, and the one we’re doing specifically is called Sky Trek. Here’s some information from that website: “Sky Trek is a system of zip lines ranging from mountain to mountain, which together have a distance of 2.5 miles of linear cable. The tour gives you the opportunity to fly through a cable and have a unique experience of adventure and adrenaline at speeds up to 40 miles per hour with distances ranging up to 2500 feet and heights of 524 feet. In addition the tour offers 5 observation towers that exceed the cloud forest treetops providing a panoramic view. All with total security and in an innovative braking system. The tour starts with the Sky Tram that will lead you up to the Continental Divide.” How ridiculous is this vacation?!!!

Photo from the Sky Trek website

Other stops on our trip include visiting the Arenal Volcano (the youngest and most active volcano in Costa Rica), hiking in Tenorio Volcano National Park (known for the springs, geysers, rivers, waterfalls, lagoons, rain forests, and panoramic views), visiting Lake Arenal, visiting Monteverde (acclaimed rain forests and cloud forests, voted one of Costa Rica’s Seven Wonders), staying at Justin’s dad’s house for a relaxation day (his dad won’t be there, but his infinity pool, grill, and amazing views will!), and visiting the town of San Jose, and hitting up some hot San Jose night life.

Going with Justin, a Costa Rican native, is going to make this vacation even better! He knows the good areas, the good restaurants, the hot spots to visit. We’re staying with his family some nights and borrowing his dad’s car for the trip. I can’t wait!!!! Can you tell I’m excited? :)

Of course the difficult part will be not seeing the kids for ten days. Although I have to say, with everything we have planned, I don’t know if I’ll have time to miss them too much. :) They’re staying with my mom and Gary, who have an equally busy itinerary planned for the girls during those ten days, so they probably won’t miss us too much either! My mom sent me Halle’s schedule yesterday, and it includes 6 classes at the “Little Gym” (2 each dance, gymnastics, and intro to sports), two visits to Young at Art Museum, two planned trips to the pool with some other little neighborhood girls, a trip to Metro Zoo, a trip to MODS (Museum of Discovery and Science), and a trip to Monkey Joe’s. What a nice summer vacation they’re going to have too!

I ordered an underwater camera similar to Keri’s, so you can expect lots of exciting pics on our return! :)