Trek into the sky--and then down again, followed by Gingerbread

The final day of the “Gram finale” centered around an adventure Maryann was hoping to cross off her bucket list:  a zipline tour here in Costa Rica.  After only a small amount of legwork, we managed to obtain the “National” prices for journeys up into the canopy at SkyTrek, yet another playground near Volcán Arenal.  We gawked at the menagerie of gigantic insects at the check in booth and headed to the SkyTram, an open air cable car-like ride up through the canopy to the primary forest.  

La vista

The zip liners amongst us began our cruise down the mountain while Erica and Sullivan soaked up the views and mostly enjoyed (I think) what was meant to be a three hour nature tour through the trails.

SkyTram smiles

The first two of eight total lines were practice lines and allowed us all to hone our important braking skills.  The remainder of the lines satisfied the adrenaline junkies with unadulterated speed and views of the lake and volcano that can’t possibly be surpassed.  

Madeleine smiles while her guide possibly becomes possessed?

The signs report that we apparently topped out at about 80 km an hour.  Good times were had by all and Maryann enjoyed but said she doesn’t necessarily need to do this again, now that it’s been crossed off her list.  The mariposario on the grounds were as peaceful as the zip lines were exciting.  

Another local beauty

After weeks of anticipation, we finally dined at the locally famous Gingerbread, reputedly one of the best restaurants in Costa Rica, and about 10 minutes from home.  Wow.  This place definitely lives up to its reputation.  Highly recommended for anyone anywhere nearby.  We drank Chilean wine, ate German schnitzel, Pad Thai, all prepared by a charismatic Israeli chef out here in the countryside of Costa Rica.  This is what it’s all about.

Salud!