Tuesday, July 24, 2012

finding heaven on earth



We made the decision to go horseback riding just outside Quepos with the intent of finding a waterfall.  We were told that we would trek about an hour into the rainforest, find a cool spot for a snack, swim in a waterfall and trek back.  And we did.
 But again, no one told me I would fall in love...
 I'd give anything to have these treks everyday.

We learned about this wintergreen plant that is more commonly known for it's medicinal uses as BenGay.  We were told these leaves boiled with the leaves of a mango tree would heal muscular pain within a day or two.  Very powerful stuff.

Now, what is this stuff below?
I've always taught my rainforest studying students that this was a home for tadpoles and froggies that seek shelter and water.  And while this is true, you can also tilt it over to spill the collected water into your hand for a quick drink if lost in the forest.  BUT it's the roots that you are really more familiar with...
this is ginger!

We trekked just enough to say that we were DONE with the bumpy ride on horse over the rocky jungle paths, when we arrived here:

 The crispest,clearest, most PURE water I've ever seen in my life.
YES.  It was COLD, but you didn't care.  It was so refreshing and awesome that I'll never forget the emotion that I enjoyed while we played for a few minutes here on heaven on earth.

 The kids loved it, too.  This was the first time Brandan didn't jump right in.  I believe he was taken aback at how he could have the right to swim here.  But once he was in, he was IN.
 The misting spray coated my camera lens very well.  By the time I snapped up Aly it was clearly NOT CLEAR, but foggy.  She didn't mind the COLD, cold water that usually deters her. She was actually, not visible here, but very in tune with the whole experience and it was tough to drag her out.
I switched from camera to iPhone and quickly insta-grammed this gorgeous pic of my family.
Heaven. On. Earth.
Never will forget it. 

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