DO go chasing waterfalls

So, we are in training for the Chirripo outreach project. The project that entails hiking through the mountains for hours to reach a remote community (or two, or three.. depending on how many days we can hike for).

Tom and I are in poor shape, hence the training.

Yesterday we went for a practice hike with a fellow student. She took us for a (straight up!!!) walk. The views were amazing, but my lungs, heart, legs, arms, head, and feet were not amazing. Regardless, we did about an hour uphill then decided that was enough for the day and turned around to go back (straight down!!!). But then we saw our friend with his horse. In true Costa Rican style, we were asked if we want to see his farm.

Well sure!
"It's very close."He says.

Yeah... Right.

My pathetic un-in-shape self actually got to ride his horse.








I've decided I like horses again.







Anyways, we go check out his cattle farm. It was gorgeous!




So he asks, "Would you like to see a waterfall?"

Well, sure!

"It's close."

Yeah... Right.

But check out the hike there!!!



It was such a blast.
My word. What a gift!!!


And we didn't even reach this yet:




An amazing venture.




Amazing.







But then there's the sad reality behind many of the beautiful peices of land here. Our friend told us he's sold the land. An offer from "very rich people in Canada" with the plan to to take it over next week, and build cabanas along the river side, have a zip-line down the trail, and canyoning off the side of the waterfall. This is the reality for many of the beautiful areas in Costa Rica. Because of the increase in demand (due to foreigners seeking business opportunities) and increase in living costs due to foreigners moving into the area, nationals are finding it harder and harder to keep up.

Then along comes a "very rich" foreigner to scoop up their land... With the intent of exploiting it for tourism opportunities and the inevitable garbage that accompanies 'development'. While all the while claiming echo friendly.


On the happier side, I feel so blessed that we were able to take in this pristine untouched area... leaving nothing behind except echos of laughter and taking nothing but precious photographs... before it is developed by foreigners.