Mountains and volcanoes

Our first weekend in Costa Rica was everything we could have hoped for. Bradley, Kristin, and I went with a team from Men's International Mission from Wheaton, Illinois and climbed Pico Blanco, the highest point in the mountains near San Jose. Here's a picture at the summit. The mountain is a stunning combination of rocky, hilly terrain and rain forest. Our hike had long stretches of muddy, slick rainforest trails, rocks and debris, and beautiful vistas from several locations along the way. The kids did so well, but their legs were very sore today.

I have been more serious about exercise for the past five months and it paid off. Well, paid off in terms of a fifty year old guy on a hike with a bunch much younger than me. Only a slight amount of soreness today. Pleasing to me is an extreme fear of heights I developed fifteen years ago appears to be mostly gone.

Vickie and Danielle, who could not make the hike because she twisted her ankle the day before :(, went to Volcano Irazu with the rest of the MIM team, and had a great day of scenic mountain vistas and volcano views. Here is a picture of Danielle near Irazu.

We also made our first effort at driving in San Jose. Costa Ricans drive differently than Americans. They are aggressive and opportunistic. Red lights are like yield signs. They are eager to let cars into traffic, and one rarely hears honking. I don't see any road rage here, maybe because everyone considers the drive to work a big game.

We went to Multiplaza, San Jose's version of the Mall of America, and a restaurant or two. Imports are incredibly expensive here. If you like peanut butter, you should bring some with you!

Finally, here is a picture of our host family. This is Matt Befus, and his three daughters, Lindsay, Katrina, and Linnea. Lisa, his wife, and youngest daughter, Natalia, skipped the hike this day. Smart!!

Matt and Lisa are so gracious and dedicated to their mission of providing quality Christian schooling to nearly 400 Costa Rican children. We are proud to be of a little service during our time here.





Bill