The trip took a decidedly upward tick today, with much better temperatures (mid 60’s). Still more rain than we would like, but no downpours today. We started the morning with a two hour nature hike through the rainforest, crossing various suspension footbridges in the process (and i didn’t pass out even once!).

The highlight of the walk was finding the so-called “bluejean frog”, aptly named for his distinctive blue legs to offset his bright red body. This little critter is all of about 2 inches long, so photographing him is no small feat trying to handhold a 300 mm lens in a dark rainforest.

Then it was check-out time and on to our next step, in La Fortuna near the Arenal volcano. Our home for the next two nights is a very upscale resort hotel with wireless internet in the rooms (so I can actually write this in comfortable surroundings).

Once we settled in and unpacked we headed over to what, so far, was the highlight of the trip, Tabacon Hot Springs is an impressive assortment of individual rock-lined pools, all fed by natural springs and heated naturally by the Arenal volcano. Pick your pool by temperature, from 95 to 115 degrees, and when the heat gets to be too much head to the 80 degree pool for a drink at the swim-up bar. Followed by a really impressive buffet dinner at this same resort. A great antidote to all that paddling from the previous day. We all stayed away from the “clothing optional” pools. That’s my story and i’m sticking with it.