SICR-Day 9, 7.18 Zipline Day!

We pulled out at 6:30am for our day at the beach.  The drive was lively and beautiful.  We saw the ocean within an hour, and watched macaws through the trees.

At the zip line, we were harnessed in with ropes, helmets, and three carabiners.  As we started our tractor ride up the mountain and the ocean came into view, my camera conked out for good.  I was sad I was going to miss out on pictures in the trees, but I decided I had the gift of being able to enjoy the view and experience the way it was meant to be viewed (not through a 3x5).

The last picture my camera will ever take :(

The zip line had 12 platforms.  Some of the girls were so scared that I watched their knees knock together.  The oldest and quietest woman on the trip volunteered to go first, which shocked everyone.  My turn came and I jumped up.  I didn't allow myself to get nervous, I just reminded myself of my motto, "Why not?" and pushed off screaming the whole way!  I really loved how the entire group cheered for each person launching from the platform.  We have become such a supportive family.  We have laughed, cried, told stories, and even shared food and drinks.  I like to think I would love to work with any of these educators.

The zip line was exhilarating!  I loved flying high, feeling the breeze and watching the sun filter through the leaves.  Halfway down the mountain, the guides offered to send us to the next platform upside down.  Upside down?  Absolutely!  It was only after the halfway mark that the uncertainty set in and I started trying to figure out how to right myself.  I had to trust the guides.  On another platform, I went hands-free.  It was such a fun experience, and a beautiful view.

On the way to the beach, we stopped at a grocery store with many global products that reminded me of a supermarket here.   It has produce, flowers, a deli, bakery, and numerous drink choices.  The shopping center was rather modern, and I wonder if it reflects the fact that Playa Herrera is a resort town.

The beach has dark sand from the rocks and volcanoes.  People pull in and park under the palms.  It is very relaxed and quiet.  The water feels like bathwater.  I was surprised that there are not any little critters running around as on many of our beaches.  Some of us took a walk to the end of the horseshoe-shaped beach finding almonds, coconuts, new fruits, rocks, and fishermen.  There were many dogs.

On our way home, we stopped at a famous bridge where crocodiles gather below.  Looking over the railing, it looked like there are many logs in the water damming the river.  They were all large crocodiles.  I counted 34 crocodiles under the bridge, but I know there were more.  Their heads and menacing tails were gigantic.  It had just rained before we drove through so there was fog rolling through the mountains and across the water.  It was breathtaking.