We were blessed with a full view of the usually cloudy Arenal Volcano on the way into its closest town, La Fortuna.  A few clouds had formed by the time we took a late afternoon hike in the area of the 1968 lava flow area.  It was in this year the people who lived here realized that their “mountain” was actually a volcano in disguise.  Two small communities were completely buried, and one whole side of the volcano is still devoid of vegetation.  The other is all new growth (from the last 40 years). The volcano remains active, with several types of eruptions, but no big explosions expected anytime soon.  We learned that the volcano has mainly strombolian eruptions of more viscous, thick lava rather than the runny liquid kind we most often think of as oozing down the sides of volcanoes in our minds.  Even so, at night the glowing rocks rolling down the side look like the classic bright orange flows.  La Fortuna has developed lots of adrenaline and nature related activities in the area, including rafting, ATV tours, walks, hanging bridges, cave tours, waterfall visits, thermal baths, etc.

More La Fortuna photos here.

Our flight to New York is tomorrow night.  It´s been an unbelievable trip in many ways, and one we are unlikely to be able to ever match.  It may be a while before the blog is updated (not to say we don´t expect anything exciting to happen from here on in), but we hope to continue it before long.  Thanks to all who have enjoyed looking in on us from time to time (or day to day!)  Thanks especially to Dad Jim and Mom Greta, who always leave comments to let us know someone is out there reading!