Waterfall Hike and Mineral Pools

Earlier this morning, the property manager and guide of the eco lodge, William, took us on a long hike to two different small waterfalls in the jungle. He showed us so many different plants, fruits, and trees that I would have never noticed if we were by ourselves. We tried wild fruits and herbs while climbing down steep, muddy steps made with bamboo. The first waterfall that we came to was about 40-50 feet, but it wasn't that wide. I could stand under it without the pressure being to hard. We hiked up the stream to get to the water fall, and it was really strong water. Right before the waterfall we had to almost rock climb because the stream was so steep. We made it to the top, though, and it felt good to stand under the cool water. Next, William took us to a spring-fed swimming pool that didn't have chlorine in it. The pool had lost and broken some of its tiles, so we had to where our shoes. It didn't seem like a swimming pool because we were surrounded by exotic plants and fruits. Many of Costa Rica's native plants are house plants that you find and buy in the U.S. After the swimming pool, William took us to the second waterfall. It wasn't as big as the other one but it was easier to get to. I took a shower under that one too! Later in the day, we went to Baldy Mineral Pools, supposedly the largest hot springs in the world. There were so many different pools of all sorts of shapes and sizes, and we could have stayed there all day. It was raining, but the rain felt good because the water in the pools was so hot. In most pools, there was a cold pool also. You would stay in the cold pool for a short minute, and then dunk in the cold pool for a couple seconds. It relaxes your nerves and muscles, while still feeling really good. At the end of the day, we were all really relaxed but really tired!

Me and William on the nature hike climbing up to the waterfall.

Lincoln, Mac, Mom, and I in the hot spring at Baldy Mineral Pools.