It is Saturday, and the weather is beautiful. Today we started our journey traveling through a windy road up the mountain about forty kilometers to volcano Poás. The sixty minute ride traveled through lush green hillsides lined with coffee plantations. We arrived at the park at around 8:30 in the morning, and quickly started the short hike towards the lower crater lake. The warning signs concerning what to do or how to respond if the volcano erupts were a reminder of the fact that we were at an active volcano which last erupted in 1995. Thankfully, no eruptions today. The first lake was socked in with cloud cover, which completely obstructed our view of the lower crater. A handful of us chose to make the journey up to visit the lagoon. Sucking wind at 8000 feet, we realized as we were going back down the loop that we had missed the observation point to see the upper lake. No worries, as its view, too, was completely cloud-covered. As we reached the bottom, we were excited we made it alive, though the lower crater was still cloud-covered. Twenty minutes of free time allowed for basking in the sun and/or souvenir shopping.
En route to our destination of Fraijanes, we were able to see our first sloth. This incredibly cute creature has the ability to hang upside down while crossing power lines and eating on the way. While stopped on the side of the road, we felt like tourists watching a moose on the Kancamagus.
After a lovely lunch in Fraijanes, we started on foot for our community visits in the town. These visits are a highlight as we have the opportunity to meet the local people and invite them to our clinica gratis. The Ticos (Costa Ricans) whom we met today were extremely warm and inviting as we asked them questions. They were also thrilled and incredibly appreciative with the opportunity to attend a free clinic.
We finished up the day by setting up the clinic in preparation for tomorrow. Tomorrow is certain to be an exciting day as we complete assessments. We are so grateful for the chance to practice our nursing skills and learn from our new friends who so openly share with us their lives and culture.
Pura Vida,
Mindy and Alex
Thankfully no eruptions. What a special day this was! You both did an excellent job summing up what was a long, eventful, rewarding day. It was awe-inspiring, to stand at the mouth of an active volcano... and then see what life is like on the mountainside in Fraijanes.
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