Its just the beginning..

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Hello Friends of Hush Valley!
David and I are thrilled to be the new stewards of Hush Valley Lodge. We (and our partners) are committed to doing our best to maintain the peace and serenity you have come to love about this Hush Valley paradise.  
As a past reader of the weekly blog, I can only hope to keep you all as intrigued as Anne has over the past five years. 

Its been a whirlwind since arrival. We spent a fast and furious 48 hours of training with Kevin and Anne. Most of the time spent learning the ins and outs of operating a trout farm. So much thought, and a lot of planning go into the process.  Feed schedules, pond cleaning schedules, the quality and quantity of water that goes to the ponds, as well as counting, catching, transferring and harvesting the most delicious trout we have ever eaten.  Its been so very educational! 

Kevin said, more than once, that it was too bad we had had such great weather to learn in. He was hoping we would have some inclement weather to really experience the rush of water and sediment that come down the river.  It wasn't hours after they left that we got to experience that first hand. It began to rain about 2:00 p.m.  and it rained hard until about 7:00 p.m.
The thing about the rain here - as opposed to our home in Oregon- is that its warm, and because it comes straight down, you can still sit on the (covered) deck outside. It can actually be quite lovely. 
On that particular Sunday it wasn't quite so lovely.  Water rushed down the hill side, bringing sediment into the river and ponds. Sticks, rocks, leaves, etc- clogged the grates and had us panicking on our first day.
With out exaggeration, no less than six neighbors called and asked how we were doing and if we needed any help mitigating the water. It was so touching. This community was a huge part of the 'tug' that brought our little family here. 
Our friend (and co-worker) Johnathon came,  and Dave and he walked the property- identifying places that could use drainage improvement while it was really coming down.  
This kind of rain has occurred thrice this week. We have been told multiple times that its uncommon to see this amount of water. We have lost power and internet on several occasions, but the power company is diligent in restoring services usually within the hour.
There is an undeniable beauty here, even in the rainy season. It can be terrifying to the unfamiliar though, so we understand why the BNB is closed in September and October.
We feel so grateful that its just rain, with minor inconveniences, given the catastrophes occurring worldwide. We are confident that it will not be an issue for us Pacific North-Westerners.  
​We are used to being soaking wet. :-)  

Pictured below, a normal day on the river, compared to a stormy river.

Our eight year old son also started school here this past week.  He loves it!  The school is small, and within a comfortable walking distance of Hush Valley Lodge. There are three other students in his class, which makes learning easy according to Quinn.  He hopes to have his own web page soon, seeing Costa Rica through the eyes of a child. 
This morning, Bobbie McGee slipped in unnoticed to attend classes with Quinn. She would have stayed all day if she could have.  She sure loves him, and it's definitely mutual.
​Also pictured is Thomas, a new friend.  

So much to say after this busy first week!  Stayed tuned for updates weekly, and thank you for reading!