Nooks and crannies abound

Kevin and I went for another hike on our trails today. This time we followed the trail that hugs the river and leads up to the pasture... eventually. The same trail I started to blaze within the first few weeks of arriving in Costa Rica. Oh, and the same trail where my nice, clean new hiking boots got all muddy (I got my boots muddy today, too... oh well, they're no longer clean and new). This time we kept walking, deeper into the thick brush - Kevin in front swinging the sharpened machete with me following at a safe distance behind. Discovering all the nooks and crannies on our property never ceases to amaze me. We saw some animal tracks as well... some looked like they were from the danta (tapir) and others looked like they might have been made by cows and wild hogs. It's hard to tell, we're no experts. The river is quite low this time of year and we found really special places where we could just sit and soak up the peace and serenity. Some of these places would be perfect for a painter, a photographer or perhaps a writer. It's where I imagine Henry David Thoreau might feel comfortable settling in for a few hours, putting pen to paper. In one particular spot, there is a natural dipping pool. I hear cold water therapy is very healthy... and this water is so clean you can drink it straight out of the river... if I weren't such a wimp, I might consider jumping right in... but I am a wimp, therefore, that's not going to happen any time soon. The trail had its moments of difficulty, where we were teetering on narrow ledges: not for the faint of heart - thank goodness for my walking stick. We have a variety of trail levels, something for everyone, but this one needs a certain amount of fortitude... but the reward so worthwhile.... the ultimate in forest bathing!