Arachnaphobes beware

A small group of us went to visit the Arenal volcano today. E, our guide, hired a small mini bus, and organised the entry tickets. En route, we stopped at a place used by the local population in the naturally warm stream, see extra, where you can see the water is gently steaming. It is just downstream from what is probably the poshest thermal resort, Tabacon. In fact, Tabacon had laid claim to the entire stream at that point, and the local population have had to go to court to get access for themselves.

The volcano itself is out of bounds, even though it seems pretty inactive at present – a few stupid idiots taking foolish risks for a good Tik-Tok video have meant that the paths up it have all been closed. We parked at the highest point reached by a vehicle, and walked, up a very steep path, to a point from which there would be an excellent view of the volcano. Sadly, the mist and rain meant there was no view to be had at all. See 2nd extra for a rain splattered photo of the outlook in the direction of the volcano.  E had stayed with W and I as we slowly walked up and then back down this steep path. By the time we arrived back at the bus, the rest of the group had set off to explore other trails. W stayed with the bus, E and I ambled slowly down to the lower parking area, the bus followed a little while later.

E has proved very knowledgeable about many things, and introduced me to this large lady. An orb-weaver, her web is very strong silk. She sits upside down in the centre waiting for her prey. The male is tiny – you can see him alongside her back left foot - he's the centre of my thumbnail for those viewing direct on blip rather than through the Facebook link.

Once the group was gathered in, we drove back to our hotel, rather damp, but having enjoyed a good leg stretch. After changing into dry clothes, W and I had a light lunch and spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing in our hotel room. But so relaxed and laid back I forgot to do my Wordle, thus breaking my streak at 152!

This evening, we visited a local home where we learnt how to cook tortillas, and then enjoyed a tasty, home cooked meal.

Tomorrow we move on again