July 16
We had our first big excursion on Friday. After Mitch went for an early run and Bjorn had time to work on IDLA and Emma to write in her journal we were off at the crack of 10:00.
We needed to catch a bus near the market so we wound our way through the stalls single file, moving over for the occasional bus, car or horse and cart. Walking vendors shouted their price and advertised their wares. Music blared from a car.
We asked several folks for the bus stop before we finally found the correct place. As soon as the bus drivers saw us (the only tourists) they shouted, “Mombacho?”
“Yes,” we answered and they ushered us onto the very hot, big, yellow school bus. There are no scheduled departures. When the bus fills up off we go. First, people selling drinks and snacks crowded on yelling, almost singing their prices. The driver and ticket taker hauled bikes onto the roof.
Soon we began to move at a snail’s pace through the market and we were on our way. Emma noticed the holes in the floor first. “Mom, I can see the road down there.” Sure enough there were several holes or cracks all around us. Luckily, the bus never went faster than about 25mph, stopping frequently and we soon arrived safely at the road to the volcano.
Then, we walked about 2k up a suddenly very quiet country road to the entrance of the volcano reserve passing a school, and several small family farms. At the entrance we chose to forgo the 2 hour walk to the top and take the park transport instead. We climbed up a ladder on the back of a huge open bed truck with seats. The truck growled along as we climbed the 40% grade past sprouting fence posts, colorful butterflies and house plants growing wild.
At the top, we were in the cloud forest. We hired a guide (which was mandatory) to take us on a hike around the crater. Bjorn was euphoric – taking pictures of his lego guy swinging on vines and generally hanging out in the jungle-like environment. Emma was enchanted by the numerous stink beetles that crawled underfoot. They looked just like the stink bugs at home. We saw red eyed tree frog eggs and tadpoles, orchids, steam vents and a huge crack caused by an earthquake. All too soon it was time to leave.
Back at the entrance after our death defying descent in the trusty truck with very good brakes, we explored a butterfly house and orchid garden and watched leaf cutter ants on the road for awhile. We arrived back at our hotel a bit tired but content after a day of exploring.
-Margit
long4adventure
Very descriptive you English major you!
Hi all, I love reading your posts — it certainly sounds like an adventure. Please put more photos up of all the wonderful flowers and bugs you are seeing!
On this end, Rosie is still hiding out in her room during the day, but she seems calmer and not so much on guard since I got the kitty pheromone. She continues to go out and explore at night — the toys are moved around, and one night she left me a hairball downstairs. This week I’m dog-sitting Lila’s dachshund Cleo, too! Don’t worry, Cleo stays downstairs and gets into her crate at night, when Rosie is out and about. Ginger continues to be unperturbed by all the changes around here, she is such a mellow cat! We are having hot weather (mid 90s) but it has been cooling down overnight, which is good.
What a day of adventure – I loved hearing about it all (except for the holes on the bus!). Stay safe and well.