Berta’s Travel Shenanigans

I must admit – for the first half of my trekking phase I could have seriously been persuaded to stay on for another go.  That was until Day 10 when we tackled the infamous “Cerro Pelon” (recall, this is where Nick & I could not find the unmarked path up from the river after descending a ‘hill’ by way of machete-wielding and butt sliding).  It was in the moment when we realized that the ‘guides’ we got left us way down the equally infamous river with the advice to walk up the river to catch a path.  Except, these ‘guides’ had no concept of people (especially 100 pound girls) with rucksacks … therefore, scrambling over large boulders and up and over waterfalls to get to said path was a non-issue for them.

This combined with severe knee, ankle, and hip misery (not aging well…and didn’t really have proper trekking boots) solidified my position – no effin way was I doing another trek!  Read the rest of this entry »

The obvious hi-light of the trek was the reward of the Corcovado National Park after the gruelling middle days of the trek…YOU MUST GO HERE!  We entered in Los Patos (from Rincon; walked via La Palma and then did about 26 river crossings before arriving at these crazy makeshift ‘steps’ made out of very slippery red clay…yep, took a spill or two).  From here it was off to La Sirena – with spider monkeys swinging in the trees; howlers monkeys provinding a Jurassic park soundtrack; makaws flying about.   Now here was the most amazing part of the trip – truly would make this day, Day 17 my “Groundhog Day” – Read the rest of this entry »

After finally figuring out the new username situation with my travel blog I have at last had a chance to sit down and give a much needed update. 

Corcovado trek was, in a few key words, absolutely:  epic, relentless, stunning, and successful.  Both physically miserable & rewarding, it was an experience that was an emotional, physical, and social rollercoaster on both an individual and a group level.  Nick and I had an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING, top-notch, fantastic group of young people – truly, truly some of the most well-meaning and caring people I have met. Ranging from 18-23 Read the rest of this entry »

The venturers have arrived! We rounded them up, got them introduced to Field Base, & moved them through their swimming tests. Looks like a great group of young-ins and am uber-excited to get things underway. I decided a proper description of the hike is in order so have pasted the fluffy Raleigh version below:

CORCOVADO TREK: This trek starts in the stunning montane La Amistad National Park, the largest National Park in Costa Rica and a UNESCO Read the rest of this entry »

Will post more later…still trying to negotiate this system!

I would REALLY, REALLY love to hear from all of you upon return to Field Base – here is the mailing address:

Bobbie Dawson Expedition 08A
RALEIGH INTERNATIONAL
Apartado Postal 17
Codigo Postal 7170
CATIE
Costa Rica

Alright, where to begin?! I have been in Turrialba at the Raleigh field base for 16 days…wow! What has happened? More importantly, what has not?!

Field base is quite a lovely experience really, especially considering no expectations were established @ all. We are staying on a farm/agricultural university area that has an amazing view of the Volcano Turrialba. Although food is heavily concentrated around ‘gallo pinto’ (rice and beans) it is surprisingly good. I am improving my spanish (e.g. ‘el sol es delissioso’…the sun is delicious) and my tan 🙂

I’ve been assigned to do a 19 day trek/hike with a former marine commander with the nickname “GI Nick”…yes, that has been an adventure. Read the rest of this entry »

Here is the link to the Charlottetown Guardian article…thanks again for everyone who supported and sponsored me!

After being stuck in a holding pattern over te Newark airport the flight from Halifax-Newark finally touched ground @ about 3.15 pm. Thank God, because I was fricken freezing and heavily day-dreaming about sun and heat in a few hours. None of this was helped by an extreme case of sleep-deprivation that was making nmy skin kind of twitch – ask the family about how that came about!

Alas, I did not arrive in San Jose on Sunday pm as expected – I decided to engage in my first act of spontaneity thanks to Continental Airlines. Desperate because they had overbooked the flight, they were trying to bribe passengers with hotel and food accom. PLUS a $500 flight credit. Having not yet booked my ticket home and not entirely excited r.e. arriving late @ night I didn´t hesitate.

Yet, yesterday (Monday) I arrived, Read the rest of this entry »