Nico switched places with Kyle at the front of the raft for the final third of the trip. Both boys did a great job of propelling the boat allowing our guide at the rear to set us up nicely for each rapid. Maya and Nico both opted to jump into the river on the flat water but no one fell out of the raft during the rough water.
The river was a nice combination of Class II and III rapids with interspersed flat water affording an opportunity to enjoy the surrounding jungle. Initially, Maya opted to take a low position in the raft and not to paddle. By the end of the 13km run she was paddling like a pro and asking for more white water.
As bad as the roads are, the bridges are another story all together. We crossed this last one on foot and got a good look at the Savegre River which at this point seems quite well behaved.
During our transit to the put in point the guide described the day as Class V roads leading to Class III rapids. We traversed what can loosely be called roads that would terrify most mountain goats. When the white truck pictured here attempted to pass us on the single lane road, it lost traction, slid backwards, and nearly went over the cliff which is obscured in the photo by vegetation. We off-loaded our bus which then pulled the disabled vehicle off the ledge with a chain. It became very clear to me that our driver and equipment was superior to other operators and was thankful we had chosen well.
Today I took the kids white water rafting while Jeanine enjoyed the day on her own. You may recall that our last such adventure included a capsized raft that left Jeanine convinced she had no future interest in this type of adventure.
After returning from the canopy tour we spent some time shopping by the beach in Manuel Antonio. In addition to the standard tourist fare, we discovered many beautiful objects fashioned by local artists.
The tour ended with a snack and time to relax. Maya made friends with Andreas, the little girl on her left, and we had a chance to get to know her family from Mexico City.
It is difficult to describe the feeling of flying through the air above and through the tree tops. It is absolutely exhilirating. Click on this photo and try and find Kyle at the beginning of this nearly quarter mile run.
This website is dedicated to sharing, with family and friends, the day-to-day adventures of the Calabria family.
