Day 5 - Monteverde —> Let’r Rip!

Let’r rip! Today was ALL about the infamous Costa Rica zip lines. You see them in vacation ads, movies and as top results for a quick Google search of “What to do in Costa Rica?”

All the hype didn’t disappoint! Highly recommend … and that’s coming from someone who isn’t pumped about heights or being vulnerable with zero control. But I tell ya, there is something to be said about “flying” over the Cloud Forest, mist moistening my cheeks, the wind fluttering my lashes and the cool breeze suffocating any other thoughts besides “Wow! God sure did create a masterpiece!”

That’s the quick recap of all the “feels” … here comes the logistics and breakdown. (You knew it couldn’t be that quick and easy).

Mike scheduled us for a 11am “rip” at Selvatura Park. A short drive from the cabins but bumpy trek up to arrive at a wonderful park entrance. Lots to do here, including sloth walk, butterflies and nature walk with hanging bridges. Carolyn opted for the nature walk and Z tapped out due to a bad headache. (Not the kind from poor decisions so we cut him slack and he stayed back.)

Selvatura Park was a well-oiled operation. They kept ya moving along and we were back at the main entrance to drop gear at 12:30pm. Pretty incredible given there was a total of 13 “rip” lines, plus an optional Tarzan jump/swing.

(Let’s say I’m not into optional so took a play out of Zs playbook, and kept these feet on the ground for the ol’ Tarzan! Lexi decided the same but Mike, Matthew and Lil’ opted for the optional. Anyone surprised? 🤔😉)

Overall all went without a hiccup … well … except one. There was one that was longer and required two people to ride in tandem. Since we had an odd number, I raised my hand to go alone. Guy looked at me and said ok …. So clipped me on the cable and I settled in, thinking nothing of it. Until he flipped me backwards and gave me a new grip to rip. Didn’t realize I had to rip backwards … 😒 Why? Well my mature booty provides extra momentum and force to get me across so it needed to lead the way. More weight = greater momentum. Makes sense.

My amigo pulled me back like a sling shot and seriously let’r rip! Off I went … booty leading the way, me talking with Jesus, and then … the ripping started to slow. The sound of my progress got slower … and slower …. and slower. Started to wonder if I’d be at the platform soon. It would have to be a suuuuprise since I don’t have eyes in the back of my head. The surprise never came … I didn’t make it to the platform. The amigo waiting for me on the platform told me to grab the cable but I grabbed a yellow rope instead. Cable … rope … kind of the same, right?

Result of my choice? Started headed back out! Amigo clipped himself on the cable and scurried out to tow me in. Awesome.

Where’s my knight in shining armor, Mike, that usually rescues me from these predicaments, you ask?

He arrived shortly … he was ripping along with Lexi on the cable parallel to mine. They left way after me but beat me to the finish line. He was there to greet me. Lol.

Surprisingly I’m getting used to these “near death” experiences 😉 so I got over it within seconds and was headed to the next platform.

Tarzan (optional) seemed a bit much for me and Lexi so it was a hard no can doeee from us. But that did allow us to capture the swingers (not that kind … ) from below.

Today’s experience was documented and will be preserved for years to come thanks to Mike and Matthew snagging some action pics and videos, and we paid for some too. All in a good days work!

Lunch after was at Tacos Tacos … which was probably the best meal yet. Super delicious and everyone gave the food a 👍🏼+. Owner is reportedly from Austin, TX so that may explain the spicy coleslaw on the tortilla chips. Different but so good!

The remainder of the day was restful … Back to the cabins to check on Z (he was better, especially after hammering some pastor tacos we brought home for him), a little siesta and then up for a late evening dinner at Treehouse.

Bottom line for today … if you get the chance, let’r rip in Costa Rica! You won’t regret it!

Tomorrow? Casual morning with some downtown shopping, then spending the afternoon on a coffee farm, Can’t wait!

Much love,
M&ALæs mere