A lucky group of 15-17 year olds together with three intrepid members of staff from The Abbey School spent an unforgettable half term week in Costa Rica. In this small, tropical country they were able to see some amazing flora and fauna and natural features. Their parents and friends back home were able to follow their progress on a blog on the school website.
The group first visited Mount Irazu, the highest peak in Costa Rica, whose cloud-forested slopes were shrouded in mist. After a drive past coffee plantations, they climbed the side of the Poas volcano to see a greenish coloured lake in the crater and rocks of varying colours due to deposits of minerals. A great white plume of steam rose from one corner of the lake showing that Poas is dozing but not dormant.
At the La Paz Waterfall Gardens the girls witnessed the devastation caused by an earthquake earlier this year. They marvelled at the toucans, beautiful iridescent hummingbirds and large butterflies. There were two two-toed sloths curled up in balls doing what sloths do best – sleeping. In the Botanical Gardens the girls saw an amazing orchid collection and several strangling figs with their roots wrapped tightly around the trunks of their supporting trees.
The girls also visited the Arenal volcano and on the journey stopped for a variety of wildlife including a shy armadillo and a troop of howler monkeys. One side of the volcano had been laid bare by a massive eruption in 1968.The favourite plant was the sensitive Mimosa and many a leaf was stroked and obliged by folding up. The girls enjoyed an afternoon of luxury soaking in thermal pools at a resort, watching the lightning over the nearby rainforest.
Another highlight was the Sky Walk - a 3 km system of pathways and bridges through the lush and tranquil cloud forest. Some of the bridges crossed ravines and a stream could be seen metres below with a tremendous variety of plants covering every square metre. The girls spotted frogs, leaf cutter ants, stick insects, crickets, glow worms and spiders including tarantulas.
Everyone who went on the trip had fallen in love with this beautiful country and it was hard to board the plane back home!