Middle-aged flash packers

Moving on to Monteverde
As is always the way, once you listen to people’s stories, what seems irrational suddenly becomes understandable. So it was with the crazy ladies. The list of rules that so irritated me were a reaction to the abuse and misbehaviour of their initial guests. Desiring a laid back, bohemian feel to their new venture resulted in being taken advantage of. Battered and bruised, they tried to reclaim control with strict boundaries.
Our relationship with the two girls blossomed and resulted in a group hug upon leaving. Who would have guessed?
Our rosy glow was soon shattered once we hit upon the “road” that started our journey towards the cloud forest at Monteverde.
So far, google maps had done us proud, but nothing is perfect. After around half an hour’s journey, Ms Google instructed us to turn left. With a little trepidation we followed her instructions even though the road (track) seemed not very well used. As we ventured further along, I became quite nervous – there was grass growing on the middle of the track.
Now, even in the UK I’d be slightly concerned, but here, where the main roads are not tarmaced and are full of rocks and pot holes, this was a major cause for concern.
5 km in and I was petrified. I tried not to show it as the last thing Steve needed was a hysterical wife in the passenger seat but we were trying to get round fallen trees and ruts in the track so deep if you drove in to one God knows how you’d get out. There was no-one else about, we didn’t see one other car manoeuvring itself down the road – even the locals didn’t use it.
After the most excruciating hour we eventually reached civilisation, at which point Steve confessed we were almost out of petrol and he’d been really worried we were going to run out. I am SO over 4WD “adventures”!
We stopped for a reviving coffee at a roadside restaurant and had a look at the map. The restaurant owner came over and advised us to put the map away and not to look at it in public places. Apparently people have had all their stuff taken by thieves who see you and take down the number plate and follow or track you down. Scary.
We managed to arrive at Santa Elena (5km from Monteverde) without mishap but very road weary. It was blowing a gale and although sunny, was a good 10 degrees cooler than Santa Theresa – I’m really going to miss the warmth! The geography and weather here is like Wales on a warm but slightly drizzly Spring day. The plus side is the most amazing rainbows, they appear everywhere.
I just can’t imagine a sloth living here though. It would be like stumbling across one in the Brecon Beacons. Am I ever going to get to see a sloth?!