Hot Springs ,hiking the Volcano

We were on a bridge. See how many iguanas you can see in this picture.

This is what they look like

Last time we updated we were off to the springs. We ate our pizzas while viewing Volcano Arenal from the roadside, at night. Boy was that surreal. It was slightly drizzly after pouring solidly for a couple of hours. We now know what a tropical downpour is. They usually have rain everyday but it is has been dry ..they were getting worried. So I guess they needed it. It cleared and we could see huge boulders flying out of the top [by the way it is the third most active volcano in the world] and careering for a long way. Everyone was awestruck. By the way the pizzas were great. No bread and dripping for us yet. No one is allowed to climb this volcano too dangerous even for scientists. Again we can't download photos yet. The Hot Springs were at a resort, it was posh there were 19 pools in total, ranging from cool to bloody hot. It really was incredible to sit in the pools watching the lava flow, talking to people from all over the world sharing the same feelings. Early next morning after again gazing at this wonderful sight it was so clear, we drove to La Chile where we boarded aboat to travel on a river called Cano Negro. We headed to the Nicaraguan border and on the way saw several caimans on the river bank, lots of birds, howler monkeys, these are the ones that make all of the noise at the zoo, the guide was so excited to spot a rare howler monkey that was orange all the rest are black.

Usually they don't accept abnormalities and the guide hadn't spotted it for a long while. We also saw white faced monkeys and also a 3 toed sloth. That was exciting as it moved as we watched, and was it slow. We also had a chance to nurse a 2 toed sloth baby whose mother was killed by a car and the guide was looking after it. It was so gentle and cuddly.. At night we hiked 3 kms around the base of the volcano through the rain forest. The guide was very informative about the forest plants and animals. We had a spectacular view again of the volcanic activity from a viewing point at the base, while drink a special brew called Lava juice. Great finish to a great day.