People are asking...

…why are you there? When are you coming home? Why are you going back? There are many reasons, and today is one of them.

It was gringa hiking day. Jenny from MD, Stephanie from Cali, Nicole from Philly and Boston packed some road snacks and headed for Playa La Macha. This perfectly sunny day started without a hangover (last night was Nic’s bday party so we’re lucky), a stop at Super Joseth and Mono Azul. There was no rushing, just walking, talking, looking, wondering – all right through the jungle. The first leg uphill was a good wake up call for my toosh. The mud and squish under my feet and in my shoes was a good push outside my comfort zone and the photo shoots induced much laughter. The views then begged for us to talk softer and take it all in.

These views – the ocean from atop a cliff, rock formations floating in the sea, thick jungle and all its inhabitants, a single red flower making itself noticed through the wildness of the jungle…were worth the trip. The hike itself was also something I’d been waiting for here. The body feels good when it works hard. Then, the mind also feels good when the body works hard. Today’s hike was one that even Piela would be proud of. Up, way up, then down, in and around lots of stuff.

We arrived at Playa La Macha where the tide was pretty high. Getting wet (and peeing) was the first order of business. All the bags hung from the trees, away from the tide, while we dipped. I then took some time to putz, looking for shells and rocks. I climbed over the ocean’s boulders with my new bamboo walking stick, watched the water run over my feet and listened to the fuzz of the waves after they hit and retreated back.

Nicole then spotted Tapo, a supposed Quepoa Indian, a healer, a man of the mountains and the sea. We talked about conservation and the natural land, the beauty of Costa Rica. In Spanish he explained that he works to save the monkeys, iguanas and turtles. The conversation then turned to us. He grabbed a leave, placed it my hand and floated his hand above mine. For the most part I left my skepticism aside, aiming to be open to whatever happens here in Costa Rica. But, I did take a peak at his piercing blue eyes to see if I could discover within them if he was for real.

I was hoping my leaf would say that one day I would have a home here and in the States, my family would live forever, I would live a modest but comfortable life at a comfortable weight of 115 pounds. Instead he said I think too much and I have some fear. Well, goll-ee, tell me something I don’t know! Of course fear is natural when you throw your life in the air, letting go of all that was familiar.

Although there were no great predictions he did make me look into myself for some answers, reasoning. So, I’ve reasoned that this is an amazing time in my life and I like to think about how lucky I am, how I can continue this amazing experience and the feelings that come with it, how being present in the moment is fulfilling and liberating. I’ve also reasoned that fear is part of the process and overcoming that fear brings an ego boost and a smile of relief to the heart.

We left Playa La Macha and Tapo. The next trail was smaller than the first. Each step less clear than the last, thick brush covering most of the way. We saw cool trees and crabs hiding in their shells. Nicole got poked in the yoo-hoo, watch for sticks, there’s no order to this place. No snakes. Cool. Soon we landed on Playa Don Carlos. Flatter, with more rocks and a wider view. Jenny wanted to add to the “Adventures of Jenny Series” with a rock climbing expedition. After her failed summit we rested, explored the terrain, I watched the beach move (crabs scurrying to and fro).

The last leg up to Ronny’s place on hungry stomachs was going to be tough. And then, as we went up, and up, the rain came. I mean the rain came. It was cold. It rained on us ad soaked us right through. We passed the cows, but no time for enjoying them in this downpour. Nicole was chanting something about rain and Costa Rica. I was, of course, thinking. Thinking how nice the day was, complete with rain to wash away some of my fears.

These new beaches and the journeys to reach them are hidden jems off the tourist path of Manuel Antonio. All good reasons to return. Add the people to share these excursions with and my basket of reasons is full.