Costa Rica-- Suspension Bridges in Santa Elena and Hiking in Monteverde

It was green, lush, noisy with wildlife, and everything we'd hoped for in Santa Elena and Monteverde. The best description I can think of: rainforest-y.
We based ourselves out of Santa Elena, only a few bumpy kilometers from Monteverde.

 We stayed at a wee backpackers lodge. Ideal because of the kitchen for homemade meals. The kids loved it because of Mombo, the sweetheart of a dog, and the nice, hip staff. Glen and I felt like students again...

Two great days out. Here we are heading to Selvatura Park near Santa Elena. There were 13 suspension bridges taking us through the jungle tree-tops.

 

 There was a hummingbird park where we hung out for a bit before the next part of the day - zip lining. Glen absolutely loves hummingbirds. Everyone is called to attention when he spots one for a nanosecond in Victoria. Here, there were dozens and they stayed relatively put.

Day two and we were off to Monteverde national park for a lovely, lush loop. We were in a rain cloud the whole time, so views were limited, but I guess that's the idea. It was still magical.

Ewok villages galore. It's impossible to capture the Rainforest-y-ishness of the experience.