Arenal volcano was known as Arenal hill up until 1968 when it erupted and destroyed the small town of Tabacon. Since then, it is considered Costa Rica's most active volcano and they have tight restrictions against climbing the volcano.
Arenal Observatory and Lodge, only about 10 kilometers from the Ranch, was built to house the seismology equipment and scientists who came to study it. Being only 2 km from the volcano, it offers surreal views of lava which flows night and day. Additionally there are daily spurts of smoke which produce deep thunderous rumbles that echo around the nearby valleys. Some days on the Ranch, we can't tell if there is rain coming or if it's just the volcano. Last week, we took a trip to the Observatory and hiked up the neighboring hill called Cerro Chato.
This hill is well known for its tranquil blue lake at the top of this sleeping volcano. It was a strenuous hike especially since I was still recovering from a bout of the flu that's been going around Costa Rica, but I'm so glad we went.
At the Observatory, there are stands of beautiful pines and the most amazing eucalyptus trees. They are called Rainbow bark because as their bark peels, it reveals bright gold, green, and red colors. It's almost like being in Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory and I sniffed the tree just to make sure it wasn't made of candy canes.
After the hike, we had cheeseburgers and Imperial lagers at the restaurant. The perfect ending to an already excellent day.
Arenal volcano was known as Arenal hill up until 1968 when it erupted and destroyed the small town of Tabacon. Since then, it is considered Costa Rica's most active volcano and they have tight restrictions against climbing the volcano. 
Arenal Observatory and Lodge, only about 10 kilometers from the Ranch, was built to house the seismology equipment and scientists who came to study it. Being only 2 km from the volcano, it offers surreal views of lava which flows night and day. Additionally there are daily spurts of smoke which produce deep thunderous rumbles that echo around the nearby valleys. Some days on the Ranch, we can't tell if there is rain coming or if it's just the volcano. Last week, we took a trip to the Observatory and hiked up the neighboring hill called Cerro Chato. 
This hill is well known for its tranquil blue lake at the top of this sleeping volcano. It was a strenuous hike especially since I was still recovering from a bout of the flu that's been going around Costa Rica, but I'm so glad we went. 
At the Observatory, there are stands of beautiful pines and the most amazing eucalyptus trees. They are called Rainbow bark because as their bark peels, it reveals bright gold, green, and red colors. It's almost like being in Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory and I sniffed the tree just to make sure it wasn't made of candy canes. 
After the hike, we had cheeseburgers and Imperial lagers at the restaurant. The perfect ending to an already excellent day.
You sniffed the tree! That delights me to no end!!
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