Spider monkey

An early breakfast overlooking the gorge and suspension bridge, on the way the spider monkeys swung and jumped above us using their long thin arms and hook like hands, the main blip.
Our morning destination was the volcanic Las Pailas Trail with its steaming sulphuric hot rocks and bubbling mud pools. The strong wind kept the temperature down a few degrees and ever now and then you could feel drops of water hitting your limbs like pins and needle, we assumed the wind was carrying droplets from the streams and waterfalls. The impact of climate change is all too evident here. In previous years the rivers and streams in the dry north west of Costa Rica would by now be completely dried up, including this spectacular waterfall, extra.
We drove to Liberia for lunch – coffee and pastries in supermarket café, the food and coffee was excellent, however there was no air conditioning. Fine for 30 minutes, unimaginably uncomfortable to work in. I also managed to replenish my supplies of insect repellent, we are all puddling it on. Most of us have a few bites that respond well to hydrocortisone, and the stronger stuff Lorne gave me is subduing the reaction I normally have.
Liberia is known as the White City because its roads used to be paved with white volcanic ash and molasses to minimise the dust. Our wonderful local guide lived in the city for a few years and he walked us around the old colonial area with another non stop commentary. By this time most of us were flagging and we really just wanted to get back to our base for a swim and more monkey spotting. And washing while there is a 100% chance of it drying overnight.