Costa Rica, Part Six: Lagunillas Lodge

Lagunillas Lodge is a few miles from the entrance to the Poás Volcano National Park and fifty years back in time.  As we bounced down the almost impossible road (there's a sign that says "4x4s only," and they aren't kidding), we could practically feel ourselves entering the bubble.  "Rustic" is an understatement.  You wouldn't even think of asking about wireless internet.   I was shocked just now to find they actually have a website.

Until about five minutes ago I thought this sign said "Lodging and Meats."
Must admit I'm a little disappointed.

We stayed in the deluxe cabin, which was so amazingly/haphazardly constructed 

that JA said, "I couldn't build this if I tried."

Rustic diaper change

Once we were settled in we went trout fishing for Pappa.  

They advertise that you can catch your own supper, and trout is JA's favorite.

Our fishing guide and proprietor showing Bine how to attach bits of plantain to the hook

Don Umberto, hanging the fish on a hydrangea for easier transport.
Look at what he is wearing.  Wardrobe did a fantastic job on this period piece.

In the afternoon clouds start rolling over the mountain.

The main building holds some smaller rooms and the restaurant

When it is clear, instead of clouds you can see the entire San Jose valley

At night JA tried to make a fire in the stove but smoke streamed out into the room and we had to open the doors to be able to breathe.  When Gussy and I turned out our light to go to sleep we could see between each board of the wall separating our room from Bine/JA's.  I could actually watch them getting ready for bed.  Rustic x-ray vision.

Like a theater set, right?

Unfortunately, I had the worst night's sleep since Angus was an infant.  It was very cold (I wore my jeans, my sweater and my jacket) and Gussy wouldn't stay under the covers in either my bed or his own.  Island baby isn't used to being bundled.  By 10 pm his legs were like ice so he cried miserably and we did a lot of moving around for the next seven hours.  The only good part of all of this was that the view was incredible:  a million lights in the valley below matched by a bright Milky Way above.

This is us in the morning, finally getting a little rest.

Meanwhile Birthday Girl Bine and Pappa had a snack and went for a drive to see the neighbors.

 Hummingbird on the restaurant porch in the clear morning.  

Clever re-use of plastic cola bottles.