Spotlight: Salt Lake City - Anniversary Inn

Spotlight: If you are looking for a unique place to take your bride for your honeymoon, celebrate your anniversary, or even just a weekend getaway, you might want to try the Anniversary Inn. The Anniversary Inn is a bed and breakfast style inn famous for its uniquely themed rooms. For example, the one we went to on South Temple Street in Salt Lake City had the following decorated rooms: Secret Garden, Hayloft, Capitol Retreat, Phantom of the Opera, Mountain Hideaway, Mississippi Serenade, Kahn Mansion Suite, Anniversary Inn Suite, Jungle Safari, Mysteries of Egypt, Sultan's Palace, Savannah Nights, and the Enchanted Forest. The other Anniversary Inns each have their own unique rooms to explore. To preview the rooms, visit their official website.

Location: There are currently four inns run by the company. They are located at:
460 South 1000 East, Salt Lake City, UT
678 East South Temple, Salt Lake City, UT
169 East Center Street, Logan, UT
1575 South Lusk Ave., Boise, ID

Time: Check-In time is 5:00 pm; Check-out time is 12:00 pm (noon)

Cost: Ruby Suites start at $159/night (week nights) and $179/night (weekends)
     Emerald Suites are $209/night (week nights) and $229/night (weekends)
     Diamond Suites are $259/night (week nights) and $279/night (weekends)

Description: The Anniversary in on South Temple Street in SLC, is located in an older mansion that has been refurbished as an inn with themed rooms. The building itself has a rustic quality about it, with narrow staircases, a gabled roof, uniquely shaped rooms, and real keys. We stayed in the Enchanted Forest room on the third floor. The bed was a "four-poster bed" placed between the trunks of four "trees" with a leaf-top canopy. Tree roots served as steps to climb up onto the raised bed. The walls were painted to look like a forest complete with deer. From the bed, you looked into a "cottage" that housed the rest of the suite: a small table with two chairs, a clothing closet, a full sink area, a toilet closet, and a Jacuzzi/shower combo. The Jacuzzi tub was small and fairly old, but it was in fine working order. The shower looked old, but was heavenly. A halo of water came straight down from the hanging shower ring (about 1 foot diameter). An angled flat screen TV was on the roof of the cottage. The TV could be used to listen to romantic music, watch Direct TV, or a DVD/Blue-Ray. The accommodations were comfortable, clean, and cozy.

     We've also been to the inn on 1000 E. in Salt Lake City and stayed in the Jackson Hole Suite. The bed was a covered wagon with Old West decor around the room. The saloon style doors led to a Jacuzzi tub with a shower created from water flowing out of bottles placed on a shelf above the tub.
Although the exterior of this building wasn't as quaint, it was newer and had a wider selection of room choices.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) - mainly because the Wi-Fi didn't work in our room

Things You Should Know: - The Anniversary Inn gives tours of its suites from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm daily.
- A small fridge is provided in each room, with two pieces of complimentary cheesecake for an evening snack. You are also provided with a complimentary bottle of sparkling cider on ice. The water bottles, however, cost extra.
- Breakfast is served at the hour of your choosing. You simply choose an entree and two drinks (per person) and turn your order in to the front desk by 10:00 pm the night before. It will be delivered on a tray outside your door at the appointed hour. The selection was somewhat limited (6 items), and the portions small, but the food was good. You could also order extra entrees for a reasonable price ($3).
- The front desk had a selection of DVDs that we could borrow (free) for the evening.
- My wife forgot to pack her toothbrush. Luckily, the front desk provided a cheap one (new) that she was able to use free of charge.
- All suites are designed for two people. Children and pets should be left home.
- No open flames are allowed in any of the suites (including candles and cigarettes). LED tealights are allowed.
- The inn we stayed at only had one internet router, so not all of the rooms were able to pick up the Wi-Fi signal.
- You can purchase additional packages to make your stay more enjoyable. These are popular honeymoon gifts. To review the list of options, go to: http://www.anniversaryinn.com/gift-shop
- We were able to purchase a $100 gift card (for ourselves) at a reduced price ($70 at Costco).

Nearby: Temple Square, This Is the Place Monument State Park, Hogle Zoo, Snowbird Ski Resort

Spotlight: The Uintas - Red Castle Lake

Spotlight: Red Castle Lake is a beautiful lake hidden in the High Uintas. There are actually 5 lakes in the area as well as about a dozen other smaller ponds. Red Castle Lake is the largest lake, and the most popular. Upper and Lower Red Castle Lakes can also be accessed along the main trail, but East Red Castle Lake and Smith's Fork Pass Lake are along the Smith Fork Pass Trail. The main activities here are hiking, camping, and fishing.

Location: The trail to Red Castle Lake begins at China Meadows. From there you take the East Fork Smith Fork Trail (Trail #110) all the way to Red Castle Lake.

Time: 2-5 days overall. It takes about 6-10 hours each way, depending on how much you are carrying, and how fast you hike. You probably want to have one day to hike in, one day to hike out, and another day or two to rest in between.

Cost: variable (gas, food, supplies)

Description: The trail to Red Castle Lake and back covers a distance of 25 miles. The trailhead starts at China Meadows, and gains almost 2,000 feet before reaching Red Castle Lake (11,300 feet). We did the entire hike in 3 days.

our pack horses

     The first day, we hiked from China Meadows to a campsite east of Lower Red Castle Lake. The East Fork Smith Fork Trail (#110) runs due south all the way to Red Castle Lake. It follows along the river the entire way, crossing it a couple of times. The bridges across the river are very sturdy. Although you are almost continually climbing, the incline is very gradual. The trail is usually shrouded with pine trees, with meadows opening up from time to time. Keep an eye out for moose or deer. After about 4 miles, the trail to Lake Hessie (later joining the trail to Kings Peak) juts off to the east; but chances are you won't even notice it until on the way back. A little further on the trail again splits. This time there is a large brown sign indicating which trail to take (stay left toward Red Castle). After passing along the spacious Broadbent Meadow, the trail heads up a series of switchbacks. Be careful, because it is easy to miss the first switchback, so if the trail starts to peter out, go back and check. Shortly after the switchbacks, the trail is joined by the Bald Mountain Trail. Immediately after, you can either continue on south to Red Castle Lake, or turn east across the bridge. We crossed the bridge and followed the trail to a series of secluded campgrounds to the east of Lower Red Castle Lake (the second largest lake in the region). We found a nice spot in the trees next to a pond and a large meadow about half a mile above the lake. Our campsite had a gorgeous view of Red Castle Butte. Overall hiking for the day was about 6 hours.

     The second day, we took day packs and fishing gear up to Red Castle Lake. The hike from Lower Red Castle Lake to Red Castle Lake is more strenuous, and you have to cross several small creeks by hopping from rock to rock, but at least we didn't have our heavy packs. The trail passes a series of ponds and even a beautiful waterfall before the steep climb up to the plateau on which Red Castle Lake is located. The lake dominates the plateau with Red Castle Butte on the east and Wilson Peak to the south. On the far side of the lake, up a slope of shale, is Upper Red Castle Lake. There are lots of fish in both lakes. Unfortunately, the day was really windy; so while some of our group caught several fish, others struggled with the wind and didn't catch any. Fortunately, even if you didn't catch any fish, there was plenty of beautiful scenery to enjoy. The hike from our campsite to Red Castle Lake and back was about 90 minutes each way.

     The third day we packed up our campsite and headed back down the same trail. The main differences is that our packs were a little lighter, and we were heading downhill so we didn't need to make as many breaks. This time the main fork we had to worry about was the one that broke off to the east (right) toward Lake Hessie and Kings Peak. The hike from our campsite back to the trailhead was a little over five hours.

Rating: 4 stars (it would be five if the wind and rain didn't wake me up several times each night)

Things You Should Know: - The Uinta Mountain range is the only major mountain range on the continent to run east to west instead of north to south.
- There are a couple of different campgrounds at China Meadows where you can camp in order to get an early start. Each campsite costs $14/day, and holds up to 8 people and one vehicle. Campsites are available on a first-come first-serve basis.
- The trailhead has about 50 parking spaces and horse corrals. There are also clean pit toilets.
- Dogs and horses are allowed on the trail, but must be on a leash.
- This is a moderate hike for experienced backpackers. However, it is difficult for novices. Even though we had horses packing in our tents and food, several people in our group had a rough time with it. It would be a good idea to train those who haven't gone backpacking before by having them do some practice hikes (wearing their backpacks), and teaching them the proper way to pack and carry their packs.
- The trail is well used, and easy to follow when clear of snow. Unfortunately, trail conditions are generally muddy, particularly due to the horses. There are small wooden boardwalks over some of the worst mud holes, but there are many other spots (including right before or after the bridges) that are just as bad.
- An alternate trail to the lake if via the Bald Mountain Route. This route is more scenic, but is less popular because it is much more strenuous.
- When going on a backpacking trip, make sure you have at least one experienced backpacker in your group. People can die in the back country if they don't know what they are doing.
- The best camping spots are near Lower Red Castle Lake since Red Castle Lake is above the timber line.
- The meadows are marshy due to the frequent rain. The weather is very unpredictable and can change suddenly from sunshine, to heavy winds, to rain in a matter of minutes. Be prepared for each possibility even if going on a short hike.
- Although there is plenty of fresh water, it should always be treated by one method or another to avoid contracting giardia or another water-born illness.

filling up our water bottles

- Kings Peak is the highest mountain in Utah. The trail to Kings Peak veers off to the east about four miles south of the trailhead. Kings Peak can also be accessed from several other trailheads.
- If there are people in your group who aren't used to high altitudes, they can be prone to altitude sickness. Keep an eye on them, and make sure they drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks.
- The trail to Red Castle Lake is usually covered in snow from November - June. The best time to hike to Kings Peak is in August and September. For current conditions, call the Evanston Ranger District at (307) 642-6662.

Nearby: Kings Peak, Fort Bridger, Mirror Lake, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area

Spotlight: Las Vegas - The Venetian

Spotlight: Modeled after the streets of Venice, Italy, the Venetian is one of the top hotels along the Vegas strip. Among its attractions, visitors can visit replicas of famous landmarks including: The Grand Canal, St. Mark's Square, St. Mark's Campanile and the Rialto Bridge. The 5-diamond rated hotel is known for its rooms which are both spacious and elegant. The hotel complex, which includes the adjacent Sands Expo Convention Center and the Palazzo Hotel and Casino Resort, is the second largest hotel complex in the world, with thousands of rooms and suites ranging from $169 to $10,000 per night. The complex includes a museum, the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, a wedding chapel and four theaters. It is also home to dozens of restaurants serving food from all over the globe.

Location: The Venetian is located at 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Cost: Shared Gondola ride - $29/person (seats 4); Private Gondola ride - $116

Time: Indoor Gondola rides run from 10:00 am - 11:00 pm daily (until midnight on weekends). Outdoor Gondola rides run from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm (weather permitting).

Description: Gondola rides float visitors down the Grand Canal in authentic Venetian gondolas. Riders are virtually transported to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe as they float beneath bridges, past Italian style cafes, under balconies, or along a replica of St. Mark's Square. Both the indoor ride and the outdoor ride offer unique experiences with different sights and sounds.

     Among the annual events that are hosted at the Venetian is the celebration of the Chinese New Year. We were there for the Year of the Goat (or Sheep). The decorations were exquisite, but if you go in February, you can also witness the dances and ceremonies that accompany the decorations.

Things You Should Know: - Reservations must be made in person at the ticket booth.
- The Venetian offers a class on how to pilot a gondola in a program they call the Gondola University. Participants learn the ins and outs of piloting a gondola, receive a gondola hat and t-shirt, a souvenir photo and a degree certificate from Gondola University. For questions or requests, call 702.414.4300.
- This year, they are celebrating the Year of the Dog.
- The legendary band Chicago will be performing at the Venetian this year from Feb. 7-24.

Nearby: Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, The Mirage, The Bellagio, The Stratosphere

Spotlight: Las Vegas - The Mirage's Secret Garden

Spotlight: A couple of years ago, my daughter's soccer team played in the Vegas Cup. Although we drive by Vegas several times a year, since it's not really our style of entertainment, we usually only stop for gas. However, since we were going to be staying there for several days, we decided to find some family-friendly entertainment. One of the places we found was Siegfried & Roy's Secret Garden and Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage. Although the dolphins were cool, what we really were interested in was the white lions and tigers. White tigers have always been my favorite animal, and I'd never seen white lions before. White tigers and lions used to be part of the famed Siegfried & Roy show that was performed here until Roy Horn was attacked by the white tiger Mantecore in a 2003 performance. The show was discontinued, but the big cats and their descendants can still be safely seen within the Secret Garden.

Location: The Mirage is located at 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd, in downtown Las Vegas.

Cost: $22/adult; $17 children (4-12)

Time: Open from 11:00 am - 5:30 pm (Mon. - Fri.) and 10:00 am - 5:30 (Sat. & Sun.). Plan on spending about an hour or more.

Description: Although Mantecore eventually died of natural causes, another white tiger and several white lions still live at the Secret Garden. In fact, when we went, there were several young white lions that were having fun tussling and playing with a carton cylinder.

     In addition to the great, white cats, there are also some leopards and a black jaguar.

     The Dolphin Habitat is a multi-pooled sanctuary for bottle-nose dolphins. Trainers regularly exercise the dolphins, so find try and stick around for that if you can. Unfortunately we missed out on that.

Rating: 3 1/2 stars (out of 5); potentially greater with the dolphin show

Things You Should Know: - As is the case elsewhere in Vegas, families should be cautious about exploring other venues within the Mirage, some of which are definitely not family-friendly.
- If you go, check online for coupons ahead of time.
- If you take a VIP tour, you can get a behind the scenes look at the facility. The Trainer for a Day program gives visitors the opportunity to feed, swim with, and even practice "training" the dolphins.
- If you go during the heat of the day, the cats will likely be napping. Try to go early for best viewing.
- Rather than driving around and trying to find parking, it is much easier to walk from place to place.

Nearby: The Venetian, Caesar's Palace, Sands Expo Convention Center, The Bellagio

Spotlight: Las Vegas - The Stratosphere

Spotlight: Built in 1995, the Stratosphere is one of the most recognizable hotels along the famous Vegas Strip. Reminiscent of the Space Needle in Seattle, the Stratosphere is the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States (1,149 feet/350.2 meters). The tower has two observation decks. The first is a rotating restaurant known as "Top of the World." Above that is a deck dedicated to adrenaline junkies - complete with 4 thrill rides: Big Shot, Insanity, Sky Jump Las Vegas and X-Scream. The hotel is actually a separate building (24 floors) with 2,427 rooms.

View from the top

Location: The Stratosphere is located at 2000 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Cost: Observation Deck admission - $20/adult, $14/child, $10/hotel guest
     Tower + 1 ride - $25; Tower + 2 rides - $30; Tower + 3 rides - $35
     Sky Jump - $119.99
     An unlimited rides pass to Big Shot, Insanity and X-Scream - $39.95
     - Add $5 per ticket on weekends (Fri-Sat)
   
Time: The rides are open Sun-Thurs from 10:00 am - 1 am; Fri-Sat from 10:00 am - 2:00 am. Plan on spending about 1-2 hours.

Description: Since we didn't stay at the hotel, visit the casino or eat in the restaurant, I can't really comment on those. However, my daughter and I did go up to the top deck to check out the rides.

     When it was built, Big Shot (1,081 feet/329 meters) was the highest thrill ride in the world. It is a pneumatically powered tower ride in which you strap yourself into your seat. Then you wait, knowing that you're going to shoot up into the air, but never quite sure when until suddenly, ZOOM! Your seat shoots about 150 feet up at 45 mph. Then you drop about halfway and shoot up again. You yo-yo a couple of times before slowly descending to the deck.

     Insanity is appropriately named. First you strap into your seat next to your neighbor. The five pairs of seats are attached to a claw-like contraption that slowly maneuvers out over the edge of the tower until you are looking down at the street 900 feet below. Then it starts rotating at about 40 mph as the chairs swing out at about a 45 degree angle. You swing like that for almost two minutes before the claw stops rotating and slowly maneuvers back onto the deck. My daughter screamed the entire time. I laughed so hard I got a headache.

     Sky Jump Las Vegas holds the Guinness World Record for highest commercial decelerator descent with an official height of 829 feet. After riders are given a brief safety lesson, they suit up in a special jumpsuit and led to the edge where they have to jump off. They are attached to the tower by a machine called the "descender" which controls the speed of their fall, particularly near the end.
     X-Scream is approximately 866 feet high. Riders strap into a roller-coaster style bobsled that slides along a 68 foot straight piece of track. When the ride starts, the sled see-saws back and forth along the length of the track which extends 27 feet past the edge of the tower.

Rating: 4 stars (out of 5) - We only did Big Shot and Insanity.

Things You Should Know: - Prices are higher on the weekend, so it pays to go during the week. Although you don't have to stay at the hotel to go on the attractions, they do offer significant discounts to paying guests.
- They take the safety of their guests seriously. If their is any indication that the ride isn't functioning at optimum performance it is shut down until the problem is completely fixed. As a result, not all the rides may be open when you go. We missed out on X-Scream because it was closed  for maintenance.

Nearby: Adventuredome Theme Park, The Mirage, Caesar's Palace, The Bellagio

Spotlight: Utah County - Thanksgiving Point (Lehi)

Spotlight: Thanksgiving Point is an eclectic group of museums, gardens, shops, and theaters that provide a variety of experiences for its guests. It was built in 1995 with the idea of creating a place for the community to both enjoy and learn about nature and various cultures. The organization hosts a variety of unique events throughout the year that highlight different holidays and cultures. Some seasonal festivals include: the Tulip Festival, Easter Eggstreme, Utah Scottish Festival & Highland Games, Utah Renaissance Faire, Halloween Central, Scarecrow Festival, Eat Like a Pilgrim, Luminaria and Cornbelly's Corn Maze. They also host a variety of camps, clubs, dances, classes and expos (ie. Summer Day Camp, Afterschool Adventure, Valentines Dance, Gardening Class, and Wedding Expo). You can even schedule your own special events (weddings, receptions, etc.). Whether you are a kid, a teenager or an adult, you can always find something that interests you at Thanksgiving Point.

Insanity Point at Cornbellies

Cornbellies

Tulip Festival

Scarecrow Festival

Location: Thanksgiving Point is located at the northern end of Utah County near the "Point of the Mountain." The address of the main complex is 3003 N. Thanksgiving Way, Lehi. It can easily be seen from I-15.

Time: Anywhere from 2-8 hours (depending on how many activities you participate in). Most exhibits are open Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 8 pm.

Cost: Each individual venue has it's own pricing. They include:
- Museum of Ancient Life - $15/adult, $12/senior, $12/child (3-12)
     - Mammoth Screen movie - $8.50/adult, $7/child (3-12)
- Thanksgiving Point Gardens - $15/adult, $12/senior, $12/child (3-12)
- Museum of Curiosity - $15/adult, $12/senior, $12/child (3-12)
     - High Ropes Course - $8/person (with paid admission)
- Farm Country - $8/person
Or you can purchase an Explorer Pass to let you in to all four venues:
     One day: $25/adult, $20/child
     Two day: $45/adult, $38/child
Or you can buy a year's membership for $75/individual or $220/family.

Description: Thanksgiving Point consists of four main venues:
     The Museum of Ancient Life allows visitors to explore a variety of animals and plant life that existed millions of years ago. The displays include a Carboniferous Forest and a Cretaceous Ocean. There are 60 complete dinosaur skeletons as well as models of ice age mammals and giant undersea creatures. One of my favorite exhibits was where you had to match the skulls with the pictures of dozens of animals. A variety of 50 hands-on exhibits include an Erosion Table and a Quarry where kids can have fun digging for toy dinosaurs or uncovering skeletons with brushes. You can also watch real paleontologists at work unearthing real bones. There is also a selection of fascinating films at the Mammoth Screen Theatre.
     The Museum of Natural Curiosity has over 400 interactive exhibits that allow children and adults to explore a wide variety of topics in fun ways. In Rainforest, you can check your weight against grasshoppers and hippos, compare your squeeze to that of a python, or test your hanging skills against that of a sloth. You can crawl/climb through various obstacle courses including one that is pitch dark. In Water Works you can explore the power of water, wind, sun and earth by using pipes, valves, wheels, etc. In Discovery Garden you can learn about caves and animals, find a way through the vegetative mazes, or play on the unique equipment of Archimedes Playground. In Kidopolis you can learn about optical illusions, power a toy locomotive, or program your own music composition through the use of computers. Older kids and adults can also try the challenging High Ropes Course.
     The Thanksgiving Point Ashton Gardens cover approximately 55 acres and are accessed by more than 3 miles of walking trails. The Gardens include 15 different theme gardens including a complete replica of the garden described in The Secret Garden, a book by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Visitors can visit the waterfall at Monet Pond, where they can learn about water-saving gardening techniques.

Monet Pond

Secret Garden during Tulip Festival

     Farm Country aims to teach urban children about rural life by showing them how farmers grow crops and raise animals to feed our country. They can follow the entire process from soil to supermarket. It allows children the opportunity to interact with traditional farm animals as well as a few exotic ones. They can learn how to milk a cow, take a pony ride, or participate in a number of interactive hands-on exhibits.
     In addition to the four principle venues, there are a variety of other businesses associated with Thanksgiving Point. The Thanksgiving Point Golf Course, designed by golf pro Johnny Miller, is the largest course in the state of Utah. It has won several national awards as one of the best courses in the country. Brick Canvas provides a variety of services including yoga, spa treatments, a beauty salon, a juice bar, etc. Restaurants include the Harvest Restaurant, the Thanksgiving Point Deli, the Expedition Cafe, the seasonal Trellis Cafe, and the popular Ice Cream Shop. There is also a wide variety of shops to explore.

Rating: 5 stars (out of 5)

Things You Should Know: - Check out their webpage to see the calendar of upcoming events.
- The High ropes course at the Museum of Curiosity, the Mammoth Screen Theatre, and the Golf Course are not included in the Flex Pass.
- If you become a Thanksgiving Point Member, you have unlimited access to all four venues. You can also get your guests in for half price admission. It also gives you discounts on food, events, programs, Mammoth Screen movies and High Ropes Course tickets. Finally it gives you access to hundreds of other museums, science centers, and gardens throughout North America.
- The Eat Like a Pilgrim event recreates the first Thanksgiving by preparing and serving a meal that is as close as possible to the original Thanksgiving feast. In addition to the meal, visitors can explore the various exhibits that teach about the Pilgrims and Native Americans. During the meal, visitors are treated to a few speeches by key historical figures associated with the colony and feast.
- The Cornbelly's Corn Maze allows visitors to traverse a human maze through the corn field, shoot mini pumpkins and corn cobs at targets, and participate in a wide variety of other fall activities.

Nearby: Cabelas, Utah Lake, Discovery Park, Timpanogos Cave NM

Spotlight: Costa Rica - Whitewater rafting

Spotlight: The Sarapiqui River is a tributary of the San Juan River. The lowlands around the river are mostly tropical rain forest with lush vegetation. The river is designated a National Historical Monument since it was instrumental in transporting arms, supplies and soldiers in the 1856 war against the North American filibusters led by William Walker in their effort to take over Central America. Today, the river is one of the most popular destinations for those seeking new adventures - particularly whitewater rafting.

Location: We went rafting on the Rio Sarapiqui. I don't remember the name of the company we used, but there are several companies that offer similar experiences.

Cost: You can find excursions for between $60-$650 depending on length, season, and extras (such as food and accommodations)

Time: Tours run between 2 hours and 4 days - depending on where you go and what you want to see.

Description: Whitewater rafting can be one of the most fun experiences you'll ever have; it can also be one of the most scary if you aren't prepared. If you are going on class 4 or 5 rapids, then everyone in your group should be an experienced swimmer. Otherwise, stick to class 2 or 3 rapids and make sure those who aren't strong swimmers are well secured and next to someone who is. Regardless of experience, everyone should be drilled on proper safety procedures.

     Our excursion was about 2-3 hours. We jumped in from the shore and had to swim to our rafts so that our guides could make sure we could swim. We hit about 7 rapids, I think there were two class 3's and the others class 2. Since the only other rafting I'd done had been in Utah, the scenery was definitely unique. We saw some baby iguanas sunning themselves on some boulders and several tropical birds. There was also a rope swing that a couple of kids grabbed onto, exiting one raft and dropping into another. We were able to get out of the rafts at a couple of lazy sections of the river and swim before climbing back in.

     After the trip, we were served a Costa Rican picnic-style lunch. It was delicious - rice, beans, meat, bread and juice.

Rating: 4.5 stars (out of 5) - I would have put 5 stars, but our tour was shorter than advertised

Things You Should Know: - Make sure you shop around before you decide on a tour. There are several different factors to consider: the types of rapids you will be facing, the experience and preferences of your group, how long of an excursion you want, the type of accommodations you require, if you need bilingual guides, the price you want to pay, ratings by other groups, etc.
- Make sure you wear sunscreen and bug repellent - in that order. You will be hating life if you forget one or the other.
- If you go during the rainy season (June-November), check on flood conditions, advisories, etc. Short rainstorms are typical and won't affect your excursion as long as there isn't lightning. Extended storms upstream can be problematic.
- I didn't bring my camera, so I didn't get a lot of pictures. If you want pictures, bring a phone and protect it in a water-proof pouch that you can hang around your neck.

Nearby: Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge, Braulio Carrillo National Park, Juan Castro Blanco National Park, Tortuguero National Park, La Selva Biological Station