Volcano Numero Uno (Costa Rica)

Unfortunately, we didn't see the first volcano we were scheduled to see! Yes, we were there but the weather was cloudy In Poas National Park. Vulcan Poas is stunning in all the pictures. According to the guide book, this 8,850 foot giant was formed long, long ago and is "ephemerally volatile with peak activity occurring in approximately 40 year cycles." The last eruption (minor) happened in March 2006 and again in January of 2009 (6.2 Richter scale) with devastation in much of the immediate region.

Here's our view of the crater:

Oh, well.

We did some "imagining" at the Visitor Center mural instead.

Once back in our bus, though, we saw some memorable sights.

A gorgeous waterfall:

A family of white-nosed coatis:

And also along the way, we stopped by a roadside restaurant with a fruit stand right next to it.

Here I had the tastiest, best fresh strawberry drink con leche that I have ever had in my life!

Seriously, the best drink I have ever had! It more than made up for the volcano we didn't see!

Coming: the volcano we did see...and it was so gorgeous.