Sebastian Leon's X-ray Two trek diary

Super-trekker Sebas, our roving reporter for X-ray Two

Day One:
The bus, gone. The food, packed. The rucksacks, heavy. X-ray Two is now ready to take their first firm steps into the Great Trek Beyond. Rain soon welcomes the venturers into their quest; to test themselves, to befriend their team-mates, to grow as human beings, and to reach the damn beach!

Going past our Day One destination, we carry on to the forest, and who needs a guide when you have a map, a compass and lots of navigation skills, right? The forest begs to differ as we tried all the paths but the correct one. Oh, well! Time to head to Manuel’s for some hot chocolate, and a guide.

Back at Manuel’s, we enjoyed Nacho’s delightful Mac & Cheese as well as the company of Wilfredo, his wife, his baby girl and his puppy, which, shyness aside , quickly befriended us (and our mess tins), and ended up in more than one venturer’s lap, coat or liner.

Day Two:
It was a mixed day for X-ray Two. There was excitement about going through the forest, and a well-rewarded one it was, for the trip proved to be challenging, with some really steep climbs, and quite a few muddy, slippery slides, which more often than not met Jude’s bum, much to the group’s – and her – amusement. But it wasn’t all hard work in the jungle: we had a morning snack break at a stunningly beautiful river, and we refreshed our sight at the mysteriously abrupt end of the woods.

The afternoon took us by some touristic buildings, and just as we were leaving them behind we were greeted by a magnificent view of Volcan Arenal. After what seemed to be some endless four kilometres, we took our first glance at what would soon become an extremely familiar sight: the Lago de Arenal. A few more metres around the lake took us to the group’s favourite stop of the day: a shop!

Two more kilometres and a river crossing were all that stood in our way. The former we walked somewhat painfully, the latter we completed with loads of effort and teamwork. It was the final achievement of a rather eventful day, and it got us energised to set up camp just before nightfall. And so, by the river Cairo, X-ray Two went to sleep, very tired, but satisfied.

Day Three:
Still sleepy, and quite unwilling to leave the warmth and comfort of our tents, we packed up our camp and put on our river-wet clothes to start our walk around the Lago de Arenal. It’s at times like these that Hugo’s advice comes in handy: if you’re going to be sick early in the morning, make sure there’s no PM’s on loo duty nearby; we’re sure Nacho would agree!

The walk around the lake proved to be bittersweet: rivers just deep enough to drown our boots were followed by scenic views of Volcan Arenal and its gigantic lake, each one clearer and more beautiful than the last. As lunch drew nearer, the sun decided to shine upon us, drying our clothes at the cost of our own sweat.

Lunchtime came upon us at the side of a small river, and we soon found ourselves sitting in the shallow refreshing waters, splashing happily and getting rid of our tan lines. More trekking around the lake followed our salami lunch, and a strong push took us to the always welcome shop, and not long later, our destination!

Commodities at the school that sheltered us included a tap, flushable toilet, electricity and a marvellous sight of Volcan Arenal, just in time for an eruption!

Day Four:
One. That’s exactly how many steps we took out of the school before rain was sent our way. Waterproofs on, we started our second day of trek around Arenal’s magnificent lake, our feet aching, our wills strong.

There was no faffing for X-ray Two: we had a great rhythm all day long, and we took the steep uphill climbs head-on. Motivation, abundant throughout the morning, was fuelled further by the quickness of our pace, the departure of the rain, and the kind breeze. It didn’t take us long to reach the town of Tronadora, and it took us even less to find the supermarket and café. Sandwiches and cereal were added to our Raleigh tuna and crackers, and all was right in X-ray Two.

Spirits were still high as we took off to our next destination: Tejona. As we left the main road and walked up a small hill, an amazing landscape widened our eyes and broadened our smiles: green countryside opened up all around us, evenly distributed in small hills, crowned with snow-white wind farms.

It actually took us longer than we expected to reach Tejona. Note to self, if you’re told by a local to walk straight ahead one kilometre, be ready for at least four, with lots of junctions. But it was worth the time: Tejona is a beautiful town with not one but two shops, and incredible football pitch which held a match between the local kids and our venturers. Can you guess which team won?!

Bravo One caught up with X-ray Two at a rather cold, windy ranger station as they set off on Day Six of their 300km trek...

Time for a quick warm-up...

5.57am, El Jiguero ranger station - spirits high despite the drizzle

Mountain-goat Mark gears up for a day in the jungle...

Today the intepid trekkers will reach El Pilon ranger and research station after two tough days traversing the jungles of Parque Nacional Volcan Tenorio. We nipped ahead to drop off their next bag of gastronomic goodies, and found all sorts of interesting company waiting for them - thankfully mostly in glass jars...

Until next time, this is Blogger, listening out.