Part one
The other Sunday morning we all boarded the bus, knowing that our trek would begin in just over two hours! Dreading the thought of attempting to lift our 21kg rucksacks and apprehension of what we had in store over the next 19 days.
Day one saw a short but tough walk to our first campsite as we started to acclimatise to the conditions and our rubbing hip belts. At our first campsite we were greeted by Don Gerado who kindly offered us coconuts as well as a place to pitch camp. We were beginning to experience the famous Costa Rica friendliness and warmth!
After the first of many uncomfortable nights sleep, we set off on our first full day trekking.... 11km up a steep rocky road that seemed to go on forever! We later arrived at the community centre with little hassle other than a close encounter with a snake! Thankfully it slithered away in a hurry. At the community centre Delta Romeo 1’s favourite pastime was conceived: aerobics c lasses, with huge lunges providing a large amount of entertainment and laughter.
For the last three days we have been marching through the jungle and we are starting to think that the phrase “what goes up, must come down” doesn’t apply to Costa Rican mountains. Torrential downpours on Tuesday afternoon made the clay track even more treacherous , and hardly 100 metres could pass without one member slipping and getting a complimentary mud bath!
Our guide in the jungle was Juan Louis, a local boy who knows the jungle paths better than I know the back of my hand. Throughout the trek we have been greeted by delightful views, and despite the gruelling walks, spirits are remaining mountain-top high!
Part two
Mission: Trek from Caribbean to Pacific coasts of Costa Rica
Days completed: 12
Kilometres marched: 143
Highest point reached: 2842m
Blisters obtained: 42
Packets of refried beans devoured: 70
Average backpack weight: 21 kg
Delta Romeo 1 have now been walking, scrambling and hobbling over mountains for 12 days, yet despite blisters and muscle strain we are on target and about to start our descent to the sunny beach for a day of relaxation.
We have navigated our way over jungle paths, tarmac highways and dirt-packed country lanes. After long, hard days of walking, nights have been spent in tents, community centres, a pulperia (grocery store) and even a church. Sugar cravings are regularly satisfied by raiding any Pulperia we pass, with mini-cans of condensed milk being a group favourite.
Monstrous mountains and bulging blisters have not been our only obstacles. Six days without showers attempting to cook gourmet meals out of pasta and tomato sauce in gale force winds have only increased team spirit and made us feel truly like we've 'got out there'!
