From the viewpoint “La Ventana” we hiked on over “Sendero Pantanoso”, crossed “Quebrada Ranas de vidrio” (unfortunately without spotting a single frog) and reached the next viewpoint.
And the weather? - Well, unhappily not that great: more and more clouds, the wind gets colder and the first little shower of rain begins.
It is plain to see that in wintertime the rain comes from this side and consequently less people move along this way.
In patches the path is very muddy with lots of wet spots. In some places the Ticos placed steps to facilitate the further walk.
After we had met two women on the way, who had asked us, how the condition on our side were, we already divined. The way be even more muddy and finally will mutate into a path, which will only be accessible at the brink. Lanes, that divide even more to the right (towards the Pacific Ocean), are even barred.
After having crossed Sendero Natural, we reach Sendero El Río. There´s not much to see (mainly, because most of the time you have to look where to step) but a side trip leads from El Río zu the waterfall of Quebrada Cucha. Because there is extremely much rain during the year, (about 7,600 mm a year), the waterfall is a spectacle to see. It is an enjoyment to see the American again, who had already taken a picture of us at the Selvatzura rope bridge.
After that it’s becoming uncomfortable. We are putting back the rest of the circuit in the rain, and are looking forward to have a hot chocolate at the reserve’s diner. During the return to Santa Elena we entrain two young Americans. We take them as tourists. But they are students, who care for a climate research project.
