The Parent Trip

We covered a lot of ground!

 

As I mentioned in my last update (a poor one at that) I was in Bocas del Toro with my parents.  For this blog I will back up just a little and start again with meeting up my my parents and my brother in Plantanillo, Costa Rica, the start to my 2.5 months traveling with my parents.

It is always great to get together with my family, but this trip to Plantanillo had a special purpose.  It was the first time that both my parents and I had the pleasure of visiting the property that my brother and sister in-law have purchased.  The property is simply breathtaking and there are plenty of places where I may just take up squatter’s rights at some point in the future lol. 

The land is approximately 5 hectares and was primarily used as grazing land for cattle prior to them purchasing it.  Darrell and Jo are working towards reforesting this land and will eventually settle there.  While we were there we did plant a few “pioneer” trees to help contribute to the project.  That said, it was amazing to see how quickly the jungle will start to recover if you let it.  The cattle were relocated only about a year ago and small trees, grasses and bushes are springing up all over. 

One of the Cercropia trees we planted.

 

Previous cattle trail – the jungle recovers quickly.

 

David Attenborough has said  “The natural world is the greatest source of excitement. The greatest source of visual beauty. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.” I would add, that beauty and excitement can and will be reflected in you when you discover the life worth living.  

This is what living your dream looks like.

 

Darrell and Jo, I am so proud of you both and so incredibly excited for what the future holds for you.

To find out about their project and/or to buy your own trees to have planted on their property (you can request that I plant them – please) you can check out their webpage at Tree Haven.

As my brother and sister in-law haven’t built their home yet, we stayed at an amazing place close by their property.  I don’t normally discuss my accommodations much in these blogs, but Matt and Annie and Valley of Dreams require an exception to the rule!  Their property is beyond stunning, the accommodations divine and the kitchen area is gourmet!!!  Add a pool, bar-b-que and fire pit area and you would think it couldn’t get any better.  Well it does, because you also get to know this incredible couple and before you know it, they are a part of your heart forever.  If you are ever in this area I cannot recommend them enough.  They are located mountain side but are only a 20-30 minute drive to some of the best beaches in the area.  Staying here allows you to experience the best parts of the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, but still has you at a place where the temperature is super comfortable for sleeping at night!  Not to mention that their property is immaculate and the wildlife viewing is incredible.  You can check out their property here at Valley of Dreams Eco Lodge (Facebook) or here Valley of Dreams Eco Lodge (Booking.com).

Did I mention how amazing the sunsets are?

Sunset at Valley of Dreams Eco Lodge.

 

My brother and family left at the end of January and from there it was just my folks and I.  And it was a whirlwind of a trip.  We covered an incredible amount of territory as we explored the Pacific side of Costa Rica, headed east for a quick trip to Puerto Viejo and then off to Panama (which was a surprise for my parents).  In Panama we spent time in Bocas del Toro, Boquete, Santa Catalina and Panama City (for a tour of the Canal).  Then it was back to Puerto Viejo for a few very rainy days and then Mazatlan Mexico.  The experiences were as varied as the places we visited.  We toured the Panama Canal and got lost and very stuck in the backroads of the Nicoya Peninsula; we all caught a nasty stomach bug and experienced the kindness of strangers; we observed a tremendous amount of wildlife and spent time in relatively barren cityscape; we ate authentic cuisine and roamed local markets – it just is an endless list of wow.  I can go on and on about all these places lol, but  I will refer you to my photo gallery for these stops ( see The Parent Trip for photos).  There are a huge number of photos because we saw and did a lot.  BTW, there are no photos of getting very stuck because I also did that in the pitch black in the jungle – buy me a beer if you wanna hear about that one.

My amazing mom and dad. 

 

I count myself incredibly lucky.  I know not everyone has the relationship that I do with my parents, nor do we all get the opportunity to be able to spend this kind of time with each other when we are all active, healthy and fully willing to embrace the next experience.  Not for a moment do I take them  for granted.  I am blessed in so many ways.  

Currently I am in Zipolite Mexico.  Will be here until the end of May and during my time here I have a few friends coming to stay with me.  I am so excited to spend time with them!  While I am here I am figuring out what my next steps are and am really hopeful that I will be able to keep traveling until May of 2020.  BUT before I embark on those opportunities I am eagerly awaiting my return home in June.  The time away has been incredible but this mama really needs some hugs from her kids!  

Love and Light to you all – see  you possibly this summer!

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