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Sulphur-filled hot springs in Costa Rica’s Arenal volcano. possible. My guide was very knowledgeable and pointed out things that a tourist would have missed. | saw spiders the size of pancakes and iguanas spying at me from behind branches. The waters were riddled with caymans (small crocodiles) and magnificent birds were everywhere. Toucans and parrots flew overhead and egrets and vultures sat on tree limbs. | travelled mostly by boat and leisurely floated through the winding waterways. Every turn was a photographer's paradise. After a few days of experiencing the natural wonders of the rainforest | decided to approach the area from a differ- ent perspective: a canopy tour. This was an adventure for which | was not prepared. Aone hour horse ride took me up a mountainside to a small platform where | was outfitted with a hamess. | then had to walk to a cliff about fifty meters above the ground. Once there a guide fastened my safety line to a cable, which stretched high above the trees and disappeared into the distance. “You've got to be kidding!” It was the last words | remember screaming and suddenly | found myself gliding along the cable 50 metres above the trees. After what seemed an eternity | landed on a small platform about 8 metres square. There | had to climb two or three ladders to another small platform, only to be fastened to a new ‘zip’ line so | could soar again. This one was five hundred metres long and quite a thrill. All my effort was spent on avoiding spinning as | flew through the air time and time again (nine times altogether). Allin all the entire experience was fascinating. Costa Rica’s Caribbean jungle is a paradise filled with wonders, rapidly disappearing from our planet. If you have the oppor- tunity, seize it and experience the secrets of the rainforest. YO NEW! COACH TOURS The smart way to travel! Expand your horizons and discover the hidden treasures from the comfort of an air conditioned coach. marii travel ‘winter pooks now jn Office ‘no ss77602 virginia. i ca FOCUS - AUGUST 2011 39