Onward and upward: The way to Monteverde

Our trip to La Fortuna and Arenal was over, and we were on our way to Monteverde.  I can't possibly describe this trip very well; it was unbelievable.  We started from Arenal, caught a ferry ride across the lake, and met our driver for the last 1.5 hours to Monterverde: straight up to the top of the continental divide and the "cloud forest". 
The ride: I've mentioned gravel roads in previous posts: all 11 km of them.  That was nothing.  This trip was 1.5 hours straight up, on worse roads than we had been on yet.  From research, during the heart of the rainy season, this road can become impassable.  I believe it! 

 The ferry ride, with Arenal volcano in the background.

 The countryside, which was gorgeous; Arenal still in the background!

 Treehouse cafe, in Santa Elena

 Well, we have arrived....we are in the cloud forest at the top of the Continental Divide!  The Monteverde Lodge was beautiful.

 There was Coke everywhere!!

  The grounds of the Lodge were beautiful.

Think you're just looking at trees?  Look again: there is a sloth in the tree, which was right outside our window.  It was being very sloth-like.  We were grateful our next-door neighbors pointed him out, or he would have stayed hidden!

We were only in Monterverde for one day on our way to the beach.  I hope to get back some day to explore more.  This part of this small country is home to more species of plants and animals than anywhere else in the world!

Tomorrow: Our last days, relaxing on the Pacific Coast, orphan monkeys and more....