Morning sunrise at Pura Vida and day trip to the hot springsw

This morning I woke just before the sun so I decided to watch it rise up from behind the mountains. It was so quiet and serene. Just the birds and I in the early morning light. I wandered around Pura Vida taking in the natural beauty as the sun rose to warm the air. There are so many beautiful plants, flowers and trees on the grounds of the resort.
Today everyone is off for a full day excursion. They offered 4 options: a day at Jaco Beach, White water rafting, a canopy tour combined with a boat ride and a day at the hot springs. We chose the the hot springs. After yoga, hiking the water falls and zip lining we felt our bodies deserved a rest and the hot springs seemed to be the best place for this. We headed out about 730am for our 2 1/2 hour ride through the central valley and up into the mountains. The scenery was breathtaking. When you start climbing you feel the difference in the temperature. The air becomes crisp and cool and clouds are so low they dip down into the valleys. There are many dairy farms up at the higher altitudes. The grass is sweeter up there so the milk is richer and tastier. I wonder how the cows like living on the slope of a mountain. Seems a bit uncomfortable to me.
Along the way we stopped in the town of Zarcero and walked through a park which had beautifully sculpted cyprus trees. There trees were shaped into archways, animal figures and some shrubs had faces carved into them. This was a very unique park in the middle of the busy town.
Upon our arrival at Termales del Bosque we followed a river through the rain forest to the hot springs. There were various plants with leaves that seemed like they belonged in a giants world, beautiful blue butterflies and a small waterfall. The various pools are situated along side of the river. Each one is a different temperature from tepid to what seemed like boiling. One was so hot it took a few minutes to immurse yourself completely, but once in the sensation of the hot water was heavenly. Immediately melting the tension from your stiff, sore muscles. There were only five in our group, Sophie, Bonnie, Mario, Lori and I. We relaxed, shared stories and I talked them through an energizing chakra balancing meditation. By the time we finished at the hot springs we were all extremely relaxed and ready for a nap. After a relaxing for a couple of hours in the healing waters we enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled chicken, rice and vegetables. Then we boarded the bus for hour 2 1/2 hour journey back to Pura Vida. The scenery was so beautiful and the small towns interesting that the time seemed to pass by quickly.
This evening we will enjoy another fabulous healthy meal at Pura Vida and go to sleep early. Our 630am yoga class comes early.
Tomorrow we are taking a hike through the coffee plantation. This should be interesting. Stayed for more.