return HOME Page 2 return to Photo Menu
If you have not viewed the 2006 Trip to Costa Rica, please do so. (The Link is on the Photo Menu)
I got the opportunity to return to the Costa Rican Jungle and visit the Chirripo Indians. What a wonderful bunch of people! When I went in 2006, I stayed busy building the community center, and only got to talk to the locals in the evenings. This year, we were not rushed to finish the projects, and spent a great deal of time interacting with them. I learned a great deal about their culture, way of life, and thinking. So here is a quick summary of the trip.
Here we are at 0500 packing the Pickup. Notice it's nice and light out already.
This is in San Jose, Costa Rica.
And there are toll roads in Costa Rica
A self portrait of me riding in the back seat of the Nissan Frontier.
A nice cramped ride for 6 hours to trail head.
Two of the horses had regular saddles on them instead of pack saddles, and it made for some interesting moments on the trail.
Somebody added another room to the School since I was there 2 years before.
The village appeared to be still in good condition.
They repainted the Church in 2007, and to the right is the Community Center I helped build in 2006. The Chirripo said they are really happy with the Community Center. It has even allowed a Doctor to come down and check on the poeple occasionally, since he can use the building as "base."
This year we slept in the community center. It was kinda nice being in our own building instead of in people's houses. The Chirripo would come by for visits, and then they'd leave when they were done talking. Just like dropping in to visit a friend.....
Jim would sing during the Church services, and he got some of the kids to follow him around!
It made everyone smile!
Here are a few Chirripo carrying the roofing tin to us. According to Google Earth, it's 4 miles straight to the trail head. I think one would have to add at least a mile because of the hilly terrain. It's tough to walk the trail, let alone carry stuff. They did good!!
One of the Chirripo was cutting hair. I didn't feel quite brave enough, but I really should have gotten my hair cut.....
Please continue on to page 2
return HOME Page 2 return to Photo Menu