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Mother-Daughter Costa Rica Adventure

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by: Elizabeth Conway
My 12-year-old daughter, Gabs, and I had an absolute blast in Costa Rica. Beginning in the remote rainforest, continuing to the sunny and sandy Caribbean coast and ending with an awesome adrenaline rush on a Pacuare river rafting adventure. It was a perfect mix for us! I'd do it all again in a heartbeat.
Gabs is ready to do a little tree climbing at Selva BananitoOur guide Gustov demonstratesA moment of Costa Rica bliss in the rainforesthanging in there!Gabs readying for a waterfall rappel We were very excited - black-green poison frog is foundWaterfall climbGabs reaches the top!Enjoying the warm waters of the Morpho WaterfallA beautiful stop...Refreshed!Gabs at the Morpho WaterfallYou totally got this Gabs!See?! Piece of watery-cakeReturn hike from Morpho WaterfallMaking new friends with a Banana SpiderGustov shows us a "monkey comb" Snowy erget (I think) -- they are everywhere!Last morning at Selva Bananito - we take to the horses!Gabs makes another friend in Costa RicaGabs and Me - all smiles in our cabinThese guys are everywhereGustov shows a little Costa Rica beautySlider turtleSnorkeling at Cahuita Reserve - starfishGreat numbers and species of fish - I was impressedGabs was so excited to see this guy - her favorite fishNurse shark hiding in the coralnurse sharkFirst (of many) sloth we spotted in Cahuita Reserveanother monkey!Meeting new friends at Cariblue lodge in Puerto ViejoGabs -- meet howler monkeyHowler monkey - meet Beth (this guy's name is Brad Pitt)Gabs -- meet another howler monkeyIguanas have no trouble climbing this treeTwo-toed slothThree-toed sloth -- what a face!Toucans!Beachfront -- just steps from our lodging at CariblueOur cabana at CariblueHibiscus Gabs eyes the Pacuare...A quiet canyon on the PacuareOur raft and guide, Roberto. Gabs and I carried that raft :)Our first rapidLunch breakAdios Costa Rica - we'll be back.