Chirripo Mountains: Weather, Water, and Mountains

           Our next stop is the Chirripo Mountains of central Costa Rica. This is where the temperatures are lovely and cool (like a late summer night for Canadians) in the morning and evenings, but get hot during the middle of the day. I don't tolerate extreme heat well. If you situate yourself in the shade to paint during the mid-day, and get moving at the beginning and end go the day, I find you can easily avoid the worst heat, and quite enjoy the climate. The air in Costa Rica makes your skin feel wonderful. Full of moisture, but not clammy humid like Canadian summers.
           One of the things that draws me to Costa Rica is my love of nature, it's randomness, and the wildness of the central Chirp area. There's so much to talk about, for this post, I'll narrow it down to water and Mountains. Growing up in Ontario, where it's relatively flat, I find mountains enthralling, especially here where it seems untouched by pollution or modern day anything. Yes, there are cars and houses, but Nature seems to have a prevailing presence.
           Last year I spent a month in this area before my class began, so have a feel for the area. The Mountains are breathtaking. My house was situated between a large waterfall and a small waterfall. It never stopped rushing by, 24 hours a day, heavy stream. Where does all this water come from? Every morning, the light would come across the top of the mountains around 8 am., making the temps go up about 10 degrees in just a few minutes. In the afternoon, clouds move in from the ocean, and often fill the sky and move up the side of the mountain range, cutting off views in a beautiful foggy misty way. Canada isn't the only place that identifies with Weather, Water and Mountains.
One morning I got up very early and hiked to an amazing lookout for the sunrise. It's very close to where we'll be this year, within walking distance of our resort!

                                                                 MOUNTAINS

I walked from first light, to this spot,...

taking many similar photos the fog burning off as the light come on.

Seeing layer upon layer of mountain, layer upon layer light and fog.

Morning light coming in over the tops of the Chirripo Mountains. Gorgeous scenery! Definitely worth the early start to the day.

But there is so much more in Chirripo,.....

WATER

There are so many waterfalls here. Small charming ones, and large ones too. Fast flowing water and huge, huge rocks, sculpted by years of water erosion. Like sculptures in water. Standing in one of these after a hike is very refreshing. 

 Waterfalls: tops and bottoms, rivers, lakes, and oceans,...

                                                                        everflowing

                                                                   spectacular rocks

dramatic and beautiful.

This is a spectacular place for photographers and painters alike. Something around every corner to turn into your interpretation. 

STAY TUNED FOR MORE ABOUT THE CHIRRIPO AREA.