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Around Arenal

I doubt that anyone would ever expect surpassing nature photography from me. Therefore, you will not be overly disappointed by the realization that I have little in the form of exceptional from our stay in the Arenal National Park area in Costa Rica. We went ziplining, dipped in hot springs and waterfalls, walked in the rainforest across hanging bridges – and I barely picked up the camera during those three days.

One time I did, though, it resulted in uncommonly great wildlife shots. A family of sloths migrated to a grove just outside the reception area of the resort we were staying at and even had the good manners of positioning themselves not too high in the trees. Here are a couple of portraits.
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Notice the baby? At other angles it is seen even better.
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
The Arenal volcano is the defining feature of the area, seen here from the elevated viewpoint at the Mistico Hanging Bridges visitor center.
Arenal, Costa Rica
We could see its cloud-veiled summit directly from our resort as well.
Arenal, Costa Rica
A few snaps of the features of Volcano Lodge and Spa, where we stayed.
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
The last shot above is of one of the hot-spring clusters right on the resort grounds. Very convenient – and much used by us throughout our stay.

I did carry the camera with me on the hanging bridges tour. It was a nice walk in the rainforest with very few glimpses of wildlife. I shot various angles of the bridges themselves instead, so here are a few different versions of one.
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
My best picture from that walk involved a stationary subject that was fortuitously lit.
Arenal, Costa Rica
As this post is turning out to be rather short, I am making a departure from my usual rules of engagement. The following are a few pictures of us that were shot by the outfitter crew on our ziplining expedition.
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
Arenal, Costa Rica
The Tarzan Swing – depicted in the last three shots – was my favorite part of the entire thing.