Fortuna

Monteverde - Fortuna : 65 miles

Once back to my original route and the real road at Tilaran junction, the ride turned scenic and fun. A nicely paved narrow road took us around Lake Arenal, turning and twisting with beautiful views of the lake juxtaposed against the active volcan. Neatly manicured greens, clean signs, and pretty homes, quite frequently reminded me of the States. It's been a long time.


Laguna de Arenal from Arenal.

I passed Arenal, and stopped for a bite in Fortuna. I had covered very little distance but it was already 3 pm and Fortuna looked alright, so I didn't want to continue. Perhaps I could go lava watching at night! With freshly gathered coordinates, I headed back to the Volcan Arenal National Park 10 miles away, then got on a pot hole covered dirt road (again!) for another 5 miles or so to reach a creek with a good view of the active crater. Very nice, but there's no way I'd be riding back here at night to see some far away orange glow. Not on this road. So I scouted further on the terrible road, following hotel signs in hopes of finding one with a good view or easy access. All for nothing, of course.

When I got into my really nice, $30 hotel room in Fortuna, I was saturated with road dirt. Shower. Pilsen. Sorry folks, you'll have to view the lava elsewhere on the internet. (me too)


Volcan Arenal from Fortuna.


It makes fresh fluffy clouds.


Next : Puerto Viejo