Friday, November 26, 2010

Corcovado National Park-- a different point of view

Forget the luxury of your own bedroom, let alone your own bathroom. Even air conditioning, a comfortable bed, warm water, cold drinks, a convenience store, t.v, beer, wine, candies, electricity and all other facilities you do not worry about in your own bubble- you have them, so why worry about them- are no where to be found in the most biological diverse place on earth. I haven't been to all corners of this planet, so I'm not sure if it really is the most biological diverse place on earth. I'm just copying 'National Geographic's' statement, and assuming they know what they are talking about, I believe Costa Rica's Corcovado is the most biological diverse place on earth.
Sure there is luxury close to the park, but it comes with a price. The Osa Peninsula is not reached easily, therefore a brewsky will be cold, but hard to enjoy when you know just 20 miles further down the 'worst road of the country' you can get three for the same price. It might be the worst road, but it definitely is the most expensive road of the country.

So, when you travel to Corcovado National Park, pack light, choose the right shoes, bring water, sun block and a water proof camera (or at least a water proof camera case). Apart from the basics (toothbrush, underwear, soap, etc.) that's all you need. The hikes are long and can be tough, but the beer on the other side of the park will be your pull factor. If beer doesn't do the job, a foot massage or a good shower and bed will. One day in the park is easy, two is good, three is tough and beyond three is extreme. This is, if you are a city sucker. If you are a bushmaster, you will leave the park only to get the beer and then come back straight away.

Who ever you are, where ever you are from, if you've 'done' the park, you might have had doubts while doing it, but after having done it, you surely felt mighty. You've suffered, and perhaps you're sure (or at least you think you're sure) you'll never do it again. What counts here is that you've done it, and you're proud you did. You can tell every other city sucker what a tough cooky you are and maybe, just maybe you have inspired some to follow your path. The path that makes you feel alive, after so many years. Alive, at least for a few days.

Additional note: guided hikes, half day hikes and flying out of the park are not part of the equation that equals satisfaction. Most satisfaction is reached when entering the park from one side, and exciting the other (spending the night at the Sirena Ranger Station- reservations in advance is mandatory).

Click here for interesting coordinates / waypoints in the Corcovado National Park

No comments:

Post a Comment