INTO THE CLOUDS
Grad students hike, enjoy the sights in Monteverde
Into the clouds of Monteverde we go!
Today we took a four-hour drive to special destination we came all the way to Costa Rica to visit.
Our day started at 6:15 a.m. with some traditional and non-traditional breakfast at Hotel 1915. We loaded up to head north to Monteverde.
The clouds of Monteverde (Contributed photos)
Graduate students in the science education department pose for a photo during the hike.
On our journey north we made a pit stop at a small local beach, covered in black sand that was nestled up to the Pacific Ocean. After our brief stop, we loaded back up for the last part of our trip.
We saw evidence of the major agricultural activities in this area, farming of cattle and coffee beans. We traveled through Santa Elena (the town) and Sero Plano (residential area).
Monteverde officially begins where the pavement ends (and it is a bumpy ride!). After we settled in and finished filling our stomachs with another great meal, we headed out on our first hike of the trip.
Within yards of the start of our hike, we were greated by a very vocal toucan. This hike was four miles uphill. There were a ton of beautiful sites, distinct sounds, sweat and slips. We stopped several times throughout to hike to observe the beautiful nature.
We came back to the station and learned about the culture and history of Monteverde. Our next meal consisted of more amazing food and great conversations.
We wrapped up our night with a night hike searching for sloths and under creatures. Sadly, no sloth yet but we are determined to not give up until we find one on this trip. Now we are sitting on the porch enjoying the company of our incredible team.
-by Kelsey Phillips, fifth-grade math and science teacher at Sam Bundy in Farmville
Lauren Brewington, fifth-grade science and social studies teacher at Pactolus School in Greenville
Rachel Lowery, eighth-grade science and social studies teacher at Kings Mountain Intermediate School in Kings Mountain
June 18, 2018