More Memories of August in Costa Rica

Cataratas La Fortuna.  Hard to not come across a waterfall in Costa Rica
and elder Petersen can't say no to seeing a new waterfall.

Sister Petersen just smiles and comes along on the hikes.

Hno Vindras remembers our son in law Jeff serving in Naranjo

The Lewis' are originally from cousin Dennis Carroll's ward in
Hacienda Heights CA.  Sister Lewis is Tica and they moved
to Naranjo recently when her mother was ill and passed away recently

Beautiful church and gardens in Zacero

Everything in Sarchi is pretty (Sarchi is the Artisan City of Costa rica)

Two things Elder Petersen can't resist taking photo of:  Waterfalls
and sunsets and their are so many of both in Costa Rica

This Mahi Mahi Dorado gave me a blister in fighting it into the boat.
46 inches and about 35 lbs.  Caught off pacific coast just south of
Nicaragua border.

President Wilkinsin caught a rare endangered "Rooster Fish"
World Class Fishermen come from all over world spending thousands and weeks
and never have any luck.  The captain tried to revive and throw back but
after a half hour gave up and made fillet.

Rodrigo (R2D2) teaching a final workshop in Heredia with Skype to San Ramon

Wilkinsons oldest daughter Mary off coast of Playa Coco

Receiving training from Guatemala by Skype from Area HQ and Gomez 

This is the Costa Rica Church Service Center housed in a converted prior branch
Meetinghouse in Barrio Mexico San Jose Centro.

One view of the forest de la florista on our balcony



On our way to temple recently stopped by Mall and found this little
stand where they had mini "Apple Fritters"  REALLY TASTY.  For
one small moment thought I was in the good old USA



Most towns of any size has a beautiful Catholic Cahedral.  The one
at Zacero was not the reason we stopped.  The garden in front were amazing bushes
 carved into animal shapes and other forms. 

Our hotel in Quesada San Carlos was really nice.  We had traveled
90 minutes to celebrate with the workshop participants who had
skyped with us for 4 weeks and I promised them Pizza Hut at the end.

On way back home we happened upon this amazing waterfall
only to realize it was part of LaPaz Waterfall Gardens that we
had seen our second week in country but from the other side
of the mountain.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens is one of our favorite places.

The sunsets are beyond belief

With Skype participants in San Marcos (Los Santos Branch)
graduation night with pizza (no Pizza Hut so had Emilios)

View from Resort Villa (cabin) PARAISO QUETZAL LODGE
was breathtaking (and first cold night we've spent in Costa Rica)

Found this Trail hike at lodge (Zelconia) that was
unbelievable with the Moss and lush plants hiding in the
mist.

and as an added bonus.  A great waterfall "Bromelias"

The views back towards San Marcos was....
I've run out of adequate adjectives!

Humingbirds at Pariso Quetzal

On the road to Rio Savegre we found this hidden gem, trout pond

the hike to Cataratas Savegre if one of my top 10 on the planet!
Sister Petersen wasn't to sure of the swinging bridge that said
"Capacity 3"

The bridal veil falls next to Savegre is amazing of itself

CATARATAS SAVEGRE

Close of another day, another sunset worthy of the camera (again)

For Jimena's 6th birthday we went to Volcon Irazu but she
was happier to go to McDonalds and play on the "toy"

Spoke Paraiso and combined MP/RS  This sister is Presidenta de Sociedad
Socorro.  Many here claimed to remember Melanie who served here
in 2000-1.

This little 9 year old girl is speaking at the Los Yoses 50th anniversary
Celebration of first Costa Rican Chapel on 8/23.  She was amazing, I think she will be
President some day. Here she practiced here speech on goals decisions and consequences
 I thought I was listening to an adult and she spoke with passion and total
confidence.  And she was anxious to have the chance to talk not scared or anxious at all.

Picture worth 1000 words.  This one says it all

After snorkeling at Playa Conchel.  Yes Senior Missionaries
can go into the water.

Another sample of the mist in the mountains...

New Chapel at Quesada San Carlos ward.  With lights and mist made for
a NG photo Contest entry

Huband and wife and kids all came to the workshop.  Both and studying and working
and serving in the ward.

Two final views of Cataratas La Paz.  There was a major rock slide here
from an earthquake which is finally repaired now after almost 2 years!

More Sunsets, I wonder if I'll ever get used to the amazing Costa Rican
SKIES

some final views of Zelconia Trail

and Zona Los Santos

and hike on Rio Savegre to Waterfalls

This is Combined meeting in Paraiso Ward.  Melanie how many do
you recognize?  The all claim to remember you!

Current Bishop Saavedra on front right.  His counselor Rafael
Rodriguez next to him.  2nd Counselor is Freddy Soto.
Looks like Elder Petersen is directing the choir...........

WE ARE SO EXCITED TO HAVE ASHLEY AND MIKE & FAMILY AND MOM COME AND VISIT IN 13 DAYS!