Ok, I'm going to attempt to post a link to our pictures. I'm never sure if the link works without a password, so please let me know! These are a combination of pictures from 3 different cameras - most taken by me, but some were taken by the kids. Also depending on the activity, I'll use a differnt camera - I didn't bring the SLR horseback riding for example. I tried to combine the pictures from the different cameras so everything was in chronological order - hopefully it's close enough, especially if you've read along with my trip report!

I'm sure there are too many, I tried to take out most of the doubles, and blurry ones etc...I went from over 1200 pictures down to just over 900 I think

http://picasaweb.google.com/samkdil/...eat=directlink

I love your pictures. We are planning our first trip for next year. I did read your trip report also. Can't remember, did you stay at Peace Lodge? The photos look like Peace Lodge and the La Paz Waterfall gardens.

Where were you when you had pictures taken with the monkeys?

We plan on Peace Lodge and the Arenal Nayara for accomendations. Unfortunatley we only have 7-8 nights, so will have to plan carefully to get it all in.

Thanks for posting your pics.

KVR - yes we stayed at Peace Lodge on this trip. Two nights. We went to Arenal, Peace Lodge and then to the Osa and stayed at Bosque del Cabo there. The monkeys were at the Osa Animal Sanctuary. We visited there while at Bosque.

I believe there are other animal sanctuary's you can visit that you can interact with the animals though that aren't as far as Osa. There may be one in or near Arenal.

Beautiful pictures, Shell! Looks like you all had a wonderful adventure!

Enjoyed your great photos - a trip to remember for the entire family, for sure!

I went back and re-read your trip report. I see you've stayed at Peace Lodge more than once and really like it. I feel in love with the pictures of the Springs Resort, but it was out of our budget, so we chose the Peace Lodge instead. Still pretty pricey, but I found a "stay 2 night get the 3rd free", but not sure if it will extend through 2011. We're still debating on when to go in 2011. We plan on getting day passes for the Srpings. We're not booking until after the first of the year. Reading about how it rains so much is a put off, but we'll have to grin and bear it.

Very fun photos, Shell. Arenal and BdC is such an awesome itinerary! I'm glad you got to share it with the whole family. Some may have loved it more than others, but what a great opportunity regardless.

KVR - the Peace Lodge is great for a little luxury set in gorgeous surroundings. I stayed there on my first CR visit and really enjoyed it. You should always have rain gear on-hand in CR, but it doesn't <i>usually</i> rain all day every day; even in the "green" season. I've been there in early December twice and late June once. June was probably rainier overall, but not by much, and not enough to prevent us from doing the things we wanted to do...

cmerrell, thanks for the info. We are thinking either May, June or July. Just want to make sure it's not hot like it is in Mexico. However, I was looking at the Peace Lodge web-site and the are offering 2 nights, get the 3rd free for late August/early Sept. Don't know if they will extend that for 2011, but if the do, I would prefer do that. What do you think of those months?

Take a look at this site for some annual rainfall guidelines, KVR.

http://costa-rica-guide.com/Weather/WeatherMap.html

You'll see rainfall trends by month as you scroll your mouse across the map. September/October are probably 2 of the rainiest months for many parts of the country. I'm sure that's why Peace Lodge is offering the special deal at the end of summer. The rains are increasing and numbers of tourists are decreasing at that time of year... I'd probably try to go either May-July timeframe or November/early December personally, unless you want to travel during peak season (Mid Dec-April) when it's typically the driest in most parts of the country.

You may also want to start a separate post on this topic. You'll probably get more input that way, since most people who check this one out will be doing so specifically to view ShellD's photos.

KVR, I would expect a lot of rain in September. Peace Lodge is good for about two nights; there's not a lot to do in the area other than tour the property and go to Poas. You might be fine with just the two nights.

Sorry, didn't mean to take over this post. I appreciate all of your feedback and you have answered my questions.

Great pics, ShellD! Definitely need to add Peace Lodge and BdelC to our next trip itinerary. Love the pics of Megan wearing a headlamp and playing chess. We have the same of our family, but playing Yahtzee in the dark when the power went out at Casa del Rio in Guapiles.

Casa del Rio BLANCO, meant to say. Great place!