My son had just finished a 24-Day Multi-Element trek with Costa Rica Outward Bound. He came home a different person- more confident, stronger and much surer of himself as a human being. When I saw his transformation I started to get an idea. That idea that was at the age of 53 I needed something to challenge myself, something to prove to myself that I am stronger then I think I am, that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. That is when I decided to look into Outward Bound adult courses. What I discovered was that they had quite a few really interesting courses. I decided on the Reconnect with Nature course. I started planning for this in September of ยด09 with the start date of December 26.

It was with much anticipation that I started working out, buying all the equipment and learning as much as I could about Costa Rica and what I would be doing there. I knew that there would be 5 days of hiking followed by 2 days of surfing and then whitewater rafting to finish the trip. I was a novice to all of these things but felt I could do all of this easily; well, I will start out by saying that I did do it- but not easily. This trip was the hardest thing I have ever done in my entire life but I must also stress that it was the best thing I have done for myself in my entire life.

I was challenged in so many ways physically and mentally. I remember calling my sister when we got down to Pacific Ocean and telling her that we have never worked out before, after this trip I now know the true meaning of working out, working together and working toward a goal with others there to help you, to encourage you and to celebrate with you when you reach goals you never thought possible. The hiking was intense and there were times I thought I could not make it, but every day I felt myself getting stronger and stronger and I must say that every time I needed a hand or any help at all or just someone to give me the push to go further, my instructors from Outward Bound were always there for me. I felt such a strong love, compassion and respect for Santiago and Tania that at times for me is hard to put into words what they really mean to me.Adult Reconnect with Nature Group

This whole trip has changed me in so many ways, I now at 53, feel I can doing anything I want to , that I am stronger than anything obstacle that I may encounter. I went down to Costa Rica a heavy smoker, and I decided to quit the day I got down there. I am still smoke free a month later, and for the first time in my life I feel like I can make it through my life without a cigarette. I know this is because of this trip and what I took away from it. I cannot thank Costa Rica Outward Bound enough for giving me the opportunity to grow, change and take charge of my life in ways I never thought possible.

Before I close, I must take time to talk about the Costa Rican people I have met through this trip. We stayed at quite a few homes in our trek though the rainforest and at every stop, every stay and everywhere we went, the people of Costa Rica could not have been kinder, more caring and so genuinely happy to see us and to help us along in our journey. I have learned through them that it is not what you have that makes you happy but the people you have in your life that makes you happy. Pura Vida!