We went to see the La Fortuna waterfall today — and it was quite the experience.

The trip starts with a 30-minute horseback ride. My only equestrian experience was riding a mule a short distance on my first foreign trip, in Nicaragua. I have some weight and self-image issues that cause me to worry about this. Would the horse be able to handle me? Would I be able to mount and dismount?

I was assigned a strawberry roan named Rosita and made the trip relatively well. I was sort of tense at times, when we´d speed up, but I got over it.

The horseback trail takes you to the top of this ridge, from which you have to descend a hiking trail with many, many steps down to the waterfall.

Down is not the problem. I knew I´d have to come up those same steps. At the bottom, you have to wade through thigh-deep water to get to the waterfall. The waterfall was spectacular, and I´ll share photos when I get back home.

I knew I´d have trouble with the return climb, so Frank and I left 10 minutes ahead of the rest of the group. I stopped four or five times, completely out of breath, but we made it to the top just as the rest of the group caught up to us.

Then, Rosarita took me back.

Was it stressful? Yes, at times, because I worry about everything. Was it worth it?

You bet.

We´ve only gotten fleeting glimpses of the top of the volcano. I´m hoping I can get a good clear shot some time before we leave overnight Tuesday-Wednesday.