The Pacuare tent camp was spartan, but comfy.

By late afternoon, we reach our camping site. Perched up on a hillside at a bend in river, it consists of a dozen one-person tents on platforms bordering a central outdoor dining area. One by one rafters disperse themselves around campsite, some hitting cool showers (with drinkable water) to wash day's exertion off, others simply slumping down in their tent to relax and reflect on day.

When Alijandro approaches me and invites me on a hike to a small town nearby, I am initially hesitant. I look at one of other rafters as he lounges in shade of his tent, an open book lying flat on his chest that rises and falls with a rhythm of someone fast asleep and yearn for a bit of rest. But then I realize Hey, pal, you're in Costa Rica. Time's a-wastin'. Sleep when you get home. I agree and Alijandro's eyes immediately light up. I lace up my soggy shoes, grab my camera and away we go.

This is no scenic hike, it's a commute.

I want to stop, to spy into trees, look for a story to talk about, but every time I look up, Alijandro has gained thirty feet on me. Sweat begins to pour off my face as we march up through dense, steamy jungle. I've forgotten to put DEET on before we left and as we muck our way up soggy, muddy path, I expect to be devoured by mosquitoes. Yet I'm surprised that there are almost no insects at all. In fact I have yet to be bitten by a single mosquito since arriving in Costa Rica (a record which will last another week until I reach Pacific coast). But as we rise higher, it grows visibly cooler and jungle around us thins. When I finally catch up with Alijandro, he is staring out over a huge expanse of green rolling hills, partially blanketed with canopy. He has a smile on his face like proud smile of child showing his parents a hand-drawn picture from school. It is a smile of sheer exhilaration.

"Beautiful," is all he says. All he needs to say.

We trudge along a dirt road now, sharing stories with each other when I ask how much longer until we reach town.

"We're here," he tells me matter of factly. I look around. Aside from a couple of scattered houses in distance, a cow here and there, I seemed to have missed something.

Rural life changes slowly in Bajo Tigre.

"Oh."

"Bajo Tigre is a very simple town. Electricity only one year," as he points to a simple power line nailed to trees. "Pura vida, eh?" he smiles. We continue along road until we reach two small, single room buildings painted brightly. A hand-painted sign in front reads "Bajo Tigre" and above, "medicianales." Alijandro explains that this is school and herb garden in front is village's natural pharmacy. He explains how this tiny school recently hosted American students for a day as a sort of exchange. He muses on fact that even though children didn't speak each other's language, they still enjoyed themselves immensely, especially when they played soccer.

"Who won?" I ask,

Read this entire feature FREE with photos at: http://www.jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/sports02/raft/costa/raft.html

By Misha Troyan, California Correspondent, Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com

Best Florida Beach Areas for Relaxing

New Smyrna Beach New Smyrna Beach is a laid-back beach town without crowds, noise or pollution, which gives visitors a relaxing beach experience. Although northern beach is accessible to cars, majority is traffic free, allowing for peaceful sunbathing and strolls along beach. New Smyrna has a small town feel in its architecture and atmosphere. There are no high-rises along beach, only low-rise buildings and these accommodations range from bed and breakfast inns, family-size condominiums or oceanfront motels.

Sanibel Island Sanibel Island is one of unique barrier islands of world, having an east-west orientation when most islands are north south. This gives island great sandy beaches with plenty of shells. Check out Bowman's Beach for peach and quiet, you won't find any hotels here. You can park and walk over a bridge to secluded white beach. There are barbecue grills in area so it is a great spot to have a picnic and enjoy beach.

Punta Gorda Punta Gorda is located about 30 miles north of Fort Myers. There is plenty of waterfront in this town, and a very nice riverfront beach area. Here you can enjoy swimming, fishing, canoeing, hiking and walking in woods, it is a great place to get away from crowds. The town of Punta Gorda has street art, water views and interesting murals that enrich historic downtown district that also has cobblestone streets and gaslights, and many fine shops and restaurants.

Best Florida Beach Areas for Golf

Sarasota Sarasota is a sophisticated resort town near Gulf of Mexico. For beach lovers there is Sarasota’s 35 miles of fine, pure, sparkling white sand beach to enjoy. As far as golf is concerned there are 32 golf courses in Sarasota area and almost 20 more if you include surrounding cities of Bradenton and Venice. You will find one for every level of ability available for your golfing pleasure.

Jacksonville Jacksonville has twenty miles of Atlantic Ocean beaches and lots of nearby state parks to explore. You will find lots of things to do and lots of beaches to explore in Jacksonville. For golfers there are over 25 golf courses in area. Several championship golf courses are located nearby; many of which are ranked among top in country offering challenges for players of every skill level, ranging from top ocean side resorts to popular public courses.

Naples Naples, located on a stretch of southwest Florida that is not bordered by barrier islands, has seven miles of silky, white sand beach that overlooks tranquil waters of Gulf of Mexico. There is plenty of shopping and dining in area once sun goes down beachfront. There are also dozens of excellent golf courses in area. From May through October, golf courses are not as crowded and you can pick your tee time and be assured of a leisurely round. Also, many private courses are open to public during these months.

This is only a sampling of some of great beaches located along shores of Florida. There are many more that can fill your Florida beach vacation needs year round.

Jolana Klobouk is a former travel agent who has traveled extensively for work and vacations with her family. For more travel information, visit her travel websites: http://www.best-family-beach-vacations.com and http://www.FlyFromCanada.com