Words and Photos

by Gwen Fluhr

At the end of the line on the Osa, the familiar Costa Rican saying “Pura Vida” greets us (Arthur and Gwen) as we await a room at the Luna Lodge. Pura Vida means something similar to ‘such is life’ or Hakuna Matata as a way of dusting off the hard stuff, remaining optimistic, and living a simple life. Honestly, one needs a 4-wheel drive to get here and that pura vida mentality. Once past Puerto Jimenez, the road turns to bumpy, bulky, gravel with many river crossings that often flood during the rainy season making the journey almost impossible. Luckily, we arrived during the dry season and all we needed to overcome were cattle crossing the road, the river ruts, and a one-lane drive up a steep hill with a sign that warns you when the worst is over bringing on laughter and a sigh of relief. Wildlife abounds in this area of Costa Rica and I am completely in love with the OSA. This place takes me back to childhood when the stars shone brightly in the night sky and gravel or dirt roads prevailed. plastic from the beaches at the mouth of the Tarcoles River. ( The 4 photos below were taken at Playa Guacalillo.)

The journey matches the courageous and adventurous spirit of our host, Lana Wedmore who passed through many trials on her way to building this amazing lodge in the middle of the Jungle. The Osa tested Lana in many ways including a hurricane and a tractor roll. These resulted in a broken nose (two places) and a leg (four places) which she describes in her book “Married to Paradise”. In the photo below she holds a piece of her artwork, a metal mask of Don Quixote. She described how she thought she might fail and not graduate because she dropped the piece and bent his nose. Instead, the teacher loved the piece! That unexpected response gave her inspiration, knowing that things would always work out in the end. All she had to do was her best and that, she did.

(Photo Below) Display including Lana’s book.

(Photo Below) The Dining area and Bar for the Luna Lodge. The daily menu included a few select options that are all delicious. Lana loves entertaining her guests with card readings and interactive activities oriented toward getting to know one another. Even as an introvert, I (Gwen) enjoyed what Lana brought to the table, and it felt natural to participate as her personality invites a jovial spirit.

The photo below shows the path leading up to the bungalows, glamping, and yoga studio. The path might include some labored breathing and increased heart rate as it winds its way up many steps which Lana refers to as a good workout that keeps her and the staff in shape.

The sign states, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” -Albert Einstein. I (Gwen) honestly couldn’t agree more, being an avid nature lover and forest therapy guide. Lana provides forest bathing at the lodge and other activities including yoga, massage, reiki, and more. She speaks sincerely of her love of the land and desire to defend the Osa from more development. As a protector with a big heart, she started the White Hawk Foundation to help protect the biodiversity there. (www.whitehawkfoundation.org)

Lana, a forward thinker, installed gravity-fed hydro damn on the property and Luna Lodge became the first 100% hydro-powered hotel in Costa Rica. Then the lodge needed extra power in 2020, so she also installed solar panels. These two energy alternatives complement one another so that they can maintain continuous power.

(Photos Below) Views of the Bungalows.

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Projects supported by the Cole Professor of Entrepreneurship Endowment.