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Published: January 19th 2008
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Beach Toys
The air mattresses provided an alternative to the traditional boogie board. After being our guests in Costa Rica for nearly three whole days and not getting to the beach on any of them made the McLeod's plan for the next day easy. Ariana had been waiting to go since Christmas Day and I applaud her grown up patience. Before heading out we filled up on pancakes and bacon, with fresh strawberries and yummy pineapple. Not as good as the Boxing Day brunch in Saskatoon, but Gail appreciated Ron's delicious cafe con leche. Then it was time to follow the little blue car - the McLeod's had rented their own big 4WD for their stay but we took the lead and they always made sure not to lose us on our various road trips. After a quick stop at the Maxi-Bodega (one of Costa Rica's versions of Wal Mart) for beach towels and toys, we made it to Playa Dona Ana in about 25 minutes. We had not been to this beach yet, but had heard they had bathrooms and a canteen. Unfortunately these were all closed but the beach itself was well worth it to stay.
As soon as we unloaded the stuff, Ron and the kids hit the
A Creature
It looks like Uncle Lach is sharing a creature he discovered with the always eager Benjamin. water. The tide was coming in and the waves were perfect for jumping, one of Owen's favorite beach activities. Jared and Ariana had lots of experience in the ocean, however they had been to more tranquil waters and had not ever wave jumped. It wasn't hard to convince them that it was tons of fun. In fact in the 3 hours we stayed at the beach, the 3 older kids barely left the water. Benjamin enjoyed the big sand and the new digging toys. Ron and Lach took a short drive to one of our favorite beach side sodas and brought back a lunch of the best ceviche I've had so far and vigarones - the typical dish with coleslaw, chimmichurri, and chicharones. As we stayed for about 3 1/2 hours we had a chance to watch the beach transform as the tide came in. We had arrived a low tide and played far out in the water. Slowly we felt farther and farther from shore as the tidal pool and the rocks were covered and Benjamin's big sand patch disappeared. As the clouds started to roll in and the suntan lotion wore off we packed up and went back
Marlin Madness
We pick up a couple of kilos of Marlin for about $15 and let Lach work his magic. to the hotel for another swim and dinner. We sure enjoyed using the BBQ at Villa Posada del Sol. It made us anxious to use the charcoal BBQ Santa Ron bought the family for Christmas.
Upon returning home from the beach the big kids went for a swim and then the McLeods and Ron met up with Ron's friend Johnny for a 4WD tour of his property in Mesetas. They were going in hopes of watching the sunset, though it was a bit cloudy that day. Ron was anxious to hear the opinion of someone about the property that he has been asked to help promote. The views and peaceful silence makes it difficult not to imagine sitting poolside toweling off while watching the sunset. Of course to achieve peace and solitude it takes a bit of a drive up the mountain road but for those in search of privacy and security it is a dream.
The next we decided to take it easy and we all enjoyed a mellow morning. The kids were busy hanging out in the hammocks and practicing their stick handling. Of course we couldn't sit around all day, so we took a
Posadas del Sol
The pool at the cabinas was a great diversion for the kids. drive to the Riverview Restaurant in Esparza. This place is a short drive out of town but the name says it all. It overlooks the Rio Barranca and with a table by the window we enjoyed the view and a fabulous feast of seafood and BBQ platter. Jared decided to also try a local dish of cow tongue. I was impressed with his adventurous eating spirit and his growing boy appetite. After lunch we followed a typical winding road through the country until we reached the Rio Barranca at one of its crossings. While we didn't brave the funky single lane suspension bridge, we did head down to the parking area under the bridge. This is a place where the locals come to camp swim and jump off of the rocks into the cool fresh water. The water isn't high now, but earlier this fall we did see the river flowing full and fast. Ariana braved the climb down to feel the water and take some pictures. Unfortunately we did not have our camera with us on this outing.
The next part of our "quiet day" took us to the city of Puntarenas. The owner of Villa Posada del
The Rancho
The BQQ and covered seating area is a nice touch for those who like to cook for themselves while visiting. Sol had been telling Lach of the best place to get good seafood. As Lach was looking to BBQ we all went for the trip to the fish market in Puntarenas. I love looking around at the market and we picked up a fresh piece of marlin which turned into the evening feast.
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Terry
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Busy Busy Busy
Looks like there is no end to the adventures, looking forward to that. It just so happens I do know the name of that little beastie. It is rightly named ' Horny Armpiticious Kling-on' or in Costa Rica the 'Guanacaste Stick Insect'. Kind of resembles our 3 and 4 inch locusts we have in Yemen. The beastie was probably looking for a room for the night in Lach's armpit. Sounds and looks like we may be in for a few surprises, but that is OK, I am getting used to that. Take it easy and save some of that energy.