Welcome to the final Costa Rica blog. Thanks for hanging in there to read about Dave and my adventures. So far, we have explored the mountains and rain forests, so it is time to hit the water!
Off on an ocean kayaking adventure we went. Greg & Helen each had single kayaks and Dave was gracious to rent a double kayak for us, not knowing how my back would feel. We paddled out, combating the incoming waves and then paddling off to the south to a remote beach. Once at the beach, I felt like I was on Gilligan’s Island. While we were enjoying the beach, Dave & Greg noticed the waves were increasing and now we could see white caps on the water. Time to go! Greg pushed Dave and I out to sea and off we paddled. We looked back occasionally to see Greg & Helen paddling, headed north. However, as we kept paddling (now directly in the wind), we noticed we were not really gaining any ground. We tried to paddle harder but after an hour of paddling with little gain toward our destination, we eventually gave up and headed back, this time to the beach south of our prior landing, which was more populated. As we approached, we spied Greg and Helen on the beach, they had turned back also. Greg had already contacted the kayak shop and we were rescued by a local boat operator who towed our kayaks and us back to our departure spot. Oops! Sorry about that. But that is what adventurers are all about!
Unfortunately, we didn’t get any pictures of us actually kayaking – we didn’t want to get our phones wet!
We also enjoyed a sunset boat trip along the river, known for crocodile sightings and birding. Maurice (our prior tour guide) also joined us – as he is a partner in the boat. There were two other couples on our boat who were avid birders. And did they get their money’s worth! I will post several of the beautiful birds seen below. Besides spotting the birds, the boat driver spotted a crocodile nicknamed, “J Lo”. The boat driver beached the boat on the shore, got out on the shore, and called J Lo over with chicken parts. Seriously? He then baited J Lo up on the shore, farther and farther up before he gave her the raw chicken. Then he did it again! Seriously? He must be loco!
Our next water event was board/body surfing in the beautiful Pacific Ocean right outside the condo. The water was a balmy 85 degrees. Surfing is a huge sport in Costa Rica, but I was content to use a boogie board or body surf. It was a blast!
After a final sunset, it was time to say good-bye to Costa Rica and Greg & Helen. The week went by so fast with so much to do. Below, I’m also including an earlier sunset picture and one of the four of us next to a Kapok tree in Carrara National Park I neglected to include. Greg & Helen were exceptional hosts and Dave and I are extremely thankful for their invitation.
Helen and I even did Yoga on the Beach!
Pura Vida
Love reading your blog, and looking forward to meeting you in person! 😊
Your replacement guest in CR,
Susan
Thanks Susan! I hope you are enjoying Jaco as much as we did. Helen & Greg are the best hosts!
Hi Brenda & Dave – Love all the info and pictures of your fabulous adventures! Brenda, so happy to hear you are recovering from Murphy’s little side trip off the trail. Give him an extra hug and kiss for me. He is one handsome boy!!
Hi Linda! Murphy sends lots of doggy kisses back to you. He is so happy I’m much better now. Hope all is well with you.
What a great trip! Looking forward to the next trip and your new adventure.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
Reta