Beaches, volcanoes and birds

Buenos tardes (Good-day)

We decided to take a break from the hot-dry heat and headed to the Pacific coast (the other side of it) to cool off on the beach – Playa Tamarindo. Will was seeking the perfect (body-surfing) wave. Tamarando is a small village that reminded us a bit of Port Douglas as it is a tourist town, but being a surf beach attracts many American surfers. A few multi-storey buildings are popping up around the place which detracts from the charm of this place. The waves satisfied Will the first day but then were too choppy for any good body-surfing.

Sarah enjoyed breakfast at one of the beach-side cafes and was pleasantly surprised to be accompanied by a young howler monkey, just sitting there low in a tree.

The sunsets at Tamarindo were beautiful, as the sun sank into the ocean. They were especially nice to enjoy a margherita or mojito while watching, or to be serenaded by a costumed musical trio.

After a few days at Tamarindo Will began to really regret not having climbed up to the crater of the volcano Rincón de la Vieja., so we packed our gear up once again and went back to the park- just to the other side. We went our separate ways for a day – Will went by horseback to the base of the volcano, then climbed 8kms up to the crater lake with a local guide. He was 60 years old and as strong as an ox, and could not speak a word of english. Will still managed to joke around with him, but who knows if they were laughing about the same things? It is the best thing Will has done on our trip so far, getting up dangerously close to the crumbling edge of the green bubbling sulphurous lake. The clouds in the photos is made from the volcano’s sulphurous smoke.

Meanwhile, Sarah had a Spanish-only speaking guide of her own, to take her on horse-back into the eastern side of the park. She finally saw wild toucans (the larger and more colourful species)! Her guide was a keen bird-watcher and found her a few interesting species, including the charismatic wood-peckers. Of-course there were ever more capuchins to watch as well.

We have since travelled from the hot northern regions to the central plateau of the country, just south of the capital San Jose, and where most of the population is found. On the way down we had refreshing stop at another beautiful waterfall in Bagaces, before finding our way to the village of Orosi. Our bus-driver was loco (crazy) and there seemed to be many close-calls with screeching brakes and honking horns on our drive. Not too much fun! Orosi is nestled in a green valley amongst cloud forest and near a national park – with another active volcano nearby! Sarah starts a week of Spanish lessons here today, and will is hoping to spend some time slowing down and doing some art (along with exploring the surrounding country-side).

Rincon de la Vieja Photos