Day 74: Catemaco -> Coasta Esmeralda, MX
Today was a travel day to continue our trek home. Before we left though, many of us got to meet the Church’s, authors of a series of camping books. (We used their Alaska Camping book last summer and it was a wonderful help). The Church’s had come into the park last night.
We left at 8 and headed north along the coast. Initially the roads were good but once we got past the Veracruz bypass, the coastal road became very bad. Just so that we didn’t become overly focused on the road conditions, the wind whipped up to the 2nd worst that we had seen during a travel day.
Never the less, the caravan moved north. One casualty of the roads was that Dan & Miriam’s microwave decided it had had enough and committed suicide by jumping from the shelf to the floor (short distances are sufficiently deadly for household appliances). Barbara had a closet door come off in her hands, complete with hinges.
Pat and I kept a look out for a lunch place to stop at and finally stopped at an in-door/out-door café. It seemed a nice lace although I wasn’t sure about the name “ La Negrita” meaning “The little Black Lady”. (We never saw anyone so qualified.) We ordered two kinds of shrimp ..one of which I had a clue what it was and one of which I didn’t. I asked the waitress for details but she just started reciting what else came on the plate so we just went with it. They were both good although both were made from intact shrimp..I prefer tails only and shelled and cleaned at that.
The camp is next to the beach, complete with pool and showers. The host took the general numbers per meal and ran off to town to buy food for dinner for the restaurant. When we had the meals later they were very good. She told us that the “Typical Mexican breakfasts” scheduled for the morning had choices of Ham & eggs, Chorizo and eggs, or pancakes and eggs. When Ron groused that those weren’t a very typical Mexican breakfast she replied she wasn’t fond of Mexican breakfasts so that’s what she was going to have.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Day 67 Antigua Guatemala
Day 67 (March 18) - Antigua, Guatemala
Breakfast at the Posada de Don Rodrigo Hotel was served at 6 am. Good choices and excellent service. Weather cooler and most people had jackets on. Macadamia nut crepes excellent.
We left Antigua around 7:15 am with our guide Hugo and driver Byron. Very busy streets with people, cars, and kids in their uniforms going to school.
Hugo continued to give us lots of interesting facts and figures about the region and country.
Our first stop at a restaurant called Yakot. Busy spot, clean restrooms. Lots of smoked meat hanging from ceiling over cash register. Sausages and other meat in display case. Restaurant was heated with propane heaters and a barbeque with burning wood in center of floor. At this point we lost four of our passengers as one not feeling well and they took a taxi back to campground. Our numbers down to 29 now.
Back on the bus again with Hugo continuing to educate us about the surrounding areas and towns we went thru on our way to Chichicastenango (which every time the word was mentioned Brian broke out into his own song!! Ha! Ha!). We continued to climb and it got foggy. Fran asked Bob if we were in fog or clouds. Bob stated we were in fog. Fran asked me to mention that she was in “a cloud”.
Approximately ½ hour from Chichicastenango the bus had to stop on side of road and a few people “lost their breakfast”. Seating arrangements were reassigned and off we went again.
Very busy streets in Chichicastenango. Bus driver did an amazing job backing up bus between a gas pump and another bus.
Hugo took us on a walking tour to the Mayan Inn where we were going to have lunch. Gorgeous court yard with grass, flowers, parrots and a woman dressed in traditional outfit working on a Back Strap Loom. She had her crafts on display on the grass in the court yard.
We all followed Hugo to the church. Interesting watching a parade of burgundy jackets make their way through a sea of brightly colored stalls along both sides of the narrow street. At the church with its yellow and white candles lit all along the floor and the locals on the steps with their flowers and burning incense. Hugo told us not to walk in the front as it was sacred ground – tomb of a Mayan ruler.
After the church Hugo took some of us to the part of the market where the locals shop. Inside a building the vendors had their veggies and fruits displayed on the main floor area. We went upstairs and got an amazing photo-op of a sea of color and activity below. The local market area had everything from blue corn tortillas, meats, spices, dried seafood of all kinds, candles, incenses to all the household items they use and ordinary shoes and clothing they wear. From there we were on our own to shop and meet back at the Inn at 12:00 – 12:30 for lunch.
Lunch was a typical Mayan lunch (pork, beef, chicken, rice, beans, cabbage, radish, guacamole, and corn on the cob. Fruit Plate and Hibiscus tea!) Service and food excellent. Waiters wore traditional Mayan dress, colorful and bright.
With a short stroll back to bus through the colorful streets, we were on the road again.
Bus climbed and descended on the narrow, curvy roads. Temperature dropped to 16 degrees Centigrade at one point (coldest we have seen in months). Drove thru town of Solana on Lake Atitlan. Famous for growing potatoes and onions. Around one corner came upon a small group of people washing onions in a river in preparation for market days which happens on Tuesday and Fridays.
There are 12 Indian villages around Lake Atitlan. 8 you can get to by car and 4 by boat. There are 3 volcanoes around the lake. Atitlan Lake is the third largest lake in Guatemala. The lake is used for fishing (white and black Tilapia, black bass and crab), swimming, scuba-diving, and boat trips. On our way to Panajachel (know for its Hippies in the 60s) we see three high rise buildings. One is the Atitlan Hotel and the other three are not finished.
At the town of Panajachel we had ½ hour to wander around. Nice shopping area, clean streets, nice restaurants and bakery coffee shops.
Back on the bus for our 2 ½ hour ride home we passed beautiful hillsides of different crops; large sections of hilled rows of planted crops. Looked like a giant patchwork quilt. Very hard working people with their large wooden hoes.
Arrived back at campsite at 6:30 pm Everyone I talked to enjoyed the tour very much.
Rig # 17, Pete and Wendy
Breakfast at the Posada de Don Rodrigo Hotel was served at 6 am. Good choices and excellent service. Weather cooler and most people had jackets on. Macadamia nut crepes excellent.
We left Antigua around 7:15 am with our guide Hugo and driver Byron. Very busy streets with people, cars, and kids in their uniforms going to school.
Hugo continued to give us lots of interesting facts and figures about the region and country.
Our first stop at a restaurant called Yakot. Busy spot, clean restrooms. Lots of smoked meat hanging from ceiling over cash register. Sausages and other meat in display case. Restaurant was heated with propane heaters and a barbeque with burning wood in center of floor. At this point we lost four of our passengers as one not feeling well and they took a taxi back to campground. Our numbers down to 29 now.
Back on the bus again with Hugo continuing to educate us about the surrounding areas and towns we went thru on our way to Chichicastenango (which every time the word was mentioned Brian broke out into his own song!! Ha! Ha!). We continued to climb and it got foggy. Fran asked Bob if we were in fog or clouds. Bob stated we were in fog. Fran asked me to mention that she was in “a cloud”.
Approximately ½ hour from Chichicastenango the bus had to stop on side of road and a few people “lost their breakfast”. Seating arrangements were reassigned and off we went again.
Very busy streets in Chichicastenango. Bus driver did an amazing job backing up bus between a gas pump and another bus.
Hugo took us on a walking tour to the Mayan Inn where we were going to have lunch. Gorgeous court yard with grass, flowers, parrots and a woman dressed in traditional outfit working on a Back Strap Loom. She had her crafts on display on the grass in the court yard.
We all followed Hugo to the church. Interesting watching a parade of burgundy jackets make their way through a sea of brightly colored stalls along both sides of the narrow street. At the church with its yellow and white candles lit all along the floor and the locals on the steps with their flowers and burning incense. Hugo told us not to walk in the front as it was sacred ground – tomb of a Mayan ruler.
After the church Hugo took some of us to the part of the market where the locals shop. Inside a building the vendors had their veggies and fruits displayed on the main floor area. We went upstairs and got an amazing photo-op of a sea of color and activity below. The local market area had everything from blue corn tortillas, meats, spices, dried seafood of all kinds, candles, incenses to all the household items they use and ordinary shoes and clothing they wear. From there we were on our own to shop and meet back at the Inn at 12:00 – 12:30 for lunch.
Lunch was a typical Mayan lunch (pork, beef, chicken, rice, beans, cabbage, radish, guacamole, and corn on the cob. Fruit Plate and Hibiscus tea!) Service and food excellent. Waiters wore traditional Mayan dress, colorful and bright.
With a short stroll back to bus through the colorful streets, we were on the road again.
Bus climbed and descended on the narrow, curvy roads. Temperature dropped to 16 degrees Centigrade at one point (coldest we have seen in months). Drove thru town of Solana on Lake Atitlan. Famous for growing potatoes and onions. Around one corner came upon a small group of people washing onions in a river in preparation for market days which happens on Tuesday and Fridays.
There are 12 Indian villages around Lake Atitlan. 8 you can get to by car and 4 by boat. There are 3 volcanoes around the lake. Atitlan Lake is the third largest lake in Guatemala. The lake is used for fishing (white and black Tilapia, black bass and crab), swimming, scuba-diving, and boat trips. On our way to Panajachel (know for its Hippies in the 60s) we see three high rise buildings. One is the Atitlan Hotel and the other three are not finished.
At the town of Panajachel we had ½ hour to wander around. Nice shopping area, clean streets, nice restaurants and bakery coffee shops.
Back on the bus for our 2 ½ hour ride home we passed beautiful hillsides of different crops; large sections of hilled rows of planted crops. Looked like a giant patchwork quilt. Very hard working people with their large wooden hoes.
Arrived back at campsite at 6:30 pm Everyone I talked to enjoyed the tour very much.
Rig # 17, Pete and Wendy
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Day 70 Trip to Puerto Aristsa
Day 70 Tapachula to Puetro Arista (Mexico)
Lovely day for a Sunday drive which we caravaners did along hwy 200 on the edge of the mountains to Puetro Arista. The double divided highway with little traffic or housing meant road conditions where the driver dared to take his eyes off the road to enjoy the scenery. And enjoy the landscape we did with the white-whipped clouds topping the mountains (like our snow capped) and mostly dry rocky riverbeds. Several hillsides were dotted with mango orchards and palm trees (not sure what kind) but other areas were showing signs of severe dryness. It wasn’t clear sailing as we had to be ever watchful for the dreaded topes that definitely slowed our pace. Lots of ‘tope encounter’ stories to be shared and none of them happy ones. I think the caravaners are beginning to lose patience with the Mexican method of speed control. Radar traps are beginning to look like a better option!
As we approached the small beach town of Puetro Arista we were able to pick up mangos at a very reasonable price (bag of 6 for 10 pesos). They were absolutely delicious! There was some concern as we set up the rigs along the street that we may lose our rig steps to passing vehicles but once all had set up their “Mexican caution flags” (rocks, palm frowns, etc.) everyone was able to relax. By mid afternoon we were all ready to lounge at poolside, walk the beach or into downtown, enjoy the bar and restaurant or all three. .
We were awakened from our ocean breeze trance when all eyes turned to the ocean where someone appeared to be in “too deep”. Quickly a crowd of ATV’s gathered and three strong swimmers with lifesaving gear were swimming out to the rescue. Another happy ending!
Since we can sleep in tomorrow, we finished of the day staying up late to snap a few dendrites learning a new card game, Sticks. Thanks to Pete and Wendy we enjoyed lots of laughs and a little frustration but great company and good fun!
Lovely day for a Sunday drive which we caravaners did along hwy 200 on the edge of the mountains to Puetro Arista. The double divided highway with little traffic or housing meant road conditions where the driver dared to take his eyes off the road to enjoy the scenery. And enjoy the landscape we did with the white-whipped clouds topping the mountains (like our snow capped) and mostly dry rocky riverbeds. Several hillsides were dotted with mango orchards and palm trees (not sure what kind) but other areas were showing signs of severe dryness. It wasn’t clear sailing as we had to be ever watchful for the dreaded topes that definitely slowed our pace. Lots of ‘tope encounter’ stories to be shared and none of them happy ones. I think the caravaners are beginning to lose patience with the Mexican method of speed control. Radar traps are beginning to look like a better option!
As we approached the small beach town of Puetro Arista we were able to pick up mangos at a very reasonable price (bag of 6 for 10 pesos). They were absolutely delicious! There was some concern as we set up the rigs along the street that we may lose our rig steps to passing vehicles but once all had set up their “Mexican caution flags” (rocks, palm frowns, etc.) everyone was able to relax. By mid afternoon we were all ready to lounge at poolside, walk the beach or into downtown, enjoy the bar and restaurant or all three. .
We were awakened from our ocean breeze trance when all eyes turned to the ocean where someone appeared to be in “too deep”. Quickly a crowd of ATV’s gathered and three strong swimmers with lifesaving gear were swimming out to the rescue. Another happy ending!
Since we can sleep in tomorrow, we finished of the day staying up late to snap a few dendrites learning a new card game, Sticks. Thanks to Pete and Wendy we enjoyed lots of laughs and a little frustration but great company and good fun!
Day 61 Costa del Sol
DAY 61
Bahia Del Sol
Rig 10
What would have been a travel day has turned into a rest day. We are parked next to the beach and the surf keeps us company. This is a field next to the hotel. There are very few guest so we have the pool to ourselves.
We used this day to do chores. We defrosted the refrigerator and cleaned up the motorhome. 14 of our group chose to take a tour of some Myan ruins and had lunch on a volcanic lake. They had a full day and reported that they had enjoyed the tour very much. We enjoyed listening to University Of Kentucky play basketball in their tournament. They won which made us happy.
John and Kathy offered us a ride to the super Mercado for food. Choices were limited but we make do. We then took a ride to the end of the road and there were big hotels next to the poorest of poor. We turned around in an area that was not a good place to stay.
We fixed some hamburgers on the grill for supper. The pounding of the ocean waves lulls one to sleep.
Bill and Gerry
Bahia Del Sol
Rig 10
What would have been a travel day has turned into a rest day. We are parked next to the beach and the surf keeps us company. This is a field next to the hotel. There are very few guest so we have the pool to ourselves.
We used this day to do chores. We defrosted the refrigerator and cleaned up the motorhome. 14 of our group chose to take a tour of some Myan ruins and had lunch on a volcanic lake. They had a full day and reported that they had enjoyed the tour very much. We enjoyed listening to University Of Kentucky play basketball in their tournament. They won which made us happy.
John and Kathy offered us a ride to the super Mercado for food. Choices were limited but we make do. We then took a ride to the end of the road and there were big hotels next to the poorest of poor. We turned around in an area that was not a good place to stay.
We fixed some hamburgers on the grill for supper. The pounding of the ocean waves lulls one to sleep.
Bill and Gerry
Day 73 - Catemaco and Nanciyaga
Day 73 - Rig 2
24 March 2010 – Catemaco
A leisurely walk through the town of Catemaco on our way to our boat landing, started today’s adventure. Alain leading the way on a shortcut to the Malecon – what a treat to hear the birds crazy in the trees and see all the boat captains readying their boats for the day. Our destination was the La Ola restaurant where we had a reservation for a boat trip on Lake Catemaco and later for lunch. Our group is always up for a good boat trip and day on the water – it just seems so much cooler.
Well we are in for a treat today – no English speaking guide or boat captain – so Brian and LuAnn fill in. LuAnn has printed some details from the website about our trip on the lake and eventual destination – Nanciyaga. And well Brian – he will try to interpret what the boat captain and guide are describing in very fast Spanish – “Senor, Hable mas despacio por favor”. Chris can help too – acting out the word for ‘Monkey’, and other helpful pantomimes.
The boat ride on the lake rode us past many local attractions. We saw the shrine of the virgin – minus the real statue as it is in the local church, home of the local tobacco baron (complete with really high fence), nice resort hotel (without people), island of storks (other birds hung out here too), island in the shape of a crocodile (other ideas were the shape of: dinosaur, otter, dog and fat guy on his back). See how much fun you can have when we can make up our own English version! What a group!
Well on to Nanciyaga, an ecological reserve. We picked up our hiking sticks, Spanish speaking guide, LuAnn’s notes and we are off. This is a very ancient Olmec site and has many sacred replica shrines and statues. The reserve is set up as a holy place for cleansing and contemplation. There are huts that you can actually stay in for a personal retreat. There are steam houses, reflective paths, Mescales, shrines for different gods to worship and of course prayer groves. Most impressive was the mud bath place where a few of our braver guests received mud facials – they didn’t go for the whole body treatment, but there was a nice pond where one could wash the mud off after treatment. A really cool leaf cup was offered with a ‘true mineral water’ to drink – AHHHH refreshing! As the group trekked on – some still with mud faces since it had to dry at least 15 minutes before washing it off – we came to a clearing and the place of the shaman. Well he offered a cleansing for 150 pesos for 6 minutes. Barb was first step up – WOW she came out with a smile on her face – a little damp and what was that slapping sound we heard. Come to find out the shaman was slapping her with leaves while circling and sprinkling her with scented water. AMAZING – Wendy and Gail were quick to follow for their turn in the shaman hut. Each came out with a talisman just for them around their neck and filled with medicine that would help keep their aura clean. All three looked happy and relaxed with the experience – thus, it must be good. Our final portion of the walk stopped at the sinks for the mud facials to be washed off. Oh those glowing faces – how beautiful they look. Back to the boat and back to civilization – Boy are we a hungry bunch.
After lunch – Kathy and LuAnn decided to find a shaman of their own in town. Not to be left out of any holistic experience – Chris joined in. WHAT A TREAT – the restaurant owners’ grandson brought us to “El Salto del Tigre” a well known shaman. After negotiating a price (is that sacrilegious – will we get the shaman mad? – who knew) Kathy ventured first - 10 minutes later she emerges, soaking wet hair and a startled expression, but actually looking very relaxed. “Cold” was her description – she felt cold, but glowing at the same time. My turn – okay sit in the chair, liquid in a bottle was poured all over me from my head to my toes – special attention to wetting my hair it seems. Next he wets the leaves with a different bottle – then the slapping begins – all over me, face, neck, hands, arms, legs and mid-section. To top it off he used an egg to touch special points – eyes, cheeks, lips, arms, hands. And then I am done – stand in front of a fan to dry for a few minutes and – adios. Tingle – tingle – tingle and what a great scent – I felt GREAT! We all had similar experiences, but when we compared notes we were all feeling coldness in different parts – discussion through the translator said that the toxins were being released through this coolness – I guess we each had our own bad vibes to get rid of in different parts of our body. A very mystical and a fun experience.
Well tomorrow is another travel day. So sad it is almost the end –
Brian and Chris
Note: For those interested in more information about Nanciyaga, the website is www.nanciyaga.com. The email address for the White Shaman was erick_oz@hotmail.com. The White Shaman charged 200 pesos to cleanse your aura and 150 pesos for a peanut butter jar filled with green clay.
24 March 2010 – Catemaco
A leisurely walk through the town of Catemaco on our way to our boat landing, started today’s adventure. Alain leading the way on a shortcut to the Malecon – what a treat to hear the birds crazy in the trees and see all the boat captains readying their boats for the day. Our destination was the La Ola restaurant where we had a reservation for a boat trip on Lake Catemaco and later for lunch. Our group is always up for a good boat trip and day on the water – it just seems so much cooler.
Well we are in for a treat today – no English speaking guide or boat captain – so Brian and LuAnn fill in. LuAnn has printed some details from the website about our trip on the lake and eventual destination – Nanciyaga. And well Brian – he will try to interpret what the boat captain and guide are describing in very fast Spanish – “Senor, Hable mas despacio por favor”. Chris can help too – acting out the word for ‘Monkey’, and other helpful pantomimes.
The boat ride on the lake rode us past many local attractions. We saw the shrine of the virgin – minus the real statue as it is in the local church, home of the local tobacco baron (complete with really high fence), nice resort hotel (without people), island of storks (other birds hung out here too), island in the shape of a crocodile (other ideas were the shape of: dinosaur, otter, dog and fat guy on his back). See how much fun you can have when we can make up our own English version! What a group!
Well on to Nanciyaga, an ecological reserve. We picked up our hiking sticks, Spanish speaking guide, LuAnn’s notes and we are off. This is a very ancient Olmec site and has many sacred replica shrines and statues. The reserve is set up as a holy place for cleansing and contemplation. There are huts that you can actually stay in for a personal retreat. There are steam houses, reflective paths, Mescales, shrines for different gods to worship and of course prayer groves. Most impressive was the mud bath place where a few of our braver guests received mud facials – they didn’t go for the whole body treatment, but there was a nice pond where one could wash the mud off after treatment. A really cool leaf cup was offered with a ‘true mineral water’ to drink – AHHHH refreshing! As the group trekked on – some still with mud faces since it had to dry at least 15 minutes before washing it off – we came to a clearing and the place of the shaman. Well he offered a cleansing for 150 pesos for 6 minutes. Barb was first step up – WOW she came out with a smile on her face – a little damp and what was that slapping sound we heard. Come to find out the shaman was slapping her with leaves while circling and sprinkling her with scented water. AMAZING – Wendy and Gail were quick to follow for their turn in the shaman hut. Each came out with a talisman just for them around their neck and filled with medicine that would help keep their aura clean. All three looked happy and relaxed with the experience – thus, it must be good. Our final portion of the walk stopped at the sinks for the mud facials to be washed off. Oh those glowing faces – how beautiful they look. Back to the boat and back to civilization – Boy are we a hungry bunch.
After lunch – Kathy and LuAnn decided to find a shaman of their own in town. Not to be left out of any holistic experience – Chris joined in. WHAT A TREAT – the restaurant owners’ grandson brought us to “El Salto del Tigre” a well known shaman. After negotiating a price (is that sacrilegious – will we get the shaman mad? – who knew) Kathy ventured first - 10 minutes later she emerges, soaking wet hair and a startled expression, but actually looking very relaxed. “Cold” was her description – she felt cold, but glowing at the same time. My turn – okay sit in the chair, liquid in a bottle was poured all over me from my head to my toes – special attention to wetting my hair it seems. Next he wets the leaves with a different bottle – then the slapping begins – all over me, face, neck, hands, arms, legs and mid-section. To top it off he used an egg to touch special points – eyes, cheeks, lips, arms, hands. And then I am done – stand in front of a fan to dry for a few minutes and – adios. Tingle – tingle – tingle and what a great scent – I felt GREAT! We all had similar experiences, but when we compared notes we were all feeling coldness in different parts – discussion through the translator said that the toxins were being released through this coolness – I guess we each had our own bad vibes to get rid of in different parts of our body. A very mystical and a fun experience.
Well tomorrow is another travel day. So sad it is almost the end –
Brian and Chris
Note: For those interested in more information about Nanciyaga, the website is www.nanciyaga.com. The email address for the White Shaman was erick_oz@hotmail.com. The White Shaman charged 200 pesos to cleanse your aura and 150 pesos for a peanut butter jar filled with green clay.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Day 72 Catemaco, Mexico
Day 72 (March 23) – Catemaco, Mexico
Only 68 degrees in our camper this am. Downright cool. Rather cloudy but soon turns to sunshine although it didn't get really warm until Catemaco. At first there were rolling hills with fields of corn that was all dried out. Soon, there were the same rolling hills very lush and green. It appeared to be ranch land and some must be very successful as there were some beautiful haciendas. Of course the lines were all heavy with laundry. Ponds, big and small, dotted the countryside. In amongst the greenery were the yellow and pink flowered trees. Today may not be the first day it happened but it was the first time I noticed a lot of mauve, white and yellow wildflowers along the roads edge. As we passed one school the kids possibly 8 or 9 years old so neat in their uniforms, were outside practicing a dance. There was a Volkswagen bug turned into a taco stand with the front seat removed I'd guess, as she was standing up doing her thing. Along the way we've seen lots of houses painted orange with trim of white, blue, etc. Today I saw a different combination that made me think I've become a bit Mexacanized as it didn't look too bad – orange with lime green!! As we came down the hill to Catemaco we saw a beautiful panorama of the lake and mountains. After parking at the campsite we walked for quite a few miles around town including looking in to the beautiful white and blue church with its dome and two steeples. It is well beyond my ability to describe the inside other than to say “awesome”. We had an ice cream tasting around the pool and most ordered some. All in all, a good day.
I get to have the last say!! Doesn't happen too often but I'm going to take advantage of it. I'd like to thank Bill and Gerry for letting me use their cell phone when we were so worried about our daughter. Many thanks to Ed and Sharon for the use of their cooler and helping to keep us supplied with ice. The other ice suppliers, John and Kathy, Clif and Joan, Brian and Chris, and Pete and Wendy, we couldn't have done it without you and are very grateful. For those of you who went slow to make sure your group got through, you are greatly appreciated. Most of us may never meet again but anyone coming near Kamloop, phone a few weeks ahead with an approximate date. If it is at all possible we would love to take a few days to show you our area. For those we don't see again, as Bob Hope would have said, “Thanks for the Memories.”
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Only 68 degrees in our camper this am. Downright cool. Rather cloudy but soon turns to sunshine although it didn't get really warm until Catemaco. At first there were rolling hills with fields of corn that was all dried out. Soon, there were the same rolling hills very lush and green. It appeared to be ranch land and some must be very successful as there were some beautiful haciendas. Of course the lines were all heavy with laundry. Ponds, big and small, dotted the countryside. In amongst the greenery were the yellow and pink flowered trees. Today may not be the first day it happened but it was the first time I noticed a lot of mauve, white and yellow wildflowers along the roads edge. As we passed one school the kids possibly 8 or 9 years old so neat in their uniforms, were outside practicing a dance. There was a Volkswagen bug turned into a taco stand with the front seat removed I'd guess, as she was standing up doing her thing. Along the way we've seen lots of houses painted orange with trim of white, blue, etc. Today I saw a different combination that made me think I've become a bit Mexacanized as it didn't look too bad – orange with lime green!! As we came down the hill to Catemaco we saw a beautiful panorama of the lake and mountains. After parking at the campsite we walked for quite a few miles around town including looking in to the beautiful white and blue church with its dome and two steeples. It is well beyond my ability to describe the inside other than to say “awesome”. We had an ice cream tasting around the pool and most ordered some. All in all, a good day.
I get to have the last say!! Doesn't happen too often but I'm going to take advantage of it. I'd like to thank Bill and Gerry for letting me use their cell phone when we were so worried about our daughter. Many thanks to Ed and Sharon for the use of their cooler and helping to keep us supplied with ice. The other ice suppliers, John and Kathy, Clif and Joan, Brian and Chris, and Pete and Wendy, we couldn't have done it without you and are very grateful. For those of you who went slow to make sure your group got through, you are greatly appreciated. Most of us may never meet again but anyone coming near Kamloop, phone a few weeks ahead with an approximate date. If it is at all possible we would love to take a few days to show you our area. For those we don't see again, as Bob Hope would have said, “Thanks for the Memories.”
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 71 Matias Romero
Day 71 (March 22) – Mathias Romero Pemex Station
11:00 am start this morning to Matias Romero Pemex Station. Before that people enjoyed walking on the Pacific ocean shores, watching the birds, roaring surfs and white sand. Some of the people enjoyed breakfast at the open air palapa at the hotel. A butterfly hovered around Brian, Chris, Rita S. and Fran's table. It landed on Fran's plate for a perfect photo-op then was flicked away. Pam and I were talking outside our rig when a man in a small car with a loud speaker blaring away stopped; he practiced some English and we practiced some Spanish; he gave us his email address in case we ever wanted to advertise a circus because that's what he does! Driving towards Hwy 200 under the canopy of mango trees we stoped to get our quota. 16 mangoes for 30 pesos. Very honest vendor gave us back 10 pesos because we bought the 2 bags.
We had some engine light happen so stopped for lunch then light went out; continued on. Took scenic route through Tapanatepec. We just needed to go over more topes!!! Ended up on correct route so all was well. (GPS was wrong as well!!!) Came upon an extremely windy area. Driving very slow. Semi-trucks were driving side by each down the road to help one another. Lots of windmills on both sides of road but not working. Made turn to start up hill when light on engine went on again. Group stopped with us. Thank you all again. Ed went to get something from rig when gust of wind took his had and blew it up in the cactus and rock bluff above us. Sharon announced on CB that “Adventure caravaners we have a new activity planned, get Ed's hat down from the cacti”!!! Pam got her walking stick and Ed changed his shoes and was about to scale the bluff when another gust of wind blew the hat back down to the road. Beautiful yellow cactus blooming along side of road.
Brian and Chris came along; sent rest of group on to Pemex station. Pete and Brian worked on the fuel filter while Chris and I gave moral support and helped hold the hood of truck against very large gusts of wind. About an hour later we were on the road again. Huge thank you to Brian and Chris.
The temperature had dropped to 22o C at about 5 pm from 39o C earlier in the day. As we arrived at the Pemex station everyone was enjoying circle time and happy hour; lots of burgundy jackets and long pants on!!! With snacks, drinks and “travel brief” done so was another day in Adventure Caravaning as we have come to know it!!
Rig #16, Wendy and Pete
11:00 am start this morning to Matias Romero Pemex Station. Before that people enjoyed walking on the Pacific ocean shores, watching the birds, roaring surfs and white sand. Some of the people enjoyed breakfast at the open air palapa at the hotel. A butterfly hovered around Brian, Chris, Rita S. and Fran's table. It landed on Fran's plate for a perfect photo-op then was flicked away. Pam and I were talking outside our rig when a man in a small car with a loud speaker blaring away stopped; he practiced some English and we practiced some Spanish; he gave us his email address in case we ever wanted to advertise a circus because that's what he does! Driving towards Hwy 200 under the canopy of mango trees we stoped to get our quota. 16 mangoes for 30 pesos. Very honest vendor gave us back 10 pesos because we bought the 2 bags.
We had some engine light happen so stopped for lunch then light went out; continued on. Took scenic route through Tapanatepec. We just needed to go over more topes!!! Ended up on correct route so all was well. (GPS was wrong as well!!!) Came upon an extremely windy area. Driving very slow. Semi-trucks were driving side by each down the road to help one another. Lots of windmills on both sides of road but not working. Made turn to start up hill when light on engine went on again. Group stopped with us. Thank you all again. Ed went to get something from rig when gust of wind took his had and blew it up in the cactus and rock bluff above us. Sharon announced on CB that “Adventure caravaners we have a new activity planned, get Ed's hat down from the cacti”!!! Pam got her walking stick and Ed changed his shoes and was about to scale the bluff when another gust of wind blew the hat back down to the road. Beautiful yellow cactus blooming along side of road.
Brian and Chris came along; sent rest of group on to Pemex station. Pete and Brian worked on the fuel filter while Chris and I gave moral support and helped hold the hood of truck against very large gusts of wind. About an hour later we were on the road again. Huge thank you to Brian and Chris.
The temperature had dropped to 22o C at about 5 pm from 39o C earlier in the day. As we arrived at the Pemex station everyone was enjoying circle time and happy hour; lots of burgundy jackets and long pants on!!! With snacks, drinks and “travel brief” done so was another day in Adventure Caravaning as we have come to know it!!
Rig #16, Wendy and Pete
Day 69 Tapachula Mexico
Day 69 (March 20) – Tapachula, Mexico
Only 70 degrees in our camper this AM. It is amazing how cool it feels. Off to the races; another border day. Speaking of races, we drove by a number of bikes having one. The scenery throughout the day was very beautiful if you discount the smoke from sugar cane burning. From fields of sugar cane to palm, banana, papaya and nut trees, where the hills and valleys continuously change. There was a cow chewing a black plastic bag, pigs, horses and cows tied along the roadside with no water in sight. Guatemala has many beautiful rivers and creeks. Most of them have water flowing and people knee deep doing the laundry. One woman I saw today had a homemade shelter in the water so she was shaded. The size of some river beds and dikes makes me think Bill and Gerry better start growing webbed feet!! I'd just made a note of how great the road and not five minutes later the pot holes became the norm. Must be in Mexico!! Overall, through out the day, the roads were really quite good. The living fences serve several purposes. Fence, beautiful flowering trees and wood for the house. I observed two men trimming the trees, then cutting the branches into firewood lengths and stacking. Along the way were a lot of places drying tobacco leaves. Also several buzzard conventions. There were the usual topes. I figure we should have them at home. Just think of all the people that could be employed selling stuff at teach one. The fruit stalls were numerous as were the little stores in the towns, all selling pop, gatorade, chips, cookies and a few incidentals.
We've all seen lots of little shanty homes made with tin, cardboard, black plastic or whatever and it makes on sad yet so happy it isn't' them. Today, however I saw what appeared to be three families that looked truly homeless. Big and small, they were all dirty, sitting on the ground around a s small campfire. They had a ripped piece of black plastic with some sticks holding it up. I could see a few possessions and two old tents. Very sad indeed.
The funny thing for the day was an 18 wheeler with his tinted windshield. In the middle of each side was a clear spot. They were each shaped like half a pair of cat eye sunglasses. For those of you too young to remember cat eye glasses, believe me, it looked hilarious. Border towns are usually crowded and dirty. This one was no different. However, getting through went quite quickly.
Arriving at Sam's Club, most went shopping. Several of us decided to sit in the parking lot and share pizza, which was enjoyed. However our group of seven grew to seventeen. Ed topped the evening by supplying ice dream for one and all. A great end to a nice day.
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Only 70 degrees in our camper this AM. It is amazing how cool it feels. Off to the races; another border day. Speaking of races, we drove by a number of bikes having one. The scenery throughout the day was very beautiful if you discount the smoke from sugar cane burning. From fields of sugar cane to palm, banana, papaya and nut trees, where the hills and valleys continuously change. There was a cow chewing a black plastic bag, pigs, horses and cows tied along the roadside with no water in sight. Guatemala has many beautiful rivers and creeks. Most of them have water flowing and people knee deep doing the laundry. One woman I saw today had a homemade shelter in the water so she was shaded. The size of some river beds and dikes makes me think Bill and Gerry better start growing webbed feet!! I'd just made a note of how great the road and not five minutes later the pot holes became the norm. Must be in Mexico!! Overall, through out the day, the roads were really quite good. The living fences serve several purposes. Fence, beautiful flowering trees and wood for the house. I observed two men trimming the trees, then cutting the branches into firewood lengths and stacking. Along the way were a lot of places drying tobacco leaves. Also several buzzard conventions. There were the usual topes. I figure we should have them at home. Just think of all the people that could be employed selling stuff at teach one. The fruit stalls were numerous as were the little stores in the towns, all selling pop, gatorade, chips, cookies and a few incidentals.
We've all seen lots of little shanty homes made with tin, cardboard, black plastic or whatever and it makes on sad yet so happy it isn't' them. Today, however I saw what appeared to be three families that looked truly homeless. Big and small, they were all dirty, sitting on the ground around a s small campfire. They had a ripped piece of black plastic with some sticks holding it up. I could see a few possessions and two old tents. Very sad indeed.
The funny thing for the day was an 18 wheeler with his tinted windshield. In the middle of each side was a clear spot. They were each shaped like half a pair of cat eye sunglasses. For those of you too young to remember cat eye glasses, believe me, it looked hilarious. Border towns are usually crowded and dirty. This one was no different. However, getting through went quite quickly.
Arriving at Sam's Club, most went shopping. Several of us decided to sit in the parking lot and share pizza, which was enjoyed. However our group of seven grew to seventeen. Ed topped the evening by supplying ice dream for one and all. A great end to a nice day.
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 68 Amatitlan Guatemala
Friday, March 19, 2010 (Day 68) Amatitlan, Guatemala
Free Day – Turicentro Automariscos
A pretty relaxing day, up at 7:00 AM, temperature was 13 degrees Celsius or 56 degrees Fahrenheit. All was peaceful and serene until 8:00 AM when the first busload of teenagers pulled in. Seventeen additional busses arrived over the next hour or so and several busloads were dropped off at the gate.
The music was turned on, the water began flowing down the slides and kids were running, swimming, laughing and horsing around.
Most of our group spent the morning catching up on laundry and doing maintenance on the rigs. The afternoon was more laidback – groups congregated to our end of park as the other side was taken over by the kids. Fridges were cleaned up in preparation for the next day’s border crossing. Food was brought over to Rigs 1 and 2 to contribute to the “Stone Soup” that was to be served that evening.
By 4:00 PM all the kids were gone. At 5:30 PM the Social began, followed by a travel brief, the Stone Soup and cake in celebration of Ron R’s birthday.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Free Day – Turicentro Automariscos
A pretty relaxing day, up at 7:00 AM, temperature was 13 degrees Celsius or 56 degrees Fahrenheit. All was peaceful and serene until 8:00 AM when the first busload of teenagers pulled in. Seventeen additional busses arrived over the next hour or so and several busloads were dropped off at the gate.
The music was turned on, the water began flowing down the slides and kids were running, swimming, laughing and horsing around.
Most of our group spent the morning catching up on laundry and doing maintenance on the rigs. The afternoon was more laidback – groups congregated to our end of park as the other side was taken over by the kids. Fridges were cleaned up in preparation for the next day’s border crossing. Food was brought over to Rigs 1 and 2 to contribute to the “Stone Soup” that was to be served that evening.
By 4:00 PM all the kids were gone. At 5:30 PM the Social began, followed by a travel brief, the Stone Soup and cake in celebration of Ron R’s birthday.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Day 66 Antigua Guatemala
Day 66 (March 17) – Antigua, Guatemala
In the cool of the morning we began our bus ride to the old colonial city of Antigua. After we turned off the Auto Pista, we began a steady climb through a poorer residential area. It was disparaging to see open drain pipes coming from the houses and emptying into the road ditch. There too join bottles, cans and plastic bags in a pilgrimage toward the sea. Soon small fields of vegetables began to fill the landscape as we descended into Antigua.
Antigua is in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains and three distinctive volcanoes. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1542. To put this into perspective it is somewhat less than a century older than any North American city. Although Antigua was the capitol for a time, it was preceded by Santiago de Guatemala. After Antigua's destruction in the earthquake of 1773 the capitol was moved to Guatemala City.
Upon arriving in the city, we were greeted by cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks and flowering Jacaranda trees. Antigua once had 38 Catholic churches. Although the population has risen from 9,000 to 38,000 over the years, only 7 Catholic churches remain in operation.
The city tour (by foot and bus) led us mostly from church to church, all which had been destroyed or practically destroyed in earthquakes over the years. Some have been restored but not always back into a Church. One we toured had been both a church and a cloister, but now is a 5 star hotel and restaurant.
The San Francisco Grande Church was restored, but the accompanying Monastery and Monks living quarters is still in ruins. There were some preparations being made for Easter festivities. Our guide, Hugo, gave us some insight into what happens during Easter week.
First the streets are closed to all traffic. Than the streets are covered with flowers and beautiful mosaics made from colored sawdust. These are approximately 50 meters long and 5 meters wide. Huge floats are made weighing around 5000 pounds, with Jesus carrying his own cross, riding on top. Up to 100 men carry this through the streets in one block shifts.
In the early 1900s anyone could help carry the floats. But in about 1960, the church brotherhood began selecting men of equal height. Those selected also had to pay for the privilege. It was also considered penance for their sins. Several people in our group share my sentiments, Easter would be a great time to come back to Antigua.
We then proceeded to the largest church in Antigua – La Merced. This church was kept up very well. Toward the front on the right side was a sample of the street mosaics. This one was changed every week. It kind of reminded me of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD which has huge mosaics made with Indian corn decorating the outside of the building. These are changed every year. Then we were off by bus to the Macadamia Farm. En route Hugo told us a little about the “chicken” buses. He said they are privately owned and each owner has multiple buses. Most of already knew they were old US school buses but it seems in Guatemala they can get around 100 riders in the 60 capacity bus plus some chickens, dogs, bikes or whatever on top.
Arriving at the “Nut” farm, we were greeted by its somewhat eccentric owner. His message of co-oping with the indigenous people to provide a crop that was low maintenance, nutritious, and very environment friendly with the potential of being a good cash crop was probably quite correct. His style of delivering the message was to say the least quite different.
Several in the group got facial massages and came out looking at least 20 years younger. We also got to see a couple of different things they made from the nuts all of which were for sale.
He also showed us a couple of his inventions to husk and grade the nuts. In that respect he reminded me of some of our farmers back home who are also inventive.
Coming back from the farm to the hotel we passed a market which didn't appear very large but as I later found out was huge. I managed to pick up one of the last things on my list there.
It was about 6 or 7 blocks from the hotel and there were many restaurants, bars and shops along the way. I saw one of the nicest McDonalds ever, tucked into a rustic old building with a large courtyard in the rear.
The hotel was another quaint old building which contained several courtyards sprinkled with antiques. From the area we ate breakfast in you could look across the courtyard and see one of the volcanoes towering above.
The rooms were old Spanish style and although they were all the same price, several were much larger than others with King-sized instead of single beds some also had a patio. I think Ed and Sharon must have gotten the honeymoon suite. They did look a bit the haggered the next morning.
All the meals I had in Antigua were quite good. Our evening meal at the hotel was accompanied by live music and a folk dance troupe. Several members of our group ended up joining the foray and a couple of the ladies were dancing with the devil – fork and all. The TV in the rooms had a few English channels which allowed me to see what was happening in the rest of the world once again before sleep took over.
Rig # 15, Carol and Ron
In the cool of the morning we began our bus ride to the old colonial city of Antigua. After we turned off the Auto Pista, we began a steady climb through a poorer residential area. It was disparaging to see open drain pipes coming from the houses and emptying into the road ditch. There too join bottles, cans and plastic bags in a pilgrimage toward the sea. Soon small fields of vegetables began to fill the landscape as we descended into Antigua.
Antigua is in a beautiful valley, surrounded by mountains and three distinctive volcanoes. It was founded by the Spaniards in 1542. To put this into perspective it is somewhat less than a century older than any North American city. Although Antigua was the capitol for a time, it was preceded by Santiago de Guatemala. After Antigua's destruction in the earthquake of 1773 the capitol was moved to Guatemala City.
Upon arriving in the city, we were greeted by cobblestone streets, narrow sidewalks and flowering Jacaranda trees. Antigua once had 38 Catholic churches. Although the population has risen from 9,000 to 38,000 over the years, only 7 Catholic churches remain in operation.
The city tour (by foot and bus) led us mostly from church to church, all which had been destroyed or practically destroyed in earthquakes over the years. Some have been restored but not always back into a Church. One we toured had been both a church and a cloister, but now is a 5 star hotel and restaurant.
The San Francisco Grande Church was restored, but the accompanying Monastery and Monks living quarters is still in ruins. There were some preparations being made for Easter festivities. Our guide, Hugo, gave us some insight into what happens during Easter week.
First the streets are closed to all traffic. Than the streets are covered with flowers and beautiful mosaics made from colored sawdust. These are approximately 50 meters long and 5 meters wide. Huge floats are made weighing around 5000 pounds, with Jesus carrying his own cross, riding on top. Up to 100 men carry this through the streets in one block shifts.
In the early 1900s anyone could help carry the floats. But in about 1960, the church brotherhood began selecting men of equal height. Those selected also had to pay for the privilege. It was also considered penance for their sins. Several people in our group share my sentiments, Easter would be a great time to come back to Antigua.
We then proceeded to the largest church in Antigua – La Merced. This church was kept up very well. Toward the front on the right side was a sample of the street mosaics. This one was changed every week. It kind of reminded me of the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD which has huge mosaics made with Indian corn decorating the outside of the building. These are changed every year. Then we were off by bus to the Macadamia Farm. En route Hugo told us a little about the “chicken” buses. He said they are privately owned and each owner has multiple buses. Most of already knew they were old US school buses but it seems in Guatemala they can get around 100 riders in the 60 capacity bus plus some chickens, dogs, bikes or whatever on top.
Arriving at the “Nut” farm, we were greeted by its somewhat eccentric owner. His message of co-oping with the indigenous people to provide a crop that was low maintenance, nutritious, and very environment friendly with the potential of being a good cash crop was probably quite correct. His style of delivering the message was to say the least quite different.
Several in the group got facial massages and came out looking at least 20 years younger. We also got to see a couple of different things they made from the nuts all of which were for sale.
He also showed us a couple of his inventions to husk and grade the nuts. In that respect he reminded me of some of our farmers back home who are also inventive.
Coming back from the farm to the hotel we passed a market which didn't appear very large but as I later found out was huge. I managed to pick up one of the last things on my list there.
It was about 6 or 7 blocks from the hotel and there were many restaurants, bars and shops along the way. I saw one of the nicest McDonalds ever, tucked into a rustic old building with a large courtyard in the rear.
The hotel was another quaint old building which contained several courtyards sprinkled with antiques. From the area we ate breakfast in you could look across the courtyard and see one of the volcanoes towering above.
The rooms were old Spanish style and although they were all the same price, several were much larger than others with King-sized instead of single beds some also had a patio. I think Ed and Sharon must have gotten the honeymoon suite. They did look a bit the haggered the next morning.
All the meals I had in Antigua were quite good. Our evening meal at the hotel was accompanied by live music and a folk dance troupe. Several members of our group ended up joining the foray and a couple of the ladies were dancing with the devil – fork and all. The TV in the rooms had a few English channels which allowed me to see what was happening in the rest of the world once again before sleep took over.
Rig # 15, Carol and Ron
Day 65 Amatitlan Guatemala
Day 65 (March 16) – Amatitlan, Guatemala
“A free day” - under ideal conditions. We're in a full service RV Park with mild temperatures and a waterpark. Today was for washing rigs, rig maintenance, laundry, assorted things to ready us and the rigs for the last leg of this trip.
In the afternoon many of us took to the water park to play on the slides and enjoy the pools.
At 5:30 the pink team put on a poolside cocktail party with horsdoeuvers and Guatemala Ron (Rum) Punch.
The day ended with everyone packed for an early bus ride and an overnight in Antigua tomorrow.
Rig #14, Ron and Barbara
“A free day” - under ideal conditions. We're in a full service RV Park with mild temperatures and a waterpark. Today was for washing rigs, rig maintenance, laundry, assorted things to ready us and the rigs for the last leg of this trip.
In the afternoon many of us took to the water park to play on the slides and enjoy the pools.
At 5:30 the pink team put on a poolside cocktail party with horsdoeuvers and Guatemala Ron (Rum) Punch.
The day ended with everyone packed for an early bus ride and an overnight in Antigua tomorrow.
Rig #14, Ron and Barbara
Day 64 Amatitlan Guatemala
Another border crossing day, so we are up and out early, leaving our lovely beachside campsite, through a herd of cattle. We followed the coastal highway north, getting great views of the pacific along the way. The road was very good except for a couple of bridge detours, (Damage from the last earthquake?) And there were 5 tunnels to pass through as we climbed toward the border.
At this border, we sat in our lawn chairs, in a shady area, near our rigs, in a reasonably clean area, waiting as our paperwork gets processed. No standing in long lines on hot dusty gravel…..Nice! Because of Jorge, our El Salvador tour guide, we were through in record time! Thank You Jorge!
Hello again Guatemala. As we drove toward our RV Park, we passed a most remarkable sight. A semi over on it’s side in the ditch on the wrong side of the roads, with it’s trailer sides cut open and people scooping grain into sacks…quite a crowd! Have no idea what happened to the driver….or the cause but there was a very battered pickup on the otherside of the road. And to top it off….walking down the road was a man with a rooster dangling by it’s feet, head still on but no feathers! What a sight!
Our stop tonight is the Turicentro Automariscos. It’s a Waterslide RV Park! What fun!
At this border, we sat in our lawn chairs, in a shady area, near our rigs, in a reasonably clean area, waiting as our paperwork gets processed. No standing in long lines on hot dusty gravel…..Nice! Because of Jorge, our El Salvador tour guide, we were through in record time! Thank You Jorge!
Hello again Guatemala. As we drove toward our RV Park, we passed a most remarkable sight. A semi over on it’s side in the ditch on the wrong side of the roads, with it’s trailer sides cut open and people scooping grain into sacks…quite a crowd! Have no idea what happened to the driver….or the cause but there was a very battered pickup on the otherside of the road. And to top it off….walking down the road was a man with a rooster dangling by it’s feet, head still on but no feathers! What a sight!
Our stop tonight is the Turicentro Automariscos. It’s a Waterslide RV Park! What fun!
Day 63 Cost del Sol
Day 63
On Sunday March 14, 2010 we started our day with a travel meeting at 7:30 with our wagon master to prepare for our border crossing from El Salvador to Guatemala, ending our great 4 day stay at Tesoro Beach Hotel on the Pacific Ocean and a great swimming pool. Then our guide Jorge Martinez took us on a great (air conditioned) bus to San Salvador (The Savior, Jesus Christ). There we walked to the Metropolitan Cathedral,( burial place of Mens. Oscar Romero, Arch Bishop of El Salvador) and the El Rosarto Church, was very beautiful. We then went shopping at San Magulite where you could buy everything from meat, fish, bread and beautiful flowers. Time for lunch at the National Handicraft Market, food was good and the shopping even better. Everything you could want from earrings to tables and shirts.
On the way back to the beach we stopped for Pupusas (the national food for El Salvador). We also stopped when Ron Reinhardt spotted a delivery truck he sold in California, for sale in El Salvador. Take a break #54 was for sale here. It deserved a picture. We then headed back home to a supermercado at Costa Del Sol for a few items and some ice cream. We learned more about the Myans today. A great learning experience, thanks to Jorge. We arrived back to our rigs about 4:30 after a great day.
Clif and Joan #12
On Sunday March 14, 2010 we started our day with a travel meeting at 7:30 with our wagon master to prepare for our border crossing from El Salvador to Guatemala, ending our great 4 day stay at Tesoro Beach Hotel on the Pacific Ocean and a great swimming pool. Then our guide Jorge Martinez took us on a great (air conditioned) bus to San Salvador (The Savior, Jesus Christ). There we walked to the Metropolitan Cathedral,( burial place of Mens. Oscar Romero, Arch Bishop of El Salvador) and the El Rosarto Church, was very beautiful. We then went shopping at San Magulite where you could buy everything from meat, fish, bread and beautiful flowers. Time for lunch at the National Handicraft Market, food was good and the shopping even better. Everything you could want from earrings to tables and shirts.
On the way back to the beach we stopped for Pupusas (the national food for El Salvador). We also stopped when Ron Reinhardt spotted a delivery truck he sold in California, for sale in El Salvador. Take a break #54 was for sale here. It deserved a picture. We then headed back home to a supermercado at Costa Del Sol for a few items and some ice cream. We learned more about the Myans today. A great learning experience, thanks to Jorge. We arrived back to our rigs about 4:30 after a great day.
Clif and Joan #12
Day 62 Costa Del Sol Free Day
Today was a free day. Rita and I took a walk along the Pacific Ocean in the morning, where we saw several other Caravaners out walking. Most of the day was spent lounging around the pool or the beach, going for frequent swims, as it was very warm. Those who didn’t get enough sun yesterday were able to turn a delicate shade of pink at the pool edge.
In the evening we took our hot dogs to a potluck, which we would call an “American supper”, in England. The potluck was followed by a sing-along staring Brian on vocals and Ron on guitar.
Lindsay, Rig 11.
Day 49 Embera Indian Village
Day 49 (February 28) – River Trip to Embera Indians
Today's escapade was a river trip on the Chagres River to the Indian village of Embera Drua.
The route that the bus took us was through a run-down area of the outskirts of Panama City. There was garbage strewn all over. Tio explained that these people didn't care about all the litter as long as it was out of their house. This was another area with a “welfare mentality”. They didn't want to pay for city services and didn't want to work either.
Tio also told us about their last dictator, Noriega, who is in prison in Miami. Panama, Tio said, has a law that when a prisoner in their jail turns 70 years of age, he is released. They don't want to see Noriega back in this country as then he would be freed since he is now 70. Many Panamanians are hoping he will be deported to France from the US where there are charges against him for money laundering. They don't want him free and rick living back in Panama.
After a short stop at the ranger station, the bus deposited us on the banks of the Chagres River. We got into dugout canoes with varying numbers of passengers in each. Two or three Indians were with each one. One in the back to run the electric motor and one or two in front with long sturdy poles to help get the canoe through the shallower water of the rapids ahead. We arrived at the village after a 40 minute, scenic trip.
In the common area, a large palapa, we were welcomed by tribal members. Tio translated from Spanish into English for us. We learned some of the village's history. It was started by two families – 8 people total who came from the south near the Columbia border area. They have been in this area for 18 years. The present population is 108 with 23 families. The chief is elected every 5 years. He is the one, the voters feel, that can best communicate with the outside world. Sixteen years old and up can vote.
They have a primary school in the village. Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 are in the three rooms. The teachers are outsiders who stay in the village in housing that is provided and leave for the weekends. Teaching is done in Spanish. The villagers' goal is to have their own people as teachers and to this end, some of the older boys and men are getting more education. Some of the villagers are also learning English from the Peace Corps volunteer who is serving the village.
Her name is Amy and she is from Chicago. She has lived there about 1 ½ years and will be going home in June. It was very interesting to talk to her as she could answer our many questions. She has a computer for business and accounting that is run by solar panels on the roof of the school.
She is teaching them to handle all the finances of the village as well as having English classes in the evenings.
There are a couple of cell phones in the village but it is necessary to climb on extremely high hill behind the village to get the best reception. There is also, believe it or a not, a working phone booth in the middle of the village. Sometimes, Amy said, it doesn't work well, but most of the time it does.
Amy had a little propane stove in her little home, but the village women cook on wood fires. I was very surprised to see 2 little shacks with a flush toilet in each “some distance away”.
After the welcome, Tio explained how they make the crafts they have on sale for visitors. They do wood carving and bead work. But the most interesting was the basket making out of palm fronds. They are noted for this craft.
The reed are washed and allowed to soak 4 suns and 4 moons in lime water. That bleaches the color and allows them to be stripped into narrow strings. These are now a natural color – light tan. To get brown, the strands are soaked in a solution made from wood-carving shavings that are boiled in water. To get black, these brown strands are put in river bank mud for 2 days. Yellow dye comes from ginger root boiled in water. Red dye comes from young teak wood leaves boiled in water. Other colors are made by blending these colors. Making baskets is tedious work and may take up to a month working a few hours each day.
This village is located in the jungle and the people wear a minimum of clothing. Many of the men just wore a loin cloth. Some wore a short beaded skirt. The women generally wear no tops but for visitors they donned a beaded bra-like garment. Many of the Indians were painted with designs. After all the explanations and question-and-answer period, each of us was given a small wooden platter with breaded and fried tilapia which had been caught the night before. Also on the platter were several fried plantains. They were fried, dipped in flour and then refried which gave them a different texture. Both were very good. Then the men brought around huge wooden platters. One was full of sliced watermelon, one had cantaloupe, one had round pineapple slices. We could take what we wanted. They were also delicious. Tio had purchased the fruit in Panama City and brought it along. There were sodas and water to drink.
After the meal was cleared away, it was time for the traditional dances. Many of the village members, young and old participated. The music was drums and lively.
We were given an opportunity to shop at the little stands and many found things to buy. Each family had a little area to display their goods – and they got to keep the proceeds.
As for health care, the villagers first option is the medicine man who dispenses various cures made from elements in the rain forest. Secondly, they can go to a clinic about 15 minutes up the road from the ranger station after the boat ride to the docking area.
Tio told us that in Panama every school has a budget. 60% of it is spent on food as breakfast and lunch is provided free to make sure each child has 2 nutritious meals each school day. This is also true in the village school. There is no secondary school in the village, but if a family wants a child to get further education, it is possible for that child to stay with a relative down river and attend classes 2 days a week then return to the village until the next week.
The village people are trying to preserve their culture as much as possible but things have changed so much with contact and visitors from the outside world. They like to have the visitors as it gives them some income to buy the things they can't grow or make themselves.
They eat rice, yucca and cassava. They can grow three crops of corn a year in cleared areas. Fish is their man protein as hunting is frowned on now that their area have been incorporated into the national parque system.
At about 1:00 pm we were thanked by the elders and wished well. There were a few minutes to swim in the river for those who desired. Then we reboarded the dugouts and in another 40 minutes we were returned to where the bus waited.
I might have mentioned that some of our group got similar tattoos like the natives had. But they had to pay a small fee for the privilege. Not so for blonde Rita from Calgary. She sat in the first available seat in the front of her dugout. During the return trip one of the two natives in front sat down beside her. He was nicely tattooed-arms, chest, etc. During the ride he kept moving closer and closer. She tried to tell him - “abuela, abuela” (grandmother) but he was not to be swayed. She looked to her husband for some help but that was not forthcoming. As a result, at the end of the ride, Rita, relieved it was over, was sporting a nice area of her, upper arm with tattoo marks. If you still got it, Rita, you still got it!!
Then back to Panama City for a couple of stops. Then back to our rigs at Santa Clara. A delightful and interesting day!!
Rig #15, Carol and Ron
Today's escapade was a river trip on the Chagres River to the Indian village of Embera Drua.
The route that the bus took us was through a run-down area of the outskirts of Panama City. There was garbage strewn all over. Tio explained that these people didn't care about all the litter as long as it was out of their house. This was another area with a “welfare mentality”. They didn't want to pay for city services and didn't want to work either.
Tio also told us about their last dictator, Noriega, who is in prison in Miami. Panama, Tio said, has a law that when a prisoner in their jail turns 70 years of age, he is released. They don't want to see Noriega back in this country as then he would be freed since he is now 70. Many Panamanians are hoping he will be deported to France from the US where there are charges against him for money laundering. They don't want him free and rick living back in Panama.
After a short stop at the ranger station, the bus deposited us on the banks of the Chagres River. We got into dugout canoes with varying numbers of passengers in each. Two or three Indians were with each one. One in the back to run the electric motor and one or two in front with long sturdy poles to help get the canoe through the shallower water of the rapids ahead. We arrived at the village after a 40 minute, scenic trip.
In the common area, a large palapa, we were welcomed by tribal members. Tio translated from Spanish into English for us. We learned some of the village's history. It was started by two families – 8 people total who came from the south near the Columbia border area. They have been in this area for 18 years. The present population is 108 with 23 families. The chief is elected every 5 years. He is the one, the voters feel, that can best communicate with the outside world. Sixteen years old and up can vote.
They have a primary school in the village. Grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 are in the three rooms. The teachers are outsiders who stay in the village in housing that is provided and leave for the weekends. Teaching is done in Spanish. The villagers' goal is to have their own people as teachers and to this end, some of the older boys and men are getting more education. Some of the villagers are also learning English from the Peace Corps volunteer who is serving the village.
Her name is Amy and she is from Chicago. She has lived there about 1 ½ years and will be going home in June. It was very interesting to talk to her as she could answer our many questions. She has a computer for business and accounting that is run by solar panels on the roof of the school.
She is teaching them to handle all the finances of the village as well as having English classes in the evenings.
There are a couple of cell phones in the village but it is necessary to climb on extremely high hill behind the village to get the best reception. There is also, believe it or a not, a working phone booth in the middle of the village. Sometimes, Amy said, it doesn't work well, but most of the time it does.
Amy had a little propane stove in her little home, but the village women cook on wood fires. I was very surprised to see 2 little shacks with a flush toilet in each “some distance away”.
After the welcome, Tio explained how they make the crafts they have on sale for visitors. They do wood carving and bead work. But the most interesting was the basket making out of palm fronds. They are noted for this craft.
The reed are washed and allowed to soak 4 suns and 4 moons in lime water. That bleaches the color and allows them to be stripped into narrow strings. These are now a natural color – light tan. To get brown, the strands are soaked in a solution made from wood-carving shavings that are boiled in water. To get black, these brown strands are put in river bank mud for 2 days. Yellow dye comes from ginger root boiled in water. Red dye comes from young teak wood leaves boiled in water. Other colors are made by blending these colors. Making baskets is tedious work and may take up to a month working a few hours each day.
This village is located in the jungle and the people wear a minimum of clothing. Many of the men just wore a loin cloth. Some wore a short beaded skirt. The women generally wear no tops but for visitors they donned a beaded bra-like garment. Many of the Indians were painted with designs. After all the explanations and question-and-answer period, each of us was given a small wooden platter with breaded and fried tilapia which had been caught the night before. Also on the platter were several fried plantains. They were fried, dipped in flour and then refried which gave them a different texture. Both were very good. Then the men brought around huge wooden platters. One was full of sliced watermelon, one had cantaloupe, one had round pineapple slices. We could take what we wanted. They were also delicious. Tio had purchased the fruit in Panama City and brought it along. There were sodas and water to drink.
After the meal was cleared away, it was time for the traditional dances. Many of the village members, young and old participated. The music was drums and lively.
We were given an opportunity to shop at the little stands and many found things to buy. Each family had a little area to display their goods – and they got to keep the proceeds.
As for health care, the villagers first option is the medicine man who dispenses various cures made from elements in the rain forest. Secondly, they can go to a clinic about 15 minutes up the road from the ranger station after the boat ride to the docking area.
Tio told us that in Panama every school has a budget. 60% of it is spent on food as breakfast and lunch is provided free to make sure each child has 2 nutritious meals each school day. This is also true in the village school. There is no secondary school in the village, but if a family wants a child to get further education, it is possible for that child to stay with a relative down river and attend classes 2 days a week then return to the village until the next week.
The village people are trying to preserve their culture as much as possible but things have changed so much with contact and visitors from the outside world. They like to have the visitors as it gives them some income to buy the things they can't grow or make themselves.
They eat rice, yucca and cassava. They can grow three crops of corn a year in cleared areas. Fish is their man protein as hunting is frowned on now that their area have been incorporated into the national parque system.
At about 1:00 pm we were thanked by the elders and wished well. There were a few minutes to swim in the river for those who desired. Then we reboarded the dugouts and in another 40 minutes we were returned to where the bus waited.
I might have mentioned that some of our group got similar tattoos like the natives had. But they had to pay a small fee for the privilege. Not so for blonde Rita from Calgary. She sat in the first available seat in the front of her dugout. During the return trip one of the two natives in front sat down beside her. He was nicely tattooed-arms, chest, etc. During the ride he kept moving closer and closer. She tried to tell him - “abuela, abuela” (grandmother) but he was not to be swayed. She looked to her husband for some help but that was not forthcoming. As a result, at the end of the ride, Rita, relieved it was over, was sporting a nice area of her, upper arm with tattoo marks. If you still got it, Rita, you still got it!!
Then back to Panama City for a couple of stops. Then back to our rigs at Santa Clara. A delightful and interesting day!!
Rig #15, Carol and Ron
Day 47 Panama City Tour
BUS RIDE TO PANAMA CITY
LEFT XZ RV PARK AT 7 AM ---EVERYONE BRIGHT EYED AND BUSHY TAILED ?
WE WILL HAVE A TWO NIGHT STAY IN A HOTEL,,,SO WE CROSSED THE BRIDGE THAT
CONNECTS THE N. AMERICAN CONTIENT TO SOUTH AMERICA, BUILT IN 1962.
GUIDE SAID THE PACIFIC TIDE IS 15-17 FOOT RISE AND THE ATLANTIC IS 1-3 FOOT,
INTERESTING......VISITED THE OLD CITY OF SAN FELIPE WHICH HAD BEEN BURNED
TWO AND A HALF TIMES..VISIT TO AN OLD CHURCH AND THE VILLAGE SQUARE.THAN
ON TO THE VISITOR CENTER FOR SOME INSITE OF THE CITY. VISITED THE OLD CITY
THE SPANISH BUILT IN 1673 WHICH IS JUST PARTS OF WALLS AND A CHURCH TOWER
AND WE HEAR AGAIN ABOUT MORGAN HOW HE TOOK THE CITY.
AFTER A BUFFET LUNCH WE WENT TO THE MIRAFLORES LOCKS VISITOR CENTER....
IT IS A HUGE BUILDING FOUR STORIES TALL AND YOU CAN WATCH THE SHIPS GOING
THROUGH THE LOCKS FROM THE TOP DECK... IT WAS FUN TO WATCH AND A LITTLE
BREEZE MADE IT NOT FEEL SO HOT.....LOCKS ARE 1000FT LONG AND 400WIDE I THINK.
A NEW CANAL IS BEING DUG... IT WILL BE 1400 FT LONG, 180 FT WIDE AND 117 METERS
DEEP TO HANDEL THE LARGE VESSELS. AN INTERESTING DAY.
SO WE CHECKED INTO OUR HOTEL ROOMS AND WE WERE ON OUR OWN FOR THE
EVENING MEAL
# 13
LEFT XZ RV PARK AT 7 AM ---EVERYONE BRIGHT EYED AND BUSHY TAILED ?
WE WILL HAVE A TWO NIGHT STAY IN A HOTEL,,,SO WE CROSSED THE BRIDGE THAT
CONNECTS THE N. AMERICAN CONTIENT TO SOUTH AMERICA, BUILT IN 1962.
GUIDE SAID THE PACIFIC TIDE IS 15-17 FOOT RISE AND THE ATLANTIC IS 1-3 FOOT,
INTERESTING......VISITED THE OLD CITY OF SAN FELIPE WHICH HAD BEEN BURNED
TWO AND A HALF TIMES..VISIT TO AN OLD CHURCH AND THE VILLAGE SQUARE.THAN
ON TO THE VISITOR CENTER FOR SOME INSITE OF THE CITY. VISITED THE OLD CITY
THE SPANISH BUILT IN 1673 WHICH IS JUST PARTS OF WALLS AND A CHURCH TOWER
AND WE HEAR AGAIN ABOUT MORGAN HOW HE TOOK THE CITY.
AFTER A BUFFET LUNCH WE WENT TO THE MIRAFLORES LOCKS VISITOR CENTER....
IT IS A HUGE BUILDING FOUR STORIES TALL AND YOU CAN WATCH THE SHIPS GOING
THROUGH THE LOCKS FROM THE TOP DECK... IT WAS FUN TO WATCH AND A LITTLE
BREEZE MADE IT NOT FEEL SO HOT.....LOCKS ARE 1000FT LONG AND 400WIDE I THINK.
A NEW CANAL IS BEING DUG... IT WILL BE 1400 FT LONG, 180 FT WIDE AND 117 METERS
DEEP TO HANDEL THE LARGE VESSELS. AN INTERESTING DAY.
SO WE CHECKED INTO OUR HOTEL ROOMS AND WE WERE ON OUR OWN FOR THE
EVENING MEAL
# 13
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 58 - Esteli, NIC
Day 58 (March 9) – Esteli, Nicaragua
Another travel day. Up early and off to the Ocean Restaurant for our last breakfast. Then back to our room for our luggage. A short ride on the shuttle and our room keys were returned. Then back to our rigs for our travel briefing and departure.
The trip today was easy. Good roads. Not many places to stop.
Arrived at Club Campestre, a familiar spot. Dumped, parked, enjoyed a sangria party.
Brian and Chris gave out our frequent caravan miles certificates and encouraged us all to go on another caravan with Adventure Caravans.
And now to the restaurant to spend the rest of our cordobas.
Rig #7, Miriam and Dan
Another travel day. Up early and off to the Ocean Restaurant for our last breakfast. Then back to our room for our luggage. A short ride on the shuttle and our room keys were returned. Then back to our rigs for our travel briefing and departure.
The trip today was easy. Good roads. Not many places to stop.
Arrived at Club Campestre, a familiar spot. Dumped, parked, enjoyed a sangria party.
Brian and Chris gave out our frequent caravan miles certificates and encouraged us all to go on another caravan with Adventure Caravans.
And now to the restaurant to spend the rest of our cordobas.
Rig #7, Miriam and Dan
Day 60 - Honduras to El Salvador and the Beach
Day 60 Thursday 11th 2010
Travel day Choluteca to El Salvador border & Costa Del Sol
With the help of our guide Jordi Martinez we crossed the border in 3 hours.
At 29.9 Km we droved through an area where a lot of Guerrilla warfare took place. In 1979-1992.
After we passed the San Miguel Volcano who’s last eruption took place in 1965. We cross Usulutan where we saw many market stalls up and down main street and on the side streets.
We arrived quite early to Tesoro Beach Hotel even if we did two travel day in one.
Pauline & Alain Rig 9
Travel day Choluteca to El Salvador border & Costa Del Sol
With the help of our guide Jordi Martinez we crossed the border in 3 hours.
At 29.9 Km we droved through an area where a lot of Guerrilla warfare took place. In 1979-1992.
After we passed the San Miguel Volcano who’s last eruption took place in 1965. We cross Usulutan where we saw many market stalls up and down main street and on the side streets.
We arrived quite early to Tesoro Beach Hotel even if we did two travel day in one.
Pauline & Alain Rig 9
Day 59 - Choluteca, Honduras
Day 59 – Esteli to Choluteca
The night at Club Campestre at Esteli was cool we even needed a blanket, a big change from the other nights.
It was a travel day and a border day from Nicaragua to Honduras. As always it was long in the morning it was confortable but as the day went on it became very hot.
Around 30 miles after the border we stopped at a Dippsa Station and No 1 went ahead to verify where we will be stopping for the night because of lack of space the previous year.. During that time many bought bottles of water but no ice cream was available….Many were disappointed.
We arrived at Hotel Hacienda Gualiqueme and parking at hotel ground was very comfortable.. There was a nice swimming pool, had a drink, supper, during supper there was a skunk who wanted to visit us but she turned back. Lucky for us.
Pauline & René Rigg 8
The night at Club Campestre at Esteli was cool we even needed a blanket, a big change from the other nights.
It was a travel day and a border day from Nicaragua to Honduras. As always it was long in the morning it was confortable but as the day went on it became very hot.
Around 30 miles after the border we stopped at a Dippsa Station and No 1 went ahead to verify where we will be stopping for the night because of lack of space the previous year.. During that time many bought bottles of water but no ice cream was available….Many were disappointed.
We arrived at Hotel Hacienda Gualiqueme and parking at hotel ground was very comfortable.. There was a nice swimming pool, had a drink, supper, during supper there was a skunk who wanted to visit us but she turned back. Lucky for us.
Pauline & René Rigg 8
Day 55 - Liberia, Costa Rica to Montelimar, Nicaragua
Day 55: Liberia, Costa Rica -> Montelimar, Nicaragua
With a 6:30 travel meeting scheduled we got up at 4:30 to get ready to go. The night had been filled with very gusty winds and the trees hitting against the RV, so I hadn’t had a restful night.
We drove to the border 50 some miles to the north. Along the way the strong winds continued and Dan had his awning get blown out twice. It had to be taped and tied for further travel. It also caused some damage to the air conditioner cover.
The Costa Rica / Nicaragua border crossing was a slow process, taking over 6 hours. The winds continued through the day, and at the border this created blowing clouds of dust and dirt. Finally, around 3:30 we were done and moved on.
The stop for the next three nights was Montelimar Beach Resort. We had to drive about 100 miles into Nicaragua to reach it with the final 20 miles on a rough and steep road and driven mostly after dark. The darkness made it a harder drive as there were people alongside the road to watch for (including one person laying in the road) and it also made it more difficult to find the correct turns.
We all made it in around 7:30, got our resort “bracelets”, parked our rigs at the casino parking lot, and took the tram to the restaurant buffet for dinner. We spent the night in our RVs but the next two nights will be within the resort itself. Not only will it be luxurious to have a room, bed and shower for two nights, we will not hear the casino music until 2AM.
Mike & Pat
Rig 4
With a 6:30 travel meeting scheduled we got up at 4:30 to get ready to go. The night had been filled with very gusty winds and the trees hitting against the RV, so I hadn’t had a restful night.
We drove to the border 50 some miles to the north. Along the way the strong winds continued and Dan had his awning get blown out twice. It had to be taped and tied for further travel. It also caused some damage to the air conditioner cover.
The Costa Rica / Nicaragua border crossing was a slow process, taking over 6 hours. The winds continued through the day, and at the border this created blowing clouds of dust and dirt. Finally, around 3:30 we were done and moved on.
The stop for the next three nights was Montelimar Beach Resort. We had to drive about 100 miles into Nicaragua to reach it with the final 20 miles on a rough and steep road and driven mostly after dark. The darkness made it a harder drive as there were people alongside the road to watch for (including one person laying in the road) and it also made it more difficult to find the correct turns.
We all made it in around 7:30, got our resort “bracelets”, parked our rigs at the casino parking lot, and took the tram to the restaurant buffet for dinner. We spent the night in our RVs but the next two nights will be within the resort itself. Not only will it be luxurious to have a room, bed and shower for two nights, we will not hear the casino music until 2AM.
Mike & Pat
Rig 4
Days 55 - 57 Montelimar, Nicaragua
Day 55: Liberia, Costa Rica -> Montelimar, Nicaragua
With a 6:30 travel meeting scheduled we got up at 4:30 to get ready to go. The night had been filled with very gusty winds and the trees hitting against the RV, so I hadn’t had a restful night.
We drove to the border 50 some miles to the north. Along the way the strong winds continued and Dan had his awning get blown out twice. It had to be taped and tied for further travel. It also caused some damage to the air conditioner cover.
The Costa Rica / Nicaragua border crossing was a slow process, taking over 6 hours. The winds continued through the day, and at the border this created blowing clouds of dust and dirt. Finally, around 3:30 we were done and moved on.
The stop for the next three nights was Montelimar Beach Resort. We had to drive about 100 miles into Nicaragua to reach it with the final 20 miles on a rough and steep road and driven mostly after dark. The darkness made it a harder drive as there were people alongside the road to watch for (including one person laying in the road) and it also made it more difficult to find the correct turns.
We all made it in around 7:30, got our resort “bracelets”, parked our rigs at the casino parking lot, and took the tram to the restaurant buffet for dinner. We spent the night in our RVs but the next two nights will be within the resort itself. Not only will it be luxurious to have a room, bed and shower for two nights, we will not hear the casino music until 2AM.
Mike & Pat
Rig 4
Day 56 Barcelo Hotel and Resort Montelimar, Nicaragua
The first of two days to really pamper ourselves at this all inclusive resort. After fifty-three days on the road, we abandoned our rigs and checked into a bungalow complete with rocking chairs and a hammock. I hope the rocking chair is not a reflection of our age! I’m certain all facilities will be put to good use as we look forward to two days of R & R.
Following a hearty breakfast at the Oceano Restaurant, where the favourite seemed to be the omelet, and a short walk to orient ourselves to the facilities it was time for everyone to register at the reception desk.
Following the registration all scattered in many different directions seeking their favourite activity. Since the souvenir shops were right near the registration desk some of the gals were off to shop while the guys shot the breeze – taking a well deserved rest after yesterday’s challenging drive. Others headed straight for the pool (several to choose from) or the beach to swim, bask in the sun or relax in the shade with a good book. Still others booked appointments for massages, haircuts, pedicures and manicures or enjoyed a few libations at one of the many bars, a walk on the beach or simply relaxed in the hammocks and rocking chairs. Did anyone play water or beach volleyball or take dance lessons?
Can’t sit around for the whole day so it was off to the mini golf course with Ron and Carol for the most challenging game of golf that we have ever experienced. How hard can mini golf be you say? Well just try playing on concrete with plenty of dips and dives, as well as, impossible obstacles to maneuver between tee-off and cup. Somewhat like the roads we have travelled! Although, no scores were kept we had plenty of laughs and amused our audience (Gail and Tim). Oh did I mention that both Carol and Sharon shot a hole-in-one? By the end of the game we had almost worn off our breakfast so off to the restaurant we wandered to eat again.
The afternoon was filled with a pedicure for Sharon and for Ed supervising a rig wash by local boys for cheap. We definitely would not find young people at home willing to work as hard as these. Between their entrepreneurial spirit and the rig owner’s distain for fumigation chemical on their rigs, the boys were able to fill their pockets with American dollars. Is there still time for a dip in the pool? You bet!
After eating yet again, the day was topped off with a visit to the Casino outdoor theater to take in the Noche Folklorica show. A lively and energetic performance of a variety of ethnic dances complete with colourful costumes (some with face masks) that had the toes tapping and the hands clapping. The show sparked memories of shows we have enjoyed with our Winter Texan friends in Progresso, Mexico. We do miss them!
It’s time for bed. No it’s not! You still need to write up the caravan daily log journal! Rig #5
Day 57 March 8th,2010. Free Day.
We are enjoying the amenities at the Barcelo`, Montilemar Beach Resort. The Barcelo` Hotel chain has more than 185 Hotels in 15 Counties; 4 to 5 star. There are many things to do here besides swimming in the ocean and the pool and eating. They have tennis courts, gym, windsufing, kayaks, bookie boards and pool activities. They also have nightly entertainment, Casino and a Disco for those who want to stay up late and are young at heart.
We had a lovely room with a comfortable King size bed and a very large bathroom. Kathy went shopping down on the Beach and at the Hotel souvenir shop. She bought a towel and some lovely silver earrings. We had hotdogs for lunch with Cliff and Joan at the pool bar. We used the Hotel internet and then went for a very good roast chicken dinner. It was a very relaxing day!
Rig 6, John and Kathy
With a 6:30 travel meeting scheduled we got up at 4:30 to get ready to go. The night had been filled with very gusty winds and the trees hitting against the RV, so I hadn’t had a restful night.
We drove to the border 50 some miles to the north. Along the way the strong winds continued and Dan had his awning get blown out twice. It had to be taped and tied for further travel. It also caused some damage to the air conditioner cover.
The Costa Rica / Nicaragua border crossing was a slow process, taking over 6 hours. The winds continued through the day, and at the border this created blowing clouds of dust and dirt. Finally, around 3:30 we were done and moved on.
The stop for the next three nights was Montelimar Beach Resort. We had to drive about 100 miles into Nicaragua to reach it with the final 20 miles on a rough and steep road and driven mostly after dark. The darkness made it a harder drive as there were people alongside the road to watch for (including one person laying in the road) and it also made it more difficult to find the correct turns.
We all made it in around 7:30, got our resort “bracelets”, parked our rigs at the casino parking lot, and took the tram to the restaurant buffet for dinner. We spent the night in our RVs but the next two nights will be within the resort itself. Not only will it be luxurious to have a room, bed and shower for two nights, we will not hear the casino music until 2AM.
Mike & Pat
Rig 4
Day 56 Barcelo Hotel and Resort Montelimar, Nicaragua
The first of two days to really pamper ourselves at this all inclusive resort. After fifty-three days on the road, we abandoned our rigs and checked into a bungalow complete with rocking chairs and a hammock. I hope the rocking chair is not a reflection of our age! I’m certain all facilities will be put to good use as we look forward to two days of R & R.
Following a hearty breakfast at the Oceano Restaurant, where the favourite seemed to be the omelet, and a short walk to orient ourselves to the facilities it was time for everyone to register at the reception desk.
Following the registration all scattered in many different directions seeking their favourite activity. Since the souvenir shops were right near the registration desk some of the gals were off to shop while the guys shot the breeze – taking a well deserved rest after yesterday’s challenging drive. Others headed straight for the pool (several to choose from) or the beach to swim, bask in the sun or relax in the shade with a good book. Still others booked appointments for massages, haircuts, pedicures and manicures or enjoyed a few libations at one of the many bars, a walk on the beach or simply relaxed in the hammocks and rocking chairs. Did anyone play water or beach volleyball or take dance lessons?
Can’t sit around for the whole day so it was off to the mini golf course with Ron and Carol for the most challenging game of golf that we have ever experienced. How hard can mini golf be you say? Well just try playing on concrete with plenty of dips and dives, as well as, impossible obstacles to maneuver between tee-off and cup. Somewhat like the roads we have travelled! Although, no scores were kept we had plenty of laughs and amused our audience (Gail and Tim). Oh did I mention that both Carol and Sharon shot a hole-in-one? By the end of the game we had almost worn off our breakfast so off to the restaurant we wandered to eat again.
The afternoon was filled with a pedicure for Sharon and for Ed supervising a rig wash by local boys for cheap. We definitely would not find young people at home willing to work as hard as these. Between their entrepreneurial spirit and the rig owner’s distain for fumigation chemical on their rigs, the boys were able to fill their pockets with American dollars. Is there still time for a dip in the pool? You bet!
After eating yet again, the day was topped off with a visit to the Casino outdoor theater to take in the Noche Folklorica show. A lively and energetic performance of a variety of ethnic dances complete with colourful costumes (some with face masks) that had the toes tapping and the hands clapping. The show sparked memories of shows we have enjoyed with our Winter Texan friends in Progresso, Mexico. We do miss them!
It’s time for bed. No it’s not! You still need to write up the caravan daily log journal! Rig #5
Day 57 March 8th,2010. Free Day.
We are enjoying the amenities at the Barcelo`, Montilemar Beach Resort. The Barcelo` Hotel chain has more than 185 Hotels in 15 Counties; 4 to 5 star. There are many things to do here besides swimming in the ocean and the pool and eating. They have tennis courts, gym, windsufing, kayaks, bookie boards and pool activities. They also have nightly entertainment, Casino and a Disco for those who want to stay up late and are young at heart.
We had a lovely room with a comfortable King size bed and a very large bathroom. Kathy went shopping down on the Beach and at the Hotel souvenir shop. She bought a towel and some lovely silver earrings. We had hotdogs for lunch with Cliff and Joan at the pool bar. We used the Hotel internet and then went for a very good roast chicken dinner. It was a very relaxing day!
Rig 6, John and Kathy
Day 54 Liberia Costa Rica
Day 54 - Rig 2
5 March 2010 – Liberia Costa Rica
I love leisurely mornings. We convinced WM Bob to delay the Travel Brief until 10:30am so we could enjoy the wonderful beachside town of Jaco, Costa Rica. What a treat! Started with breakfast in the restaurant right next door to our campground (yes I did say campground – we actually had electricity) – This restaurant was really a happening spot in town – people lined up at the bar (cafeteria style) to pick their favorites and then paid at the cashier. We both ate for about 6 bucks including GREAT coffee (of course we had the obligatory rice and beans to accompany our breakfast). Brian then headed back to make sure the move out would be organized later that morning. I checked out the town, waited for the grocery store to open to pick up a couple of things for a Caravan party later next week, and ogled the pastries (too bad I just had a good breakfast). Well enough of this temptation - I decided to do some laundry since the campground actually had ‘laundry sinks’. The weather was perfect – not to hot or humid yet and the sunshine actually felt pretty good (maybe cuz I had my arms wet up to the elbows).
After the travel brief - and it was brief since we only had a map and some loose directions to go by; as this is the first time Adventure Caravans has traveled this route in many years. The groups reluctantly left our little beach town oasis of Jaco only to discover more beautiful coastlines and beach towns along the way up Highway 27. Spectacular vistas and even a bridge that overlooked a lagoon full of crocodiles (thanks Rita for the travel tidbit) made for a really fun and relaxing travel day.
Well we were in no hurry to get to Liberia – a truck stop fuel station for our overnight before the Nicaragua border. Seems like most of us came in to the station and fueled up with whatever Colones we had left in our wallet. And then some of us STILL had Colones left and had to hit the convenience store for junk food, beer and other “essentials”. Off to the border tomorrow – I wonder who will win this border pool??
Hoping for another great border (since most have been good) and another good day of ‘border weather’ – you know the slight overcast, cool mountain (or ocean breeze), and simple paper work… ooops that would be a Canadian Border.
Happy travels.
5 March 2010 – Liberia Costa Rica
I love leisurely mornings. We convinced WM Bob to delay the Travel Brief until 10:30am so we could enjoy the wonderful beachside town of Jaco, Costa Rica. What a treat! Started with breakfast in the restaurant right next door to our campground (yes I did say campground – we actually had electricity) – This restaurant was really a happening spot in town – people lined up at the bar (cafeteria style) to pick their favorites and then paid at the cashier. We both ate for about 6 bucks including GREAT coffee (of course we had the obligatory rice and beans to accompany our breakfast). Brian then headed back to make sure the move out would be organized later that morning. I checked out the town, waited for the grocery store to open to pick up a couple of things for a Caravan party later next week, and ogled the pastries (too bad I just had a good breakfast). Well enough of this temptation - I decided to do some laundry since the campground actually had ‘laundry sinks’. The weather was perfect – not to hot or humid yet and the sunshine actually felt pretty good (maybe cuz I had my arms wet up to the elbows).
After the travel brief - and it was brief since we only had a map and some loose directions to go by; as this is the first time Adventure Caravans has traveled this route in many years. The groups reluctantly left our little beach town oasis of Jaco only to discover more beautiful coastlines and beach towns along the way up Highway 27. Spectacular vistas and even a bridge that overlooked a lagoon full of crocodiles (thanks Rita for the travel tidbit) made for a really fun and relaxing travel day.
Well we were in no hurry to get to Liberia – a truck stop fuel station for our overnight before the Nicaragua border. Seems like most of us came in to the station and fueled up with whatever Colones we had left in our wallet. And then some of us STILL had Colones left and had to hit the convenience store for junk food, beer and other “essentials”. Off to the border tomorrow – I wonder who will win this border pool??
Hoping for another great border (since most have been good) and another good day of ‘border weather’ – you know the slight overcast, cool mountain (or ocean breeze), and simple paper work… ooops that would be a Canadian Border.
Happy travels.
Day 45 - David to Santa Clara, Panama
February 24, 2010 Day 45
Travel Day From David to Santa Clara, Panama
We set off going West through attractive, hilly countryside, on a
reasonably fast, good road. Most memorable was a waterfall, about
200’ tall, high up on the hills on the left, which was in sight for
about a mile.
Then came the stops. At 30 miles, a police car was waiting by the
roadside. We were at the speed limit. A lorry decided to pass
us, despite the police and a double yellow line. It then belted on,
overtaking Rig 1, which was a good 200 yards ahead, over more double
yellow lines. The police soon caught up with the lorry and pulled
him over. We were stopped at a checkpoint at 60 miles, for our
papers and passports. We had a similar stop at 141 miles.
Many of the group stopped at one or several of a series of roadside
stalls selling beautiful beadwork necklaces and wristbands.
Similarly, many of the small rigs, us included, took a detour at
Nata, to admire the oldest church in Central America. It was a
large building, with 4 rows of wooden pillars. The carving was of
excellent quality, with lots of carved grapevines climbing
everywhere. The carved human figures had been dressed up with
beautiful clothes and the ceiling was beautiful wood planks.
At the XS Memories RV site, our host, Dennis fitted all of the units
in. The shower block was interesting, as they were outdoors, with
no doors. It is said that Rig 13 (Pam and Fran) had great views from
their camping spot!
RIG 11- Lindsay Stilwell
Travel Day From David to Santa Clara, Panama
We set off going West through attractive, hilly countryside, on a
reasonably fast, good road. Most memorable was a waterfall, about
200’ tall, high up on the hills on the left, which was in sight for
about a mile.
Then came the stops. At 30 miles, a police car was waiting by the
roadside. We were at the speed limit. A lorry decided to pass
us, despite the police and a double yellow line. It then belted on,
overtaking Rig 1, which was a good 200 yards ahead, over more double
yellow lines. The police soon caught up with the lorry and pulled
him over. We were stopped at a checkpoint at 60 miles, for our
papers and passports. We had a similar stop at 141 miles.
Many of the group stopped at one or several of a series of roadside
stalls selling beautiful beadwork necklaces and wristbands.
Similarly, many of the small rigs, us included, took a detour at
Nata, to admire the oldest church in Central America. It was a
large building, with 4 rows of wooden pillars. The carving was of
excellent quality, with lots of carved grapevines climbing
everywhere. The carved human figures had been dressed up with
beautiful clothes and the ceiling was beautiful wood planks.
At the XS Memories RV site, our host, Dennis fitted all of the units
in. The shower block was interesting, as they were outdoors, with
no doors. It is said that Rig 13 (Pam and Fran) had great views from
their camping spot!
RIG 11- Lindsay Stilwell
Day 51 - David
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (Day 51) David, Panama
Travel Day – Santa Clara to David
A fairly uneventful day, woke up at 6:30 AM, temperature was 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Packed up the RV and headed out the campground at 8:45 AM while Rita and Lindsay were enjoying the pool for the last time before they headed out.
Thanked our host Denis and asked him if he minded that we were leaving with an RV full of his ants. His reply – “you can take them all”.
We stopped at the Do It Centre in Santiago to pick up a few things and “slaughter” a few dozen ants. A policeman boarded our rig at the police checkpoint to have a look around while the other checked our papers while we continued to get rid of more ants.
Fueled up in David, just prior to parking at the PriceSmart and again took care our ants. I went to do a bit of shopping while Duncan “slaughtered” our ants.
Finished off the evening by having a light supper at PriceSmart, killing a few ants, watching a movie, killing a few more ant and finally hitting the sack in order to do it all over again tomorrow.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Day 50 - Santa Clara
Day 50 (March 1) – Santa Clara, Panama
FREE DAY – About 18 people went off on a small tour to a neighboring town in the mountains. The rest of us that stayed behind did laundry; went to the beach; walked around the neighborhood and lounged around the pool. Very peaceful. We had a “pot-luck” supper that evening around 6 pm. Great food and great company. It was Bill and Gerry's 51st wedding anniversary so cards were given and they had to wear the crowns. After clean-up Ron Schatz brought out his electric guitar and with Brian accompanying him we all sang a variety of music. Ron and Brian did an awesome job. Everyone sang and enjoyed themselves. Towards the end Ed and Sharon got up and danced. It was a great way to begin the journey home.
Rig #16, Pete and Wendy
FREE DAY – About 18 people went off on a small tour to a neighboring town in the mountains. The rest of us that stayed behind did laundry; went to the beach; walked around the neighborhood and lounged around the pool. Very peaceful. We had a “pot-luck” supper that evening around 6 pm. Great food and great company. It was Bill and Gerry's 51st wedding anniversary so cards were given and they had to wear the crowns. After clean-up Ron Schatz brought out his electric guitar and with Brian accompanying him we all sang a variety of music. Ron and Brian did an awesome job. Everyone sang and enjoyed themselves. Towards the end Ed and Sharon got up and danced. It was a great way to begin the journey home.
Rig #16, Pete and Wendy
Day 40 - San Antonio de Belen
Day 40 (Feb. 19, 2010, a free day)
We are in the Belen Trailer Park near San Jose, Costa Rica. Many Caravaners enjoyed their time at the local market next door to the RV park. There was a large variety of fruits, vegetables, homemade cheese and a few meat stands. The vendors were very eager to give us samples and encouraged us to buy. We,of course, did buy and thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the market.
Later in the afternoon, LuAnn showed us how she braids and fringes her shirts. She is so talented and so are many of our artsy caravaners, who caught on real quick. It was a nice learning experience. Thanks LuAnn for sharing your ideas. The rest of the day is as follows, that some others did.
I woke up around 5:30AM and went on the internet to see what the weather report was for La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano area. Today it is supposed to be cloudy with sunny periods and clearing later, and clear tommorrow. It looks good! Ron, Pam and I are going in my truck and Lindsey, Rita and Fran are going in Rita`s van. We started off at 9:00 AM from the Belen Trailer Park. We drove Highway C1 to San Ramon, north through Angeles, La Tiagra, San Isdro, San Francisco finally arriving at La Fortuna. Our drive was through dense fog for about a half hour; a very windy road and very scenic country side when we could see it. We encountered lots of traffic on the road but this actually made driving in the fog much easier because you could follow their tailights. We drove west to the little town of El Castillo, suppossedly the best viewing area for the Arenal Volcano. We all decided on staying at the Observatory Lodge. We drove 9 kilometers over the worst pothole road that I have driven on for some time. We finally arrived at the gate and the guard told us that they were fully booked. We were extremely disapointed but turned around and drove back about 3 kilometers and up another road to Linda Vista del Norte Hotel. It was perched on a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Arenal and the active side of the volcano. There was a huge observatory type dining room overlooking the lake and volcano and a spectacular infinity swimming pool and hot tub. The rooms were average and that was fine. The amenities were first class. They had just two junior suites left so we decided to book them. We were not about to bounce over the road to look for something else. This was great! We all had lunch together by the window with a full view of the volcano, waiting, waiting, waiting for the fog to clear. It did not so we all decided to go into the swimming pool and the hot tub. It was great fun. After swimming and hot tubbing Ron, Rita, Lindsey and I walked up a mountain trail for about an hour. It was getting dark so we returned to our rooms to shower and get ready for dinner. We went for dinner and again had a very nice table by the windows. Some of us had steaks and Rita and I had the Pork Spareribs. Enough said about that! We sat and talked for quite awhile constantly looking out the windows, hoping the fog would clear and we would see the glowing lava from the volcano. We did not! We all decided to go swimming and hot tubbing again. After hot tubbing we decided to turn in at 11:15 PM. It was a great day, just 26 kilometers west of La Fortuna overlooking the lake and volcano.
We drove back the next morning stopping at the hotsprings and the Burger King, of course. We never did see the top of the volcano. Perhaps someday we will have the opportunity to try again.
Rig 6
John and Kathy
We are in the Belen Trailer Park near San Jose, Costa Rica. Many Caravaners enjoyed their time at the local market next door to the RV park. There was a large variety of fruits, vegetables, homemade cheese and a few meat stands. The vendors were very eager to give us samples and encouraged us to buy. We,of course, did buy and thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the market.
Later in the afternoon, LuAnn showed us how she braids and fringes her shirts. She is so talented and so are many of our artsy caravaners, who caught on real quick. It was a nice learning experience. Thanks LuAnn for sharing your ideas. The rest of the day is as follows, that some others did.
I woke up around 5:30AM and went on the internet to see what the weather report was for La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano area. Today it is supposed to be cloudy with sunny periods and clearing later, and clear tommorrow. It looks good! Ron, Pam and I are going in my truck and Lindsey, Rita and Fran are going in Rita`s van. We started off at 9:00 AM from the Belen Trailer Park. We drove Highway C1 to San Ramon, north through Angeles, La Tiagra, San Isdro, San Francisco finally arriving at La Fortuna. Our drive was through dense fog for about a half hour; a very windy road and very scenic country side when we could see it. We encountered lots of traffic on the road but this actually made driving in the fog much easier because you could follow their tailights. We drove west to the little town of El Castillo, suppossedly the best viewing area for the Arenal Volcano. We all decided on staying at the Observatory Lodge. We drove 9 kilometers over the worst pothole road that I have driven on for some time. We finally arrived at the gate and the guard told us that they were fully booked. We were extremely disapointed but turned around and drove back about 3 kilometers and up another road to Linda Vista del Norte Hotel. It was perched on a hill overlooking beautiful Lake Arenal and the active side of the volcano. There was a huge observatory type dining room overlooking the lake and volcano and a spectacular infinity swimming pool and hot tub. The rooms were average and that was fine. The amenities were first class. They had just two junior suites left so we decided to book them. We were not about to bounce over the road to look for something else. This was great! We all had lunch together by the window with a full view of the volcano, waiting, waiting, waiting for the fog to clear. It did not so we all decided to go into the swimming pool and the hot tub. It was great fun. After swimming and hot tubbing Ron, Rita, Lindsey and I walked up a mountain trail for about an hour. It was getting dark so we returned to our rooms to shower and get ready for dinner. We went for dinner and again had a very nice table by the windows. Some of us had steaks and Rita and I had the Pork Spareribs. Enough said about that! We sat and talked for quite awhile constantly looking out the windows, hoping the fog would clear and we would see the glowing lava from the volcano. We did not! We all decided to go swimming and hot tubbing again. After hot tubbing we decided to turn in at 11:15 PM. It was a great day, just 26 kilometers west of La Fortuna overlooking the lake and volcano.
We drove back the next morning stopping at the hotsprings and the Burger King, of course. We never did see the top of the volcano. Perhaps someday we will have the opportunity to try again.
Rig 6
John and Kathy
Day 37 - San Antonio de Belen, Costa Rica
February 16, 2010
Brian Fearon and Chris Crema – Rig #2
Day 37 – San Antonio de Belen
Today we had an early adventure that took us far from our ‘homes’… we traveled from Belen Trailer Park near San Jose, Costa Rica to the Caribbean Coast (Carib Mar). We departed at the early hour of 6:30 am (well at least we are going to stop for breakfast) to begin our trek (via THE GREEN MONSTER TOUR BUS) through the rainforest.
We bypassed the city traffic by going through San Isidro (a suburb of San Jose – actually where Bernardo, our tour guide, lives) - we stopped to photograph a beautiful church - stunningly white amongst the colorful community filled with rich colors of reds, blues, and greens. We soon began our climb upward toward the rainforest. The canopy was high above as we entered the amazing National Park of Braulio Carrillo (the first Rainforest National Park of Costa Rica). This park was first protected in 1972 (only 38 years ago) and has been on the mend back to a more pristine state ever since – truly an amazing accomplishment and tribute to the Costa Ricans awareness efforts. This is home to over five hundred thousand insects and more than 138 species of SNAKES… only 24 of them are poisonous, and a forest rich with hardwoods (tempting to the furniture industry, but now illegal to harvest).
After exiting the park, but still in the rain forest, we stopped for a local (Tipico) breakfast at a popular tour-bus location. If you didn’t try the tasty sauce (yellow green in color) on your “rice–n–beans with eggs” – it was a lot like a tomatillo sauce (not spicy) and it is called LIZANA SAUCE… it was very good (Chris picked up a bottle at the market).
We then headed through the Banana Groves (for both Chiquita and Del Monte cooperatives) – when we came to a sudden stop to see the Annatto Berry (the Lip Stick Tree) – which looked a lot like a Lichie nut to me. The berry/seeds inside turned out to be a decorative tool that the indigenous people used to paint their faces… Bob (our fearless leader) tested the berries – they really did make a brilliant orange/red stain on his face.
Soon we arrived at the river boat departure site and traveled with our river guides. Along the way we stopped to see a harem of Howler Monkeys, a few birds (including a leopard spotted heron), and a CROCODILE!!! The boat adventure thru the canals of Tortuguera brought us face to face with a lot the rain forest has to offer, especially since it was a beautiful sunny day – very rare here as they get around 250 inches of rain per year ! What a way to enjoy the fresh air and open space.
Upon our arrival for LUNCH at Mawamba Lodge, we were greeted with a refreshing GUAVA drink decorated with STAR FRUIT and all enjoyed an amazing spread of salads and entree’s – enough to fill the hardiest of appetites… the mushroom sauce was delicious. We then took a quick tour to the Caribe Mar (Caribbean Sea) to have a look at the Tortuguera National Park that is one of the most important nesting grounds of the Green Turtle (and recently the Leather-Back Turtle too). Here you can find over 300 species of birds, monkeys, frogs, tapirs, caimans and so much more… and not to be un-noticed are the beautiful Butterflies.
After our tour of the grounds we departed (via boat) for a 2 hour trip back to the “Green Monster” – but along the way we spotted a “rose colored spoon-billed crane” – a “Jesus Lizard” (it walks on water), and of course the “little soldiers” – sorry, I’m not much of a birder?!?! (But I am sure someone is impressed)
The highlights for sure were – Bob painting his face to resemble a jungle warrior of the “AVC Tribe”, two great meals, a gloriously beautiful boat ride and especially for me…seeing the crocodile!!! We truly had a great adventure.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 54 - Liberia, Costa Rica
Day 54 - Rig 2
5 March 2010 – Liberia Costa Rica
I love leisurely mornings. We convinced WM Bob to delay the Travel Brief until 10:30am so we could enjoy the wonderful beachside town of Jaco, Costa Rica. What a treat! Started with breakfast in the restaurant right next door to our campground (yes I did say campground – we actually had electricity) – This restaurant was really a happening spot in town – people lined up at the bar (cafeteria style) to pick their favorites and then paid at the cashier. We both ate for about 6 bucks including GREAT coffee (of course we had the obligatory rice and beans to accompany our breakfast). Brian then headed back to make sure the move out would be organized later that morning. I checked out the town, waited for the grocery store to open to pick up a couple of things for a Caravan party later next week, and ogled the pastries (too bad I just had a good breakfast). Well enough of this temptation - I decided to do some laundry since the campground actually had ‘laundry sinks’. The weather was perfect – not to hot or humid yet and the sunshine actually felt pretty good (maybe cuz I had my arms wet up to the elbows).
After the travel brief - and it was brief since we only had a map and some loose directions to go by; as this is the first time Adventure Caravans has traveled this route in many years. The groups reluctantly left our little beach town oasis of Jaco only to discover more beautiful coastlines and beach towns along the way up Highway 27. Spectacular vistas and even a bridge that overlooked a lagoon full of crocodiles (thanks Rita for the travel tidbit) made for a really fun and relaxing travel day.
Well we were in no hurry to get to Liberia – a truck stop fuel station for our overnight before the Nicaragua border. Seems like most of us came in to the station and fueled up with whatever Colones we had left in our wallet. And then some of us STILL had Colones left and had to hit the convenience store for junk food, beer and other “essentials”. Off to the border tomorrow – I wonder who will win this border pool??
Hoping for another great border (since most have been good) and another good day of ‘border weather’ – you know the slight overcast, cool mountain (or ocean breeze), and simple paper work… ooops that would be a Canadian Border.
Happy travels.
5 March 2010 – Liberia Costa Rica
I love leisurely mornings. We convinced WM Bob to delay the Travel Brief until 10:30am so we could enjoy the wonderful beachside town of Jaco, Costa Rica. What a treat! Started with breakfast in the restaurant right next door to our campground (yes I did say campground – we actually had electricity) – This restaurant was really a happening spot in town – people lined up at the bar (cafeteria style) to pick their favorites and then paid at the cashier. We both ate for about 6 bucks including GREAT coffee (of course we had the obligatory rice and beans to accompany our breakfast). Brian then headed back to make sure the move out would be organized later that morning. I checked out the town, waited for the grocery store to open to pick up a couple of things for a Caravan party later next week, and ogled the pastries (too bad I just had a good breakfast). Well enough of this temptation - I decided to do some laundry since the campground actually had ‘laundry sinks’. The weather was perfect – not to hot or humid yet and the sunshine actually felt pretty good (maybe cuz I had my arms wet up to the elbows).
After the travel brief - and it was brief since we only had a map and some loose directions to go by; as this is the first time Adventure Caravans has traveled this route in many years. The groups reluctantly left our little beach town oasis of Jaco only to discover more beautiful coastlines and beach towns along the way up Highway 27. Spectacular vistas and even a bridge that overlooked a lagoon full of crocodiles (thanks Rita for the travel tidbit) made for a really fun and relaxing travel day.
Well we were in no hurry to get to Liberia – a truck stop fuel station for our overnight before the Nicaragua border. Seems like most of us came in to the station and fueled up with whatever Colones we had left in our wallet. And then some of us STILL had Colones left and had to hit the convenience store for junk food, beer and other “essentials”. Off to the border tomorrow – I wonder who will win this border pool??
Hoping for another great border (since most have been good) and another good day of ‘border weather’ – you know the slight overcast, cool mountain (or ocean breeze), and simple paper work… ooops that would be a Canadian Border.
Happy travels.
Day 45 David to Santa Clara, Panama
February 24, 2010 Day 45
Travel Day From David to Santa Clara, Panama
We set off going West through attractive, hilly countryside, on a
reasonably fast, good road. Most memorable was a waterfall, about
200’ tall, high up on the hills on the left, which was in sight for
about a mile.
Then came the stops. At 30 miles, a police car was waiting by the
roadside. We were at the speed limit. A lorry decided to pass
us, despite the police and a double yellow line. It then belted on,
overtaking Rig 1, which was a good 200 yards ahead, over more double
yellow lines. The police soon caught up with the lorry and pulled
him over. We were stopped at a checkpoint at 60 miles, for our
papers and passports. We had a similar stop at 141 miles.
Many of the group stopped at one or several of a series of roadside
stalls selling beautiful beadwork necklaces and wristbands.
Similarly, many of the small rigs, us included, took a detour at
Nata, to admire the oldest church in Central America. It was a
large building, with 4 rows of wooden pillars. The carving was of
excellent quality, with lots of carved grapevines climbing
everywhere. The carved human figures had been dressed up with
beautiful clothes and the ceiling was beautiful wood planks.
At the XS Memories RV site, our host, Dennis fitted all of the units
in. The shower block was interesting, as they were outdoors, with
no doors. It is said that Rig 13 (Pam and Fran) had great views from
their camping spot!
RIG 11- Lindsay Stilwell.
Travel Day From David to Santa Clara, Panama
We set off going West through attractive, hilly countryside, on a
reasonably fast, good road. Most memorable was a waterfall, about
200’ tall, high up on the hills on the left, which was in sight for
about a mile.
Then came the stops. At 30 miles, a police car was waiting by the
roadside. We were at the speed limit. A lorry decided to pass
us, despite the police and a double yellow line. It then belted on,
overtaking Rig 1, which was a good 200 yards ahead, over more double
yellow lines. The police soon caught up with the lorry and pulled
him over. We were stopped at a checkpoint at 60 miles, for our
papers and passports. We had a similar stop at 141 miles.
Many of the group stopped at one or several of a series of roadside
stalls selling beautiful beadwork necklaces and wristbands.
Similarly, many of the small rigs, us included, took a detour at
Nata, to admire the oldest church in Central America. It was a
large building, with 4 rows of wooden pillars. The carving was of
excellent quality, with lots of carved grapevines climbing
everywhere. The carved human figures had been dressed up with
beautiful clothes and the ceiling was beautiful wood planks.
At the XS Memories RV site, our host, Dennis fitted all of the units
in. The shower block was interesting, as they were outdoors, with
no doors. It is said that Rig 13 (Pam and Fran) had great views from
their camping spot!
RIG 11- Lindsay Stilwell.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 53 - Jaco, Costa Rica
Day 53 (March 5) – Uvita to Jaco, Costa Rica
It was a little on the warm side last night. Probably because of the rain, jungle and ocean. It was almost a relief to get up and get away from the heat of sleeping. Some took advantage of an early morning walk on the beach but we headed out immediately after the Travel Brief to get a head start on finding the campground in Jaco and figuring out how Bob could park all us.
The drive was beautiful not quite the scenic beach views we had hoped for but the new road bypasses the small towns. We had good roads most of the way except for some road work and general rough roads. The first road we thought was the correct one led us to a dead end. We backed up about ¼ mile. Then we found a taxi and asked him to show us the way to the park. The park is a campground and is close to restaurants, shops and the beach. It does have water faucets and electric. No dump. WIFI was available but only in the shops, restaurants and Internet cafes. But the beach was wonderful.
Several of us took advantage of the beach then walked to the shops. Jaco is an up and coming city. Lots of real estate settlements, condos, and home sales. We hope for a cool, quiet and safe evening and late take off tomorrow which will allow us to enjoy the area before heading to our gas station campground tomorrow.
Rig #1, Bob and LuAnn
It was a little on the warm side last night. Probably because of the rain, jungle and ocean. It was almost a relief to get up and get away from the heat of sleeping. Some took advantage of an early morning walk on the beach but we headed out immediately after the Travel Brief to get a head start on finding the campground in Jaco and figuring out how Bob could park all us.
The drive was beautiful not quite the scenic beach views we had hoped for but the new road bypasses the small towns. We had good roads most of the way except for some road work and general rough roads. The first road we thought was the correct one led us to a dead end. We backed up about ¼ mile. Then we found a taxi and asked him to show us the way to the park. The park is a campground and is close to restaurants, shops and the beach. It does have water faucets and electric. No dump. WIFI was available but only in the shops, restaurants and Internet cafes. But the beach was wonderful.
Several of us took advantage of the beach then walked to the shops. Jaco is an up and coming city. Lots of real estate settlements, condos, and home sales. We hope for a cool, quiet and safe evening and late take off tomorrow which will allow us to enjoy the area before heading to our gas station campground tomorrow.
Rig #1, Bob and LuAnn
Day 52 - Uvita, Costa Rica
Day 52 (March 3) – Journey to Jaco, Costa Rica
The day started with me saying how nice and cool it was in our camper. Then I looked at the thermometer – only 78 degrees!!! A quick travel meeting and we were off to Costa Rica. It sure would be nice if they installed fans at the border buildings but alas, they haven't so everyone glistened from the heat. I've been trying to figure out why my fingernails are always dirty here – today I decided it must be all the housework I'm doing! The road after we crossed the border was narrow, patched patches and no shoulder to speak of. The no shoulder part didn't really matter because if anyone is walking or waiting, they will be on the white line even if the shoulder is six feet wide. The ride to Uvita was pleasant and uneventful. After parking we headed for the beach and came home with swim suit and swim shoes full of sand. After getting everything washed off and clothes hung up on the line, we settled in with our books. We barely sat down when the heavens opened and we returned inside to what became, after having to shut most windows, our own personal sauna at 94 degrees. We survived and are now wondering how on earth we are going to sleep.
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
The day started with me saying how nice and cool it was in our camper. Then I looked at the thermometer – only 78 degrees!!! A quick travel meeting and we were off to Costa Rica. It sure would be nice if they installed fans at the border buildings but alas, they haven't so everyone glistened from the heat. I've been trying to figure out why my fingernails are always dirty here – today I decided it must be all the housework I'm doing! The road after we crossed the border was narrow, patched patches and no shoulder to speak of. The no shoulder part didn't really matter because if anyone is walking or waiting, they will be on the white line even if the shoulder is six feet wide. The ride to Uvita was pleasant and uneventful. After parking we headed for the beach and came home with swim suit and swim shoes full of sand. After getting everything washed off and clothes hung up on the line, we settled in with our books. We barely sat down when the heavens opened and we returned inside to what became, after having to shut most windows, our own personal sauna at 94 degrees. We survived and are now wondering how on earth we are going to sleep.
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 51 - David, Panama
Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (Day 51) David, Panama
Travel Day – Santa Clara to David
A fairly uneventful day, woke up at 6:30 AM, temperature was 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Packed up the RV and headed out the campground at 8:45 AM while Rita and Lindsay were enjoying the pool for the last time before they headed out.
Thanked our host Denis and asked him if he minded that we were leaving with an RV full of his ants. His reply – “you can take them all”.
We stopped at the Do It Centre in Santiago to pick up a few things and “slaughter” a few dozen ants. A policeman boarded our rig at the police checkpoint to have a look around while the other checked our papers while we continued to get rid of more ants.
Fueled up in David, just prior to parking at the PriceSmart and again took care our ants. I went to do a bit of shopping while Duncan “slaughtered” our ants.
Finished off the evening by having a light supper at PriceSmart, killing a few ants, watching a movie, killing a few more ant and finally hitting the sack in order to do it all over again tomorrow.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Travel Day – Santa Clara to David
A fairly uneventful day, woke up at 6:30 AM, temperature was 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Packed up the RV and headed out the campground at 8:45 AM while Rita and Lindsay were enjoying the pool for the last time before they headed out.
Thanked our host Denis and asked him if he minded that we were leaving with an RV full of his ants. His reply – “you can take them all”.
We stopped at the Do It Centre in Santiago to pick up a few things and “slaughter” a few dozen ants. A policeman boarded our rig at the police checkpoint to have a look around while the other checked our papers while we continued to get rid of more ants.
Fueled up in David, just prior to parking at the PriceSmart and again took care our ants. I went to do a bit of shopping while Duncan “slaughtered” our ants.
Finished off the evening by having a light supper at PriceSmart, killing a few ants, watching a movie, killing a few more ant and finally hitting the sack in order to do it all over again tomorrow.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Days 46, 48 & 50 - Santa Clara, Panama
Day 46, Santa Clara, free day.
A day to spend as you please. Some of us went to the beach and swam in the Pacific Ocean while others worked on their rigs. We walked over a mile to the beach and dispite the fact the sun was clouded over, it turned out to be a nice day. It was nice to have water and electricity and a real RV park with a restaurant. Later that night we had an American dinner of a cheeseburger, potato salad and slaw. Quite good. We were entertained by a group of young children under 12 doing native dances. They were very good and very colorful. Many of us donated to their school. It was a good day.
Clif and Joan #12
February 25, 2010
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2010 DAY 48
We spent the night in The Country Inn Hotel in the Eldorado district of Panama City, Panama so we began today with a hotel breakfast that was quite extensive which means it had some items that we identified with and others i.e. Panamanian tortillas that were new to us.
The bus and our guide T.O. arrived at 8:00 to take us to the canal for a boat ride through the two sets of locks on the Pacific side. The boat has a 300 passenger capacity that was full today so T.O. got us an early start so we could get the primo seating on the enclosed and air conditioned deck which turned out to be a wonderful idea when the sun came out and later when we encountered a heavy rain shower.
We boarded the boat Pacific Queen in Gamboa and headed for the Pedro Miguel Locks while an on board guide gave a running commentary about the canal and the construction of the new locks that are scheduled for 2014 operation, however, most of the information we had learned yesterday. We had lunch on the boat (chicken and rice) just as we were entering the first locks which were not the greatest timing but we all got fed and managed to enjoy the sensation of dropping the one foot per minute as the water evacuated the chamber. I thought an interesting fact the guide gave us was that when the canal was built in 1914 construction with concrete was a new thing and because the engineers did not know how to determine the correct amount of cement to use for the canal they made the chamber walls 55 feet thick. As we processed through the second set of locks, the Miraflores Locks, down to sea level everyone gathered on the bow of the boat for a photo op of the birds gathering in the fresh water fish as they die when they encounter the salt water of the Pacific just when the heavens opened up with a very healthy down pour getting many people VERY wet. The boat continued on out into the Pacific to Flamenco Marina where we disembarked and boarded our bus for the YMCA.
The YMCA (the old YMCA building of the U.S. occupation now turned into to an artesian market) was a huge display of “local” crafts giving us yet another opportunity to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
Then it was back to The Country Inn for everyone to fend for themselves for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and then get ready for a busy day tomorrow.
Rig #14, Barb and Ron
Day 50 (March 1) – Santa Clara, Panama
FREE DAY – About 18 people went off on a small tour to a neighboring town in the mountains. The rest of us that stayed behind did laundry; went to the beach; walked around the neighborhood and lounged around the pool. Very peaceful. We had a “pot-luck” supper that evening around 6 pm. Great food and great company. It was Bill and Gerry's 51st wedding anniversary so cards were given and they had to wear the crowns. After clean-up Ron Schatz brought out his electric guitar and with Brian accompanying him we all sang a variety of music. Ron and Brian did an awesome job. Everyone sang and enjoyed themselves. Towards the end Ed and Sharon got up and danced. It was a great way to begin the journey home.
Rig #16, Pete and Wendy
A day to spend as you please. Some of us went to the beach and swam in the Pacific Ocean while others worked on their rigs. We walked over a mile to the beach and dispite the fact the sun was clouded over, it turned out to be a nice day. It was nice to have water and electricity and a real RV park with a restaurant. Later that night we had an American dinner of a cheeseburger, potato salad and slaw. Quite good. We were entertained by a group of young children under 12 doing native dances. They were very good and very colorful. Many of us donated to their school. It was a good day.
Clif and Joan #12
February 25, 2010
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27, 2010 DAY 48
We spent the night in The Country Inn Hotel in the Eldorado district of Panama City, Panama so we began today with a hotel breakfast that was quite extensive which means it had some items that we identified with and others i.e. Panamanian tortillas that were new to us.
The bus and our guide T.O. arrived at 8:00 to take us to the canal for a boat ride through the two sets of locks on the Pacific side. The boat has a 300 passenger capacity that was full today so T.O. got us an early start so we could get the primo seating on the enclosed and air conditioned deck which turned out to be a wonderful idea when the sun came out and later when we encountered a heavy rain shower.
We boarded the boat Pacific Queen in Gamboa and headed for the Pedro Miguel Locks while an on board guide gave a running commentary about the canal and the construction of the new locks that are scheduled for 2014 operation, however, most of the information we had learned yesterday. We had lunch on the boat (chicken and rice) just as we were entering the first locks which were not the greatest timing but we all got fed and managed to enjoy the sensation of dropping the one foot per minute as the water evacuated the chamber. I thought an interesting fact the guide gave us was that when the canal was built in 1914 construction with concrete was a new thing and because the engineers did not know how to determine the correct amount of cement to use for the canal they made the chamber walls 55 feet thick. As we processed through the second set of locks, the Miraflores Locks, down to sea level everyone gathered on the bow of the boat for a photo op of the birds gathering in the fresh water fish as they die when they encounter the salt water of the Pacific just when the heavens opened up with a very healthy down pour getting many people VERY wet. The boat continued on out into the Pacific to Flamenco Marina where we disembarked and boarded our bus for the YMCA.
The YMCA (the old YMCA building of the U.S. occupation now turned into to an artesian market) was a huge display of “local” crafts giving us yet another opportunity to purchase gifts and souvenirs.
Then it was back to The Country Inn for everyone to fend for themselves for dinner at one of the nearby restaurants and then get ready for a busy day tomorrow.
Rig #14, Barb and Ron
Day 50 (March 1) – Santa Clara, Panama
FREE DAY – About 18 people went off on a small tour to a neighboring town in the mountains. The rest of us that stayed behind did laundry; went to the beach; walked around the neighborhood and lounged around the pool. Very peaceful. We had a “pot-luck” supper that evening around 6 pm. Great food and great company. It was Bill and Gerry's 51st wedding anniversary so cards were given and they had to wear the crowns. After clean-up Ron Schatz brought out his electric guitar and with Brian accompanying him we all sang a variety of music. Ron and Brian did an awesome job. Everyone sang and enjoyed themselves. Towards the end Ed and Sharon got up and danced. It was a great way to begin the journey home.
Rig #16, Pete and Wendy
Day 44 - David, Panama
February 23, Day 44, Rig 10
David, Panama
We left San Isidro Costa Rico at 7:30 A.M.
The sun pops up quickly this far south. It's another beautiful day as we head toward the Panama border. School children line the road. They are always so neat in their uniforms with hair brushed and combed.
Pineapple fields line both sides of the road as far as one can see. There are papaya plantations also. The pineapple fields are a unique dark blue green color. We follow the very picturesque river General L. River for 30 miles. It is a very beautiful drive as the river spreads out it is very wide but looks shallow with some rapids.
We get in line at a Texaco Station to head toward the border. But when we arrive at the border there is the usual mass confusion and we are parked at random. The weather is hot and humid. There is the usual wait as the vehicle owner is called and then the passengers. Then we wait some more. Finally we are cleared to go.
We go through fumigation and head south. But we are stopped for inspection and are told we do not have the proper papers. So "Andy", a border inspector, got on board and we did a returno to go back to the border to obtain the proper papers. Number 11 must also return and #2 went with us. All of the confusion was straightened out and we are on our way. The border inspectors waved us on and wished us well.
We were almost to our parking area when we passed # 5. They had a blow out but all was fixed.
We are parked in front of a Price Smart store and have permission to shop. The first item we spot are the folding chairs. We buy 3 and return our borrowed ones.
It seems like the entire town is driving by and looking at our rigs. They are all friendly with big smiles and waves.
We had happy hour around our motorhome with lots of stories and laughter. Ron ordered a huge pizza. Dan and Miriam endured lots of comments on their purchase of whipping cream. They are good sports.
Another adventuresome day for Adventure Caravan.
Rig # 10
Bill and Gerry
David, Panama
We left San Isidro Costa Rico at 7:30 A.M.
The sun pops up quickly this far south. It's another beautiful day as we head toward the Panama border. School children line the road. They are always so neat in their uniforms with hair brushed and combed.
Pineapple fields line both sides of the road as far as one can see. There are papaya plantations also. The pineapple fields are a unique dark blue green color. We follow the very picturesque river General L. River for 30 miles. It is a very beautiful drive as the river spreads out it is very wide but looks shallow with some rapids.
We get in line at a Texaco Station to head toward the border. But when we arrive at the border there is the usual mass confusion and we are parked at random. The weather is hot and humid. There is the usual wait as the vehicle owner is called and then the passengers. Then we wait some more. Finally we are cleared to go.
We go through fumigation and head south. But we are stopped for inspection and are told we do not have the proper papers. So "Andy", a border inspector, got on board and we did a returno to go back to the border to obtain the proper papers. Number 11 must also return and #2 went with us. All of the confusion was straightened out and we are on our way. The border inspectors waved us on and wished us well.
We were almost to our parking area when we passed # 5. They had a blow out but all was fixed.
We are parked in front of a Price Smart store and have permission to shop. The first item we spot are the folding chairs. We buy 3 and return our borrowed ones.
It seems like the entire town is driving by and looking at our rigs. They are all friendly with big smiles and waves.
We had happy hour around our motorhome with lots of stories and laughter. Ron ordered a huge pizza. Dan and Miriam endured lots of comments on their purchase of whipping cream. They are good sports.
Another adventuresome day for Adventure Caravan.
Rig # 10
Bill and Gerry
Days 42 & 43 - San Isidro de General, Costa Rica
Day 42 – San Isidro de El General
We left San Jose (Belen Trailer Park at 8 h 00 am.
It was a sunday morning and to pass the city of San Jose it went well.
At mileage 26 we began climbing the mountain up to 11 050 feet.
The scenery was spectacular and the weather was good, clear sky without clouds at the beginning.
In the middle of the climb there was a check point by the police.
They asked for our passports and the paper for the car, then the trouble began, as I am the owner of the vehicule (Pauline) and Rene is the driver, but for that policeman Rene was not authorized to drive, I had to drive, I said that I was not able to drive that vehicule, he asked then for my driver’s license and as it was in order he said that it was me to drive the car, not Rene. Brian tried to make him understand that I was the owner and Rene my “chauffeur” but there was no way he let us go like this.
So it was for the first time I drove the RV and about 1 mile after, when we were out of the police sight, I saw a pullout and then we exchange place again. I did not want to drive on those mountains.
At the beginning of the afternoon we arrived at destination in San Isidro de El General and we parked on the Soccer Field at the Hotel Del Sur. Very nice place with a swimming pool and it was really refreshing.
Near by the hotel there was the fairgrounds and it was the last day of the fair. So lot of people and we had music until 2 H am
Pauline and Rene Rig 8
Day 43 Monday February 22th 2010
Free day
It was a hot and sunny day in thr morning. When René waked up he noticed that one of his sandall was gone. A dog tooked it
Some when at the mall on the other side of the street, during other learned to do scarf with differents colors balls.
During the afternoon many person went to the pool. It rained pour about one hour.
A real lazy day.
Pauline and Alain Rig 9
We left San Jose (Belen Trailer Park at 8 h 00 am.
It was a sunday morning and to pass the city of San Jose it went well.
At mileage 26 we began climbing the mountain up to 11 050 feet.
The scenery was spectacular and the weather was good, clear sky without clouds at the beginning.
In the middle of the climb there was a check point by the police.
They asked for our passports and the paper for the car, then the trouble began, as I am the owner of the vehicule (Pauline) and Rene is the driver, but for that policeman Rene was not authorized to drive, I had to drive, I said that I was not able to drive that vehicule, he asked then for my driver’s license and as it was in order he said that it was me to drive the car, not Rene. Brian tried to make him understand that I was the owner and Rene my “chauffeur” but there was no way he let us go like this.
So it was for the first time I drove the RV and about 1 mile after, when we were out of the police sight, I saw a pullout and then we exchange place again. I did not want to drive on those mountains.
At the beginning of the afternoon we arrived at destination in San Isidro de El General and we parked on the Soccer Field at the Hotel Del Sur. Very nice place with a swimming pool and it was really refreshing.
Near by the hotel there was the fairgrounds and it was the last day of the fair. So lot of people and we had music until 2 H am
Pauline and Rene Rig 8
Day 43 Monday February 22th 2010
Free day
It was a hot and sunny day in thr morning. When René waked up he noticed that one of his sandall was gone. A dog tooked it
Some when at the mall on the other side of the street, during other learned to do scarf with differents colors balls.
During the afternoon many person went to the pool. It rained pour about one hour.
A real lazy day.
Pauline and Alain Rig 9
Days 38, 39 and 41 - San Jose, Costa Rica
February 17, Day 38: Belen (San Jose), Costa Rica
Today was a tour day. We caught the bus at 8 and went to downtown San Jose. First stop was the National Theater. The theater was started in 1890 and completed in 1897. Initially funded by coffee plantation families, final funding was by the government. It is very ornate with marble statues and stairways, parquet floors, and gold gilt trim throughout. There are paintings on the ceilings many done by Italian artists. It is one of 3 theaters that has a main floor that can be raised and lowered, and in order to light the many lights within, the theater caused San Jose to be the third city in the world to have electricity (after New York and Paris).
Our next stop was the Museum. We toured only the sections that displayed the pre-colombian aspects of Costa Rican history, showing the burial, pottery, and lifestyles of those early peoples. Many gold artifacts were on display as well as several of the granite balls that have been found, but never well explained.
We drove east out of the city and followed the main highway through the rain forest park. At the other side is located a private park that has gondola rides, zip line rides, walking trails, and the expected gift shop and restaurant. We had a buffet lunch and then boarded the gondolas for a ride. The ride lasted an hour and 20 minutes. The first half followed a “low” route and the return trip followed a “high” route. A guide went with each gondola to tell about the flora and fauna seen. This was a rain forest ride in the true sense as it was pouring rain the entire time and no one escaped without getting seriously wet. A few adventurous souls took a walk in the pouring rain after the ride.
To head back, you normally take small buses back to the highway where our tour bus awaited. However, with all of the heavy rain, the road was now overrun by a stream. This required us to ride a minibus to the stream and then get out and follow a trail to a suspension bridge over the stream and then on to an awaiting minibus on the opposite stream side. It was still raining, of course, so we got wetter, if that was possible.
We drove back to camp, stopping at a Pali’ store for a grocery run along the way, and arrived back around 6.
Mike & Pat, Rig 4
Day 39 Costa Rica “Highlights Tour”, Rig #5
Today is hump day – this the halfway mark of the tour! Can you believe it!
Another day of ups and downs, twists and turns, bumps and grinds as we traveled up the mountain (like the three billy goats) to the Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas National Park, Poas Volcano and the Lapaz Waterfall Gardens. It’s been a tough three days for those with queasy travel tummies. Kudos to those folks! Also kudos to tour driver, Manuel, who has delivered us home safely each day in spite of the challenging road conditions and wet weather. Today was the first time I got to go to the back of the bus – and what a steep climb that was!
The aroma of roasted coffee and a taste of ice coffee drew us into the coffee plantation where we were told the story of the coffee bean, from seedling to the fragrant roasted coffee on the store shelf. I appreciate my coffee more now that I know it takes four years before a coffee plant blooms and produces a coffee red bean, but then it is a long producer, producing for some 100 years. All beans are hand picked by mostly migrant workers from Nicaragua. A good picker can pick twenty, twenty-five pound baskets daily receiving $1.50 for each basket. Once picked the beans are sorted in a vat of water where the good quality beans sink while the poor quality beans float. After sorting the beans are peeled by squeezing the beans through a cylinder. Finally the beans are air dried outside for a week on the concrete where workers continually rake the beans into rows ever watchful of the weather so the precious beans don’t get wet. Then they are dried inside for another week before bagging. The beans are shipped and exported without roasting. Starbuck buys 60% of Doka coffee and Jean Pierre feels Starbuck’s charges far too much for this Costa Rican coffee. Following the tour we enjoyed the beautiful gardens with hydrangeas, trumpet flowers among others and a sample of the coffee.
Unfortunately as we climbed the mountain we also climbed into the clouds obstructing our view, but fortunately Jean Pierre was there to remind us to simply enjoy the cloud forest so we took more photos of the poor man’s umbrellas. Unfortunately we were unable to see the Paos Volcano, fortunately that meant some could shop in the souvenir shop for toucan planters. Unfortunately our driver Manuel had a difficult time maneuvering the bus around a hairpin turn, fortunately we were there to pile into the back of the bus to redistribute the weight and away we go. Unfortunately the rain continued with no sun in sight, fortunately we had a delicious buffet including the pizza Ed has been craving for days. Unfortunately we couldn’t walk to the falls and see the butterflies, cats, snakes and frogs too. Fortunately we split up, each took a camera and shared our pictures later. Unfortunately we had to leave before we had seen all we wanted to see. Fortunately we saw a complete rainbow, which Luann says is a good omen. What a way to start a new adventure tomorrow.
Day 41 (February 20) – Free Day in Belen, Costa Rica
Another free day. A welcome change from traveling. From my motorhome window I watch the activity. Gail is hanging up her wash. Joan is loading the washing machine. Someone's sitting at the table already busy at their computer. Duncan is wandering around. Bob and Brian are studying a map. Wendy's off with her loaded backpack. Pete's already working on his rig. What a busy bunch.
A group went to town for shopping and sightseeing. Some walked to the local store and mall. Six of us are at the Arenal Volcano. We're waiting for them to come back and tell us about their adventures.
It's a wonderful to have a day to just relax, catch up on everything we need to do and get ready for tomorrow's journey, DEATH HILL.
Rig # 7, Miriam and Dan
Today was a tour day. We caught the bus at 8 and went to downtown San Jose. First stop was the National Theater. The theater was started in 1890 and completed in 1897. Initially funded by coffee plantation families, final funding was by the government. It is very ornate with marble statues and stairways, parquet floors, and gold gilt trim throughout. There are paintings on the ceilings many done by Italian artists. It is one of 3 theaters that has a main floor that can be raised and lowered, and in order to light the many lights within, the theater caused San Jose to be the third city in the world to have electricity (after New York and Paris).
Our next stop was the Museum. We toured only the sections that displayed the pre-colombian aspects of Costa Rican history, showing the burial, pottery, and lifestyles of those early peoples. Many gold artifacts were on display as well as several of the granite balls that have been found, but never well explained.
We drove east out of the city and followed the main highway through the rain forest park. At the other side is located a private park that has gondola rides, zip line rides, walking trails, and the expected gift shop and restaurant. We had a buffet lunch and then boarded the gondolas for a ride. The ride lasted an hour and 20 minutes. The first half followed a “low” route and the return trip followed a “high” route. A guide went with each gondola to tell about the flora and fauna seen. This was a rain forest ride in the true sense as it was pouring rain the entire time and no one escaped without getting seriously wet. A few adventurous souls took a walk in the pouring rain after the ride.
To head back, you normally take small buses back to the highway where our tour bus awaited. However, with all of the heavy rain, the road was now overrun by a stream. This required us to ride a minibus to the stream and then get out and follow a trail to a suspension bridge over the stream and then on to an awaiting minibus on the opposite stream side. It was still raining, of course, so we got wetter, if that was possible.
We drove back to camp, stopping at a Pali’ store for a grocery run along the way, and arrived back around 6.
Mike & Pat, Rig 4
Day 39 Costa Rica “Highlights Tour”, Rig #5
Today is hump day – this the halfway mark of the tour! Can you believe it!
Another day of ups and downs, twists and turns, bumps and grinds as we traveled up the mountain (like the three billy goats) to the Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas National Park, Poas Volcano and the Lapaz Waterfall Gardens. It’s been a tough three days for those with queasy travel tummies. Kudos to those folks! Also kudos to tour driver, Manuel, who has delivered us home safely each day in spite of the challenging road conditions and wet weather. Today was the first time I got to go to the back of the bus – and what a steep climb that was!
The aroma of roasted coffee and a taste of ice coffee drew us into the coffee plantation where we were told the story of the coffee bean, from seedling to the fragrant roasted coffee on the store shelf. I appreciate my coffee more now that I know it takes four years before a coffee plant blooms and produces a coffee red bean, but then it is a long producer, producing for some 100 years. All beans are hand picked by mostly migrant workers from Nicaragua. A good picker can pick twenty, twenty-five pound baskets daily receiving $1.50 for each basket. Once picked the beans are sorted in a vat of water where the good quality beans sink while the poor quality beans float. After sorting the beans are peeled by squeezing the beans through a cylinder. Finally the beans are air dried outside for a week on the concrete where workers continually rake the beans into rows ever watchful of the weather so the precious beans don’t get wet. Then they are dried inside for another week before bagging. The beans are shipped and exported without roasting. Starbuck buys 60% of Doka coffee and Jean Pierre feels Starbuck’s charges far too much for this Costa Rican coffee. Following the tour we enjoyed the beautiful gardens with hydrangeas, trumpet flowers among others and a sample of the coffee.
Unfortunately as we climbed the mountain we also climbed into the clouds obstructing our view, but fortunately Jean Pierre was there to remind us to simply enjoy the cloud forest so we took more photos of the poor man’s umbrellas. Unfortunately we were unable to see the Paos Volcano, fortunately that meant some could shop in the souvenir shop for toucan planters. Unfortunately our driver Manuel had a difficult time maneuvering the bus around a hairpin turn, fortunately we were there to pile into the back of the bus to redistribute the weight and away we go. Unfortunately the rain continued with no sun in sight, fortunately we had a delicious buffet including the pizza Ed has been craving for days. Unfortunately we couldn’t walk to the falls and see the butterflies, cats, snakes and frogs too. Fortunately we split up, each took a camera and shared our pictures later. Unfortunately we had to leave before we had seen all we wanted to see. Fortunately we saw a complete rainbow, which Luann says is a good omen. What a way to start a new adventure tomorrow.
Day 41 (February 20) – Free Day in Belen, Costa Rica
Another free day. A welcome change from traveling. From my motorhome window I watch the activity. Gail is hanging up her wash. Joan is loading the washing machine. Someone's sitting at the table already busy at their computer. Duncan is wandering around. Bob and Brian are studying a map. Wendy's off with her loaded backpack. Pete's already working on his rig. What a busy bunch.
A group went to town for shopping and sightseeing. Some walked to the local store and mall. Six of us are at the Arenal Volcano. We're waiting for them to come back and tell us about their adventures.
It's a wonderful to have a day to just relax, catch up on everything we need to do and get ready for tomorrow's journey, DEATH HILL.
Rig # 7, Miriam and Dan
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Days 35 & 36 - Liberia to San Jose and Free Day
Day 35 (February 14) – Liberia to San Jose
Valentines Day! Chris & LuAnn gave each a little valentine surprise which I thought very sweet (no pun intended). It was downright cool – only 78 degrees in our camper – windy and high clouds. On the road at 8:30 for another beautiful drive. Only saw 4 goats but the usual horses, cattle, hay fields. What wasn't so usual were the canals for the rice fields. So far it is almost garbage free. There are lots of lovely homes, some with sprinklers on their lawns. On the outskirts of some towns were tin shacks but they were clean. The flowering trees in all their pinks, yellow and orange add so much to the rolling hills. We stopped for a milkshake, which was delicious. Leaving there we got behind a small truck loaded with watermelon and patiently followed up, down, until finally Tim could see a long way so passed him and there was a cop at the bottom of the hill. He motioned for us to slow down, or so we thought. Next thing his car is beside us telling us to pull over. Three infractions – crossing a double solid line, speeding and not stopping. Mike was kind enough to help us with the language. If he gave us a ticket it would be $120 US and lose Tim's license for 44 hours or he would be ever so kind and not give a ticket for only $25 US. Of course we donated to his personal charity – his pocket. We noticed after that there is a large police presence everywhere. As we continued we came to a downhill curve this sign said “40K”. Then flipped on its side freight truck, the driver obviously couldn't read!! There were a lot of Harley motorcycles heading the other direction and some of them waved. Shocking because they seldom wave at home. Going up and down the view was often beautiful with houses and farms right up the mountain side and than a peek at the Pacific Ocean. The summit was 3,852 feet. We arrived at the RV park at 12:50. Quite nice. Once settled, I did my load of laundry, gabbed and slept the afternoon away. At happy hour Bob and LuAnn were put on the hot seat about changes in our itinerary. Once they explained, I for one was happy. After we went for pizza with Pete and Wendy. Good food, good company – what more can you ask for. It did feel strange putting a jacket on but the other side of that meant everyone should sleep well. And last but not least, thank you Ed and Sharon for our new fridge!!!!
Tim broke his sunglasses today and Gail lost hers!!
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 36 (February 15) San Jose/Belen
Today is our first full day in San Antonio de Belen, a suburb of San Jose. The weather is perfect. Low temperatures and low humidity. We really can't complain about the heat since this year is significantly cooler than previous years. We have a real campground with a washing machine, showers, bathrooms, sewers, water, electric, and security.
The washing machine schedule established by a lottery system has been busy since our arrival yesterday. Most people are busy cleaning, straightening and doing laundry. Rita, Lindsay and Fran headed off to the Pacific Coast for a day at the beach. Some are taking advantage of WIFI. We are busy researching optional tours for San Jose and future stops.
#1, Bob and LuAnn
Valentines Day! Chris & LuAnn gave each a little valentine surprise which I thought very sweet (no pun intended). It was downright cool – only 78 degrees in our camper – windy and high clouds. On the road at 8:30 for another beautiful drive. Only saw 4 goats but the usual horses, cattle, hay fields. What wasn't so usual were the canals for the rice fields. So far it is almost garbage free. There are lots of lovely homes, some with sprinklers on their lawns. On the outskirts of some towns were tin shacks but they were clean. The flowering trees in all their pinks, yellow and orange add so much to the rolling hills. We stopped for a milkshake, which was delicious. Leaving there we got behind a small truck loaded with watermelon and patiently followed up, down, until finally Tim could see a long way so passed him and there was a cop at the bottom of the hill. He motioned for us to slow down, or so we thought. Next thing his car is beside us telling us to pull over. Three infractions – crossing a double solid line, speeding and not stopping. Mike was kind enough to help us with the language. If he gave us a ticket it would be $120 US and lose Tim's license for 44 hours or he would be ever so kind and not give a ticket for only $25 US. Of course we donated to his personal charity – his pocket. We noticed after that there is a large police presence everywhere. As we continued we came to a downhill curve this sign said “40K”. Then flipped on its side freight truck, the driver obviously couldn't read!! There were a lot of Harley motorcycles heading the other direction and some of them waved. Shocking because they seldom wave at home. Going up and down the view was often beautiful with houses and farms right up the mountain side and than a peek at the Pacific Ocean. The summit was 3,852 feet. We arrived at the RV park at 12:50. Quite nice. Once settled, I did my load of laundry, gabbed and slept the afternoon away. At happy hour Bob and LuAnn were put on the hot seat about changes in our itinerary. Once they explained, I for one was happy. After we went for pizza with Pete and Wendy. Good food, good company – what more can you ask for. It did feel strange putting a jacket on but the other side of that meant everyone should sleep well. And last but not least, thank you Ed and Sharon for our new fridge!!!!
Tim broke his sunglasses today and Gail lost hers!!
Rig #18, Gail and Tim
Day 36 (February 15) San Jose/Belen
Today is our first full day in San Antonio de Belen, a suburb of San Jose. The weather is perfect. Low temperatures and low humidity. We really can't complain about the heat since this year is significantly cooler than previous years. We have a real campground with a washing machine, showers, bathrooms, sewers, water, electric, and security.
The washing machine schedule established by a lottery system has been busy since our arrival yesterday. Most people are busy cleaning, straightening and doing laundry. Rita, Lindsay and Fran headed off to the Pacific Coast for a day at the beach. Some are taking advantage of WIFI. We are busy researching optional tours for San Jose and future stops.
#1, Bob and LuAnn
Day 34 - Liberia, Costa Rica
Wednesday, February 13, 2010 (Day 34) Liberia, Costa Rica
Travel Day - Nicaragua/Costa Rica Border Crossing
At 6:30 AM we headed out in rig number order, as this was a border-crossing day. Temperature at this time was 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit. During our 3-hour drive we came upon a windmill farm that was just being established. We were also able to view the west side of Lake Nicaragua and the Conception and Maderas Volcanoes.
As we approached the border we noted that commercial trucks were backed up
4 kilometers or 2.5 miles from the border. Fortunately, we passed them all and proceeded to the Nicaraguan border where our leaders did their magic in order for us to exit Nicaragua, enter Costa Rica and purchase our vehicle insurance. We waited patiently where we had the time to watch 3 movies in our air-conditioned rig, seeing that the outside temperature had soared to 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first several miles of road in Costa Rica were extremely curvy but eventually straightened out. We were able to see a good portion of Cacao Volcano as the peak was covered with clouds.
We arrived at our destination just prior to sunset and decided to grab a bit to eat at the little restaurant adjacent to the gas station where we were parked. A couple of us order a local dish called “Gallos” where you had a choice of chicken, meat or sausage. The meal consisted of two tortillas, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and the meat we’d ordered. Overall, it was not too bad.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Travel Day - Nicaragua/Costa Rica Border Crossing
At 6:30 AM we headed out in rig number order, as this was a border-crossing day. Temperature at this time was 26 degrees Celsius or 79 degrees Fahrenheit. During our 3-hour drive we came upon a windmill farm that was just being established. We were also able to view the west side of Lake Nicaragua and the Conception and Maderas Volcanoes.
As we approached the border we noted that commercial trucks were backed up
4 kilometers or 2.5 miles from the border. Fortunately, we passed them all and proceeded to the Nicaraguan border where our leaders did their magic in order for us to exit Nicaragua, enter Costa Rica and purchase our vehicle insurance. We waited patiently where we had the time to watch 3 movies in our air-conditioned rig, seeing that the outside temperature had soared to 38 degrees Celsius or 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
The first several miles of road in Costa Rica were extremely curvy but eventually straightened out. We were able to see a good portion of Cacao Volcano as the peak was covered with clouds.
We arrived at our destination just prior to sunset and decided to grab a bit to eat at the little restaurant adjacent to the gas station where we were parked. A couple of us order a local dish called “Gallos” where you had a choice of chicken, meat or sausage. The meal consisted of two tortillas, tomatoes, lettuce, carrots and the meat we’d ordered. Overall, it was not too bad.
Duncan and Rita, Rig #17
Days 30, 31 & 33 - Granada, Nicaragua
Day 30 (February 9) – To Granada we be
On the day to depart for Granada I see
An oxen in the field next to me
He's plowing the tobacco fine
High and Low it does grow
School children all dressed alike
In uniforms of navy and white
Horse and cart with solid wood wheels
School kids atop the old wood cart
Can you believe rice fields I see
Veggies at road side piled so high
Looked fresh and nice
Iguanas for sale as he's held by the tail
Down by the river side she's washing her clothes.
A lady under a tree reaching so high
Her pole to the sky
What might she get
Something to eat I bet
A village of hammocks we passed through
He's twisting the twine as his wheel spins around
All colors and shapes look so great
But don't be misled it might dump you on your head
Two or three times we see mattress piled high
Maybe to the sky in colors so bright
It'll give you a fright
Let's go to the city by horse and buggy
It starts out slow all in a row
Horse goes along not minding us at all
The heat we can't beat so smile and enjoy
This city of history
Leave us at the park a drink to enjoy
That's all we need to clear our head.
So we each make our way to Playa
The beach at our doorstep today.
Rig #13
Day 31 Wednesday February 10, 2010
We are in Granada, Nicaragua, parked on the shore of Lake Nicaragua with the smaller rigs parked right on the beach and larger ones across the street. It’s a beautiful view with big trees and sometimes horses, cows and the occasional net fishermen can be seen. We have horses, cows and dogs that wonder up and down the street mixed amongst the traffic ranging from horse drawn carts carrying almost anything to autos, motorcycles, bicycles and the ever present people walking and others selling their wares. We have small lake front restaurants all around us but, up until now, no one has tried any of them to know how they are.
We left the camp area about 8:30 in 2 buses for a 45 minute ride to Masaya Volcano (a Federal Park) passing large areas of old lava from a 1700s eruption once inside the park. The volcano is comprised of five caldrons but only one is still active, it last erupted about 60 years ago, today the active crater puts forth a goodly volume of sulfur smelling steam that, fortunately for us, today the wind carried the rotten egg smell away from us. We climbed 177 steps up to a high vantage point where a Christian Cross was first put on this hill overlooking the crater in the 1500’s and has been replaced several times. . Following the look at the crater and lots of pictures we made a stop at a very well done museum with our guides giving us a good explanation of the exhibits that primarily addressed the reasons that this and other volcanoes existed in the area.
We then took a bus ride around the city of Managua the capital of Nicaragua. The city is divided into 2 major sections; the old and the new but to my eyes not very much of it was a part of the 21st century.
Adventure bought lunch that was pretty good but the one server (not Chris, who by the way did the most serving) had a heck of a time figuring out how many chicken meals he needed, however, on about his 6 th or 7th count he finally got everyone a meal. We then went to the city market with lots of booths with lots of tourist junk and another area for food staples. From there we went to a super market, a lot more user friendly to us, to stock up on all the stuff we needed rum, beer, rum, beer and more beer. We were back to the rigs at about 5:00 and everyone did their own thing for dinner and the evening, primarily sitting outside of the rigs to stay cool (it had been at sunny 90 degree and muggy day) and watching the people watch us.
Our guide gave us some fun facts about Nicaragua as we rode between stops:
Nicaragua is the largest of the 5 Central American countries with a total population of 6,500,000 with slightly more than 1,00,000 living in Managua
The average office/factory worker earns about $150.00 U.S. monthly but the farmers and small town people who are employed (unemployment is 40%) earn about half that much.
School is mandatory and free through 12th grade, however, all school children are required to wear white shirts and blue pants or skirts (the national colors), in secondary school the students are required to provide their own books. University is available for a fee but federal scholarships are available for the gifted.
Most cities have no street names or numbers but the mail DOES get delivered. Directions are usually given by landmarks because of this.
The national flower is JACUANIOCHE know to us PLUMERIA
Day 33 (February 12) – Granada Free Day
Everyone's FREE DAY. Small group of people met with a fellow named Dave from Edmonton, Alberta. He had been talking to Sharon and Ed every morning as he jogged thru the park. He agreed to show us around. We left the camp site around 8:30 am and walked to town. Everyone wanted to phone home so we met him at the church around 10:00 am. He brought his girlfriend Anna. We walked through the local market and to the bus depot. For 10 cordobas a piece we went to a small town called Catarina. Very interesting bus ride. People jump off and on from front of bus and back bus. People brought a “huge floral wreath” to the cemetery. They throw bikes on the roof. Whistling and yelling. All very exciting. After 45 minutes arrived at small town. Very beautiful and clean. Very quiet. Nobody hustling you – cobble stone streets, nice nurseries with tons of flowers. Craft shops and restaurants. Very relaxing not to have to dodge people and cars!! We had a nice view of crater lake. Nice park area with lots of cement benches to sit and view the lake. Beautiful breeze. Dave and Anna checked out all the restaurants and found us the best lunch special. Most us had filet mignon. Excellent. We wandered around some more then caught the bus back to Granada. We said our goodbyes at the church on the main square and caught taxis back to rigs. Everyone was relaxing in the shade; getting ready for our 6:30 am start to Costa Rica Border tomorrow!!!
Rig #16 – Wendy and Pete
On the day to depart for Granada I see
An oxen in the field next to me
He's plowing the tobacco fine
High and Low it does grow
School children all dressed alike
In uniforms of navy and white
Horse and cart with solid wood wheels
School kids atop the old wood cart
Can you believe rice fields I see
Veggies at road side piled so high
Looked fresh and nice
Iguanas for sale as he's held by the tail
Down by the river side she's washing her clothes.
A lady under a tree reaching so high
Her pole to the sky
What might she get
Something to eat I bet
A village of hammocks we passed through
He's twisting the twine as his wheel spins around
All colors and shapes look so great
But don't be misled it might dump you on your head
Two or three times we see mattress piled high
Maybe to the sky in colors so bright
It'll give you a fright
Let's go to the city by horse and buggy
It starts out slow all in a row
Horse goes along not minding us at all
The heat we can't beat so smile and enjoy
This city of history
Leave us at the park a drink to enjoy
That's all we need to clear our head.
So we each make our way to Playa
The beach at our doorstep today.
Rig #13
Day 31 Wednesday February 10, 2010
We are in Granada, Nicaragua, parked on the shore of Lake Nicaragua with the smaller rigs parked right on the beach and larger ones across the street. It’s a beautiful view with big trees and sometimes horses, cows and the occasional net fishermen can be seen. We have horses, cows and dogs that wonder up and down the street mixed amongst the traffic ranging from horse drawn carts carrying almost anything to autos, motorcycles, bicycles and the ever present people walking and others selling their wares. We have small lake front restaurants all around us but, up until now, no one has tried any of them to know how they are.
We left the camp area about 8:30 in 2 buses for a 45 minute ride to Masaya Volcano (a Federal Park) passing large areas of old lava from a 1700s eruption once inside the park. The volcano is comprised of five caldrons but only one is still active, it last erupted about 60 years ago, today the active crater puts forth a goodly volume of sulfur smelling steam that, fortunately for us, today the wind carried the rotten egg smell away from us. We climbed 177 steps up to a high vantage point where a Christian Cross was first put on this hill overlooking the crater in the 1500’s and has been replaced several times. . Following the look at the crater and lots of pictures we made a stop at a very well done museum with our guides giving us a good explanation of the exhibits that primarily addressed the reasons that this and other volcanoes existed in the area.
We then took a bus ride around the city of Managua the capital of Nicaragua. The city is divided into 2 major sections; the old and the new but to my eyes not very much of it was a part of the 21st century.
Adventure bought lunch that was pretty good but the one server (not Chris, who by the way did the most serving) had a heck of a time figuring out how many chicken meals he needed, however, on about his 6 th or 7th count he finally got everyone a meal. We then went to the city market with lots of booths with lots of tourist junk and another area for food staples. From there we went to a super market, a lot more user friendly to us, to stock up on all the stuff we needed rum, beer, rum, beer and more beer. We were back to the rigs at about 5:00 and everyone did their own thing for dinner and the evening, primarily sitting outside of the rigs to stay cool (it had been at sunny 90 degree and muggy day) and watching the people watch us.
Our guide gave us some fun facts about Nicaragua as we rode between stops:
Nicaragua is the largest of the 5 Central American countries with a total population of 6,500,000 with slightly more than 1,00,000 living in Managua
The average office/factory worker earns about $150.00 U.S. monthly but the farmers and small town people who are employed (unemployment is 40%) earn about half that much.
School is mandatory and free through 12th grade, however, all school children are required to wear white shirts and blue pants or skirts (the national colors), in secondary school the students are required to provide their own books. University is available for a fee but federal scholarships are available for the gifted.
Most cities have no street names or numbers but the mail DOES get delivered. Directions are usually given by landmarks because of this.
The national flower is JACUANIOCHE know to us PLUMERIA
Day 33 (February 12) – Granada Free Day
Everyone's FREE DAY. Small group of people met with a fellow named Dave from Edmonton, Alberta. He had been talking to Sharon and Ed every morning as he jogged thru the park. He agreed to show us around. We left the camp site around 8:30 am and walked to town. Everyone wanted to phone home so we met him at the church around 10:00 am. He brought his girlfriend Anna. We walked through the local market and to the bus depot. For 10 cordobas a piece we went to a small town called Catarina. Very interesting bus ride. People jump off and on from front of bus and back bus. People brought a “huge floral wreath” to the cemetery. They throw bikes on the roof. Whistling and yelling. All very exciting. After 45 minutes arrived at small town. Very beautiful and clean. Very quiet. Nobody hustling you – cobble stone streets, nice nurseries with tons of flowers. Craft shops and restaurants. Very relaxing not to have to dodge people and cars!! We had a nice view of crater lake. Nice park area with lots of cement benches to sit and view the lake. Beautiful breeze. Dave and Anna checked out all the restaurants and found us the best lunch special. Most us had filet mignon. Excellent. We wandered around some more then caught the bus back to Granada. We said our goodbyes at the church on the main square and caught taxis back to rigs. Everyone was relaxing in the shade; getting ready for our 6:30 am start to Costa Rica Border tomorrow!!!
Rig #16 – Wendy and Pete
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