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