Dude... that's a Sloth

Yes, we saw a Sloth on the last day. We were stuck in traffic on a two lane mountain road and I looked to my right and saw something crawling slowly across a telephone or power line. Incredible to think that earlier in the day we saw a Tucan......and we weren't at a zoo!

Chilling in Tabacon Hot Springs

This is how you "chill out in a hot spring" compliments of the five star Tabacon Springs Grand Spa and  Thermal Resort at the base of Arenal Volcano. If you ever go to Costa Rica go here without hesitation!

Fresh fruit drinks in the lobby.

The landscape is incredible.  Pathways connect several waterfalls
and streams all surrounded by lush jungle and beautiful flowers.

Sitting under a waterfall with naturally hot water from the
underground springs. Awesome!

This was my favorite waterfall. The water must be 100 degrees
and the water pressure feels like a massage.

Matt and I enjoyed every drop of fun!

A Yacht or Hotel Tonight?

Matt's good friend Jono offered his 48' yacht to us for a night at Marina Papagayo...we gladly accepted. This marina is located on the Papagayo Pennisula in the Gulf of Papagayo. The foothills surrounding the property are beautiful and as the sun changes position throughout the day so do the vivid colors of the landscape.

The yacht has three cabins, a full kitchen and plenty of open space for lounging day or night. Thanks a bunch Jono!

Over a period of fourteen days in 2011 Matt, Jono and crew motored "Angel's Way" from Golfito, the southern most port in Costa Rica, to Marina Papagayo. According to Matt the trip was unforgettable - surfing, fishing, sea life, great food and an unexpected visit from a crocodile!  

Mom adding another chapter in
her "Captain's  Log"

Point A to Point B

While in Guanacaste we drove Matt's truck through rivers and
streams to get from place to place.

Sometimes I walked across a foot bridge. People in Costa Rica ride their bikes
and motorcycles across these during the rainy season

Matt's motorcycle is equipped with surf racks.
It's perfect for  short trips to and from the beach.

We drove on the beach to hunt for sea shells, waves and sun rays.

Sometimes an unexpected road block was set up by Mother Nature.

Massages in the Jungle

After traveling around the dirt roads here in Guanacaste it was time for a massage to work out the kinks in our backs. We visited Matt's friend Jorelina at her family's remote home just past the fishing village at San Juanillo. It would be hard to find a better location for a massage - the open air home design and the sounds and smells of the jungle made for an incredibly relaxing experience. The massage was wonderful to say the least.

The birds were chirping, monkeys were howling and a beautiful storm rolled in with distant thunder and eventually a rain shower that cooled the jungle.
A mystic feeling was in the air for sure.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables of Costa Rica

Lettuce, Cilantro, Grapes and Berries at a Farmer's Market in Guiones.

The fruits, vegetables and herbs in Costa Rica have been excellent. In fact it's been amazing how many of Matt's friends offer me fresh fruit each day......

Zucchini, Mangos and Apples.

Bananas cut from a local tree in Marbella.

JP cutting open a fresh coconut.

Armadillo in Costa Rica

Here's an Armadillo foraging along the main road to the beach in Marbella. It scurried around a bit and then tried to hide in the base of a beautiful tree.

Costa Rica is like a wild animal park without the crowd!

Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica

Here we are at Playa Avellanas which is 30 minutes north of Marbella, Costa Rica. We took a series of dirt roads to get to this beautiful beach and restaurant named LoLa's.

This seaside restaurant is beautifully landscaped with Almond and Palm trees that provide comfortable shade. The beach has white sand with some incredible trees scattered about. The very interesting beach furniture is built locally using native wood.

Matt surfed, I read and enjoyed the sun and scenery. We had fresh watermelon drinks and a salad made with fresh seared Ahi tuna.... absolutely delicious and healthy.

One of the best places I have ever watched the sun set!

The traditional Ox Carts are still being used in Marbella and throughout parts of Costa Rica. Farmers use these to haul wood and other materials.

Before modern forms of transportation these carts were used to haul coffee from the mountains to the port at Puntarenas on the Pacific coast.




Mangos are everywhere in Costa Rica! From the tree to the cutting board I am in Mango heaven and it's harvest time baby! The mangos are super sweet and delicious simply cut up or in a smoothie.

Matt used a bamboo stick to knock some young coconuts from a tree at his local beach in Marbella, Costa Rica. He then cracked them open and we drank fresh and healthy coconut "water" next to the Pacific. Life is good....or as they say here in Costa Rica....Pura Vida.


Harry, the waiter at the Marbella Surf Inn, made me this beautiful and tasty cocktail with vodka, triple sec, lemon juice and a bougainvillea.

Hola everyone......this is a blog to keep you updated about my Costa Rica adventure this April and May 2012. I will try to publish pictures and quick updates to cut down on sending large emails to everyone.

The weather is great, the food is delicious and my son is a great tour guide! Pura Vida for now.......