Where is Dando?

Being surrounded by water all the time in Costa Rica we figured we might get the chance to do a bit of kayaking.  Our first opportunity was upon us as we found a small outfit, way at the end of a really bumpy dirt road that rented them by the day.  After leaving our car we still had to walk a quarter mile to the property that had been quite nicely crafted to give the effect of the Pura Vida lifestyle we have been experiencing. Of course Laurie had to try out the hammock before getting a days worth of really cool exercise. Not sure from an engineering standpoint what the 'cut' in the support post was but... We have never seen anyone put the two halves of the paddle in the water and then shake them out before. Maybe to clean out any sand the previous users placed in it? The video above shows off Laurie's smooth kayaking stroke.  What a peaceful paddle! We hugged the shoreline most of the time.  This allowed us to grab some shade in the midday sun as well as find some c...

A day at the Curu Wildlife Reserve on the Nicoya Peninsula.  We have learned that you do not need a wildlife preserve here in Costa Rica to observe wildlife, but, it cannot hurt.  Standard $15 per person entrance fee applied.  Native Costa Ricans (Ticos) get in basically free though.  Good for the families around here. Our best attempt at a selfie as we leave the car on the side of the road and head out for an adventure. The bridge that gets us into the preserve was the best one in the place by far.  More shots later on the fun we had with the other preserve bridges.                                                                 What a beautiful oasis we found on our way toward the official start of the hiking path. Each trail we have hiked so far in Costa Rica has had its o...

 Our home for two days was in a place called Playa Portrero. As usual the roads in Costa Rica blew us away with their potholes, no guard rails and, in this case, a river crossing where we once presumed a bridge was?  The host at the Airbnb said that the road called Monkey Trail might not be passable. There were two of these river crossings but, as other drivers seemed to have no trepidation in driving across the river, even with sub-compact cars, we did what you do in Costa Rica...Pura Vida...just go for it. Here is a picture of the house we rented up in the hills. The Airbnb description did not demand that you needed a 4X4 vehicle to get there but it was highly recommended.  Our car made it but did have a bit of trouble.  As is usually the case, once you, and your vehicle, get used to these long, hilly, bumpy dirt/rock driveways, it truly becomes second nature. Below are some of the wildlife we found while at our new place near the beach: Not as many bats as I encou...