Author: Jody We're not going to lie, this past week in Nosara we have spent a lot of time relaxing on the beach and at the pool - neither of which Dave and I are very good at. However, it is exactly what we've needed. We have slept in, gone for walks along the beach, looked for seashells and explored tidal pools. We have caught up on posts we meant to do before getting here as well continued to plan our time in South America. We have also had a few adventures, too. We went to Ostional, a small town a few kilometres away from us and a nesting ground for leatherback turtles. We knew we wouldn't actually see the turtles, given it was the middle of the day but after driving the roads and then having to cross a small stream to get there, we knew this was not a road we wanted to travel on in the middle of the night. A humid and hot day, we arrived at the black sand beach and were pleasantly surprised to quickly see evidence of turtle nests. We saw mounds in the sand and deep hollows surrounded by shells which resembled popped white balloons. We tried to find evidence of turtle trails to the ocean but they had been washed away by the high tide earlier in the day. However, not all was happy in this place of new birth. We did see some turtles that day: one large one that had been dead for some time and Dave found 3 baby turtles that never made it to the ocean. The sea turtle is Meghan's favourite animal so she was not happy upon seeing this. As she remarked, "This is NOT how I wanted to see them." Later, though she commented, "Well, I guess this is part of nature." Sad, but true. We spent another day taking family surf lessons. Our instructor, Hector, was great! So encouraging! We started with a quick on land lesson and all did really well getting on the board and staying on - at this point. Once we hit water though...well, that's a different story. Not surprisingly, the kids did far better than the parents. Perhaps as adults we over think too much, feel rushed by the approaching waves behind us or maybe, playing 25 years of rugby has prevented our knees to function as well as they once did. Either way, we all had a great time and hopefully have taught the girls that you are never too old to learn something new. We went flying via Miss Sky's zipline, the longest in Costa Rica. It was fantastic flying over the canopy, at one point 300 metres off the ground. It was a time to soak up the beautiful scenery and tranquility. As Avery said best, Just be present. We had chances to go together as a family, in partners and by ourselves. Highly recommend it if ever you come here! We have also spent time meeting new people staying at Las Villas Palmas. As adults, we've enjoyed a few beverages and shared travel stories. The kids have had a brilliant time playing in the pool with others their own age - from board games and cannon ball contests to a play-date to watch a movie at their new friends' place. This has been great for them.
As the week comes to an end, everyone has started to head their own ways. Saying goodbye to a family about to leave, I said, "See you later" as there was a chance we might see them again in the morning before they left. Avery quickly and sadly commented, "Why did you say that? We may never see them again." Well, hopefully Avery will learn, as Dave and I have, that when you travel, you sometimes do see people again and these people become very dear friends, although they live on the other side of the world.
2 Comments
Ben Johnson
1/8/2018 03:07:09 pm
Hey Dantreks! Melisa & I are loving your travel blog, super jealous, Costa Rica looks amazing. So glad you're all having a great time. Meagan and Avery, perhaps you can give me surf lessons next time we're all in Maui as you know my paddle boarding skills were somewhat lacking. Sorry we can't catch up when we're in Calgary in a couple of weeks, we'll be thinking of you. In the meantime have a blast and we look forward to reading more about your adventures. Love, Ben & Melisa
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Jody
1/18/2018 01:26:54 pm
Eek! Just going through the comments on our blog and am noting the last one I responded to you didn't post. Sorry about that. Wifi can be sketchy here on the road.
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