I am thrilled that I was finally able to go for a long run! I woke up at sunrise and ran back and forth across the town and beach several times (the locals must have thought I was lost!).
What a wonderful morning – except for my near-death experience on the return home. Although the tide was high, I thought I could still make it all the way along the beach back to our place. Playa Tamarindo is its own cove, and Playa Langosta is a separate cove. See Where I Live (our place is between Cala Luna and the Barcelo). Turns out the point that separates the two beaches is a cliff of slippery, crab-infested rock and, at high tide, no beach. Miraculously, I made it past the point and was rewarded with the most beautiful view! It was early enough that there were no footprints anywhere on Playa Langosta. The black sand is near the vegetation, with white sand closer to the waves. But at high tide, the waves come up to the black sand, revealing the white only when the wave rescinds. The water was a magnificent, clear turquoise. Stunning! These photos were taken another day (so there are footprints), but you'll get the idea.
After a quick shower, John and I met Tiffany and Trevor for a gourmet breakfast at the Cala Luna, a resort just down the road. A blue tropical bird stole my croissant right off my bread plate!
 Bird at Cala Luna |
Glad I had with me: money for a batido (watermelon/starfruit) and bottle of water after my run
Wish I had with me: common sense (for the whole crossing-the-point-at-hide-tide incident)
Stay tuned -
We planned the excursions that we want to do. Tomorrow we are going to purchase a day pass at the Barcelo, the all-inclusive resort next door. We will use the gym or do yoga on the beach in the morning, have breakfast there, and then the resort will provide a guide to take us in a kayak through the nearby estuary to see Costa Rica’s wildlife. We plan to return to the resort for a late lunch and drink tropical drinks by the beach or pool until our access pass runs out. Then we’ll head to the religious festival that the neighboring town is hosting this weekend.
Next week we are going to stay overnight at Rincon de la Vieja and explore the rain forest and a volcano, zip-line over the canopy of the forest, whitewater raft, and indulge in the natural volcanic hot springs and mud baths. We are going to stay in either jungle bungalows (with mosquito netting, of course) or rent camping equipment (which Trevor assures me is thoroughly bug-proof).
We have a similar excursion planned for the end of the trip to see the volcano Arenal in the Monte Verde forest. Apparently the hot springs are unbelievable. We would also like visit Lake Nicaragua and go horseback riding, sailing, and sport fishing.
