Day Three… Feeling back to normal after a great day Sunday and some catch up in the realm of sleep. Mornings and evenings are going to be the best time of the day for us here, so we plan to be on the rooftop early enjoying the coolest part of the day. A 5:30 start with coffees (we found a new to us cream liqueur called “Amarula” that is quite appropriate 😜) overlooking Jaco Beach and then prepped breakfast.
Then dishes to the sink and everyone in different directions. Janie, Eileen and Monica hit the water, while I walked to the southern end of the beach. The sand is dark in color, unlike the white powder often found, but is perfect for walking, jogging and even bikes. It was close to a 2.5 km return jaunt south from our digs to the furthest cove and back. Shade on the way down and sun behind me for the return. The girls enjoyed romping in the surf, and I’m guessing that Monica will be nibbling at surf school before the weeks out! Then to the pool for some “nothingness”.
For consecutive mornings, from our perch on the rooftop terrace, we’ve seen a tan colored hawk frequenting the area amidst the grackles and smaller birds. He’s been close enough to us that we’re comfortable with ID’ing the species as a Yellow Headed Caracara (Using an Internet search). Descriptions such as “buff” in color, having a habitat of Costa Rica south to Columbia, and it’s habit of urban foraging all support the identification.
So we used Monday as a bit of a setup day for sorting out any attractions we might like to take on this week. Firstly, Janie & Monica checked in at one of the “Surf Schools” on the beach for specifics. Those were run twice daily ($40 a pop for 2 hr sessions) in the AM and PM. So, very movable. Janie had designs on supper reservations at a hilltop restaurant with amazing sunset views. I was in for a guided experience to at least one of the nearby parks for hiking / birding, favouring the less busy Carara National Park just a short 30 minutes away. Plus, if all went well, something on the water for a morning.
To put it all in motion, Janie and I decided to drop into Adventure Tours Costa Rica (local excursion company) while everyone had some quiet time (there was a local power outage) to schedule some fun! It was warm, but we strolled down the Main Street checking out shops and eateries. Here’s how the dominoes fell. Tuesday looks like Surf School for Monica and Janie. Wednesday has everyone going to Carara National Park for a 5 hr morning excursion. Thursday, kayaking and snorkelling for Chris, Janie and Monica… And drinks and sunset look off at Villa Caletas to be determined. Plus a couple of extras specific to Jaco tucked in. Happily planned out! 🤓
The rest of the evening saw us swimming, in ocean and pool, enjoying a wide pink sky at sunset, and having a grand supper at Mono Verde Bar & Grill with all the fixin’s! It was absolutely tasteful, with our gang ordering shrimp ceviche, breaded calamari, grilled Mahi Mahi, beef tartare, ravioli (Monica) and chicken kabobs. All quenched with $2 Margueritas! A real variety of flavours… We ate far too much but the food and company was excellent!
Wow. Sounds like you guys have really ramped up the activities for the next few days. I’ve decided I will not be reading any more of your blog until I see Chris up on a surfboard. Determination, perseverance and agility. You’ve got them all so it shouldn’t be a problem? And boy that food looks amazing. Hard to beat fresh, fresh, fresh seafood. Kathy and I met for coffee with Catharine MacDonald, Kevin Grant, and Judy Smith yesterday and had a great session of ‘travel talk’. With our trip to Scotland/Ireland, Kevin and Judy’s trip to Croatia/Italy/Czech Republic and Catharine’s planned journey to Turkey…. there was no lack of enthusiasm. Travel is FUN!! Chat soon.
Phenomenal amount of travel experience around that table! I know Catharine has done some really awesome trips and has real passions when it comes to visiting cultural landmarks and ruins (ie. Peru/Jordan/next Turkey). She’s always planning an adventure. I think my “hang ten” days are on the clothesline. My newly acquired physique (over the past decade 🤓) isn’t gonna cut it on the surf board! “Spring Weight Restrictions” are in place. Monica keeps us young though… In the pool last night until the last guns were fired and just back from a steamy 3kms on Jaco Beach. As always Mike… Great to hear from you!
Well Chris, I do believe this trip beats a weekend at “Disneyland” Glace Bay, NS. Love the blog and of course, now I want to go!
Oh my God… I’d forgot about that! Hilarious! Pretty sweet spot here Velma. When your only real concern is that it’s too hot during parts of the day, it’s not something you write down for Canadians bearing the last smacks of winter! The Costa Rica we’ve seen is safe, lush, and filled with the friendliest of people. The rudest… Undoubtedly the visitors! See ya Monday…