We went out for a bird-spotting walk before breakfast. The air was chilly and there was a brisk breeze. We walked up the steep path behind our rooms and surveyed the trees and bushes for signs of bird life. We did spot a variety of bird life including a rare woodpecker, but as usual everything was at a distance and fast moving. I was very pleased to have invested in a good pair of binoculars. They are brilliant and enable me to clearly observe wildlife no matter how distant.
We ate breakfast and at 08.30 the bus drove up to our rooms so we could load our luggage. This negated the need for us to lug our cases down the steep path and steps to reception. Then we were on our way. The scenery on the drive was spectacular.
We continued our descent and the terrain flattened. Most of the fences on fields in Costa Rica are formed from living trees, which act as posts with barbed wire strung between them. Good for wildlife and much more attractive then fence posts.
After a couple of hours we arrived at the crocodile bridge. The bridge spans a river which is home to some pretty large crocodiles. This has led to a little tourist development of shops and restaurants springing up. We climbed out of the bus and were blasted by hot and humid air. A huge change from the cooler mountain air. I bought a delicious banana and strawberry smoothie and then set off across the bridge to photograph the crocodiles.
We caught our first glimpse of the sea as we drove along the Pacific Coast. We reached Puntarenas – major port and inched away along in a long queue of traffic. The driver took a detour which did not help at all as everyone else had the same idea. We eventually left the town and traffic behind us and arrived at our hotel in Manuel Antonio in time for lunch. We thought we had ordered a light lunch but it turned out to be huge. They do not do small portions here!
We spent a lazy afternoon by the pool. Bob set off for the local supermarket and came back armed with local rum and fruit juices. The pool bar was not in use so we commandeered it. There was a supply of plastic glasses and an ice machine so we set about making up some pretty good rum punch. There’s something about drinking rum by a pool in the sun. HUGE THANK YOU BOB!!
It turns out that Bob’s wife Pat has her birthday today so the rum punch party is apt. Deinor then organised a group dinner to celebrate. We went to a cool restaurant in Manuel Antonio called El Avion.
The fuselage was converted into the bar and you walk through that to the large restaurant at the back. The restaurant had a great atmosphere and was a bit different. A must do if in Manuel Antonio.
Bob had organised a birthday cake which was beautiful and delicious. Happy Birthday Pat!
David
Rum Punches just what was needed. The restaurant sounds soooooo different