July 4, 2016, Kelowna, Canada
Home.......
Now what?
Guess I have to start planning where to next!
July 1 to 3, 2016, Calgary Alberta
Back in Canada! It would be 13 months on July 10....
Interesting being back but good as lots of Canada Day celebrations going on.
Visiting a friend for a few days....
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Saturday, July 2, 2016
June 30, 2016, Houston, Texas
Sad day leaving Roatan...2 1/2 hour flight to Houston. Still a long day...at airport early, then had to wait at Houston airport for hotel shuttle. 8 pm and very tired by tired time I had something to eat. Early start tomorrow.
June 28 & 29, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
The usual on the first day but the second day I took an island tour. The guy next door arranged for a taxi and off we went. Drove through some of the villages and he showed me the neighborhood where he grew up. Great place..houses all very colourfully painted. We stopped at a couple of rests...nice but one had a man made lagoon and beach as they were on a rocky part of the Caribbean. Nice but not for me.
Stopped at Media Luna. This is a great place, beautiful resort with so nice, but small beach, but snorkeling very close. The hotel was full of French Canadians...there is a direct charter flight from Montreal.
Then to Punta Gorda. This is an area where most of the blacks live...there heritage goes back to when the slaves we freed! Beautiful area. Last stop was a beach area that is the nicest. Palm Beach. Great white sand, nice island just off the shore. This is only a day spot, there are no hotels here for some reason.
On way back to apartment stopped at a restaurant made to look like a pirate ship. Apparently only open for one day as the government closed them down..it was owned by a drug lord. It now sits empty.
Great day!
June 27, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Today I did 2 more dives....just had to go. Once again not disappointed. Saw another turtle and lots of fish. Interesting as on the 2nd dive one of the i instructors in training lead the dive and he got us lost...sort of...we were supposed to arrive back underneath the boat but we missed it by a little! Nothing serious as the boat just came over and picked us up!
June 19 to 26, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Time to catch up! Time passing much too fast but I guess that is just because it it getting near the time to go home!
I have had a very relaxing week, walking the beach, going into West End or West Bay, swimming, napping but also spending a lot time in the hammock on the beach reading and watching the world go by! What a great way to spend the time!
Sunday, June 19, 2016
June 18, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Today is the last dive of the lessons. An early start...9 am! The deep dive to 30 metres or 100 feet, that is maximum for a first deep dive. The maximum is 130 feet for recreational dives. It was a great dive. Straight down into a crevice and followed it along to the wall where the bottom is very deep. Great swimming along where you can almost touch both sides. Interesting as we had to name colours on a sheet....could not get them right as colours disappear the deeper you go....the lack of light.
On the way back we swam over a shelf where there were lots of fish......nice as at 30 feet it seems that most colours are visible.
As the boats was doing 2 dives this morning i opted to do the second dive. This time I was with a couple of other divers, they are both instructor level. Great as we saw a turtle and a huge eagle ray. They are really something to see as they fly though the water.
A review of everything and they certified me! I have the Advanced open water certificate now. This will allow me to do deeper dives if I want to.
June 17, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Today the drift dive. For this one you let the current take you along and then the boat picks you up at the end. There is not much current but still we moved along. This time we saw a huge green eel. It had to be 6 or 7 feet long. This is the first time I have seen one swimming. They were always backed into a hole before. Nice watch them swimming. The instructor said they will hang around as they sometimes get fed the lion fish that are killed by the divers. The lion fish is an invasive species here, I have only seen a couple. We also saw a turtle swimming along the the reef. Amazing to see!
June 16, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
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| Cashews on the tree |
Today the fish id dive. We are given a card and we have to id as many fish as we can. A great place as there are plenty of fish. There were even some huge groupers. Strange as I have not seen one Nemo! A camera would be great to have.
June 15, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Second diving lesson today...turns out the instructor knows Kelowna, he was married in Vernon. The first instructor was from Victoria and the guy next door is married to a woman from Kelowna.......small world.
Today was navigating with a compass. Interesting as I have never navigated with a compass! Once the instructor had laid out a line we had to work out how many kicks to cover the area.
Then he gave a heading and we had to do a square based on the number of kicks...The challenge is to end up back at the starting point. I lucked out and ended up within 6 feet good as that means I passed....you had to be within 25 feet!
We had some time to swim around over the coral......wow lots of colourful fish. Interesting as there lots of other diver below us and then a group on snorkelers went over top. Nice swimming through the bubbles!
June 14, 2016, Roatan, Honduras
Relaxed all day. As no one else here I was able to use the hammock on the beach.....what a great place to sit and watch the world go by....very quiet except for the odd person walking by.
Had a nap, lunch and then out for a swim and sit in sun for a bit. Ended up talking to a shell sales guy that was going by. Interesting....he lives about 1 hour away and he comes to sell shells to the cruise ship people on the beach...he sold all his shells. The cigar guy said he had not sold a thing!
June 13, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
First diving lesson today. Buoyancy skills.....knock over 2 inch high weights in the ocean bottom with the regulator in your mouth.....much more difficult than the instructor made it look! Got most but not all!
Then swim through a hoop! Never did make it through with getting caught up...usually my heels caught it. Oh more practice I guess.
June 12, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Muesli with yogurt this morning....but with fresh mango from tree outside the door....so good!
June 11, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Read a book, had a nap, went to the beach and had a swim.....exhausting!
Oh yes, happy hour....cuba libre with fresh lime from tree outside the door!
June 10, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Walked to West End
June 9, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Walked to West Bay today.. I took about 25 munutes. Easy walking as all along the beach, except there is a high bridge to cross over a short canal. This place was packed, apparently a couple of cruise ships in...it seems this place revolves around when the cruise ships are here. I did see a couple leave the other night. The beach is very nice white sand but packed with people sitting in the chairs and Lounges offered up by all the restaurants and bars. There is a little mall on the main road so I stopped and had a coffee. This seems to be the only shopping here...which is surprising with the number of people around.
June 8, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Walked to West End today. It only took about 20 minutes to the edge of the town. Mostly walking on sand but I did have to climb over some rock outcrops. Not difficult. There is 1 street that follows the beach. Lots of restaurants, bars and shops. Interesting as the houses as all painted very bright colours.....very Caribbean!
Friday, June 10, 2016
June 7, 2016 Roatan, Honduras
Up very early for flight!
Very interesting drive to airport, taxi driver was a real talker! I caught a bit but not a lot. He was very happy to know that I enjoyed his country....once again a person very proud of their country. He has been driving taxi for 22 years and never a problem. He talked about the danger....and i think he was saying not as bad now and that people need to change how they think. A great country to visit and 1 week is pretty short time but I did cover a lot of ground.
1 1/2 hour flight. Nice to fly over the Pacific coast line. There was probably only 10 people on the plane that seats 50.
Arrived and actually had a driver waiting. Stopped at grocery store and then off to apartment. I am on the beach but 3 houses back. Nice view from small deck. Went for a walk down the beach in either direction. Saw a ray and star fish in the water, several hummingbirds and some kind of huge rat..but without a tail (turns out it is a Roatan rabbit!). I am about half way in between West End and West Bay. 20 to 25 minutes either way.
Relax, nap, swim.
June 6, San Salvador, El Salvador
Today I walked unto the main square of San Salvador. It took about 1 hour. Very interesting, as I knew there was a large market nearby but it has over flowed....it was several blocks from the square. You could buy anything you need here....not many people around. The main cathedral is large but I did not go in....seen enough churches.
I did go into the National Palace. It is now a museum, but only a few musical instruments on display. The building is beautiful. The former president used to live here. Built in the square, but each side has an added piece jutting unto the central court yard. Some of the tie work and painting was great...even the would that is an optical illusion.
Walked back to the hotel.
Then later the guide from the first couple of day had to take me out to taste the local beer. First stop to a pupusas place, huge and cheap. Great food, the pupusas are made to order. Pupusas are 2 tortillas ( corn or rice ) with different fillings. I had beans and cheese. Then to a bar. Turns out to be a sports bar...a huge place with a vinyl roof and open sides. Definitely a warm climate. Huge tv screens all over. A big soccer match on, Chile and Argentina.....the American Cup.
Back to hotel after a couple beers. Good. They sell it by the litre...$3 US.
The father showed up and had to say good bye. Talked until about 11..late since i have to get up early.
June 5, San Salvador, El Salvador
Off to Cerro Verde, the green hill...actually a volcano with a lake in the crater. We got there and there were lots of people around...no other tourists. They convinced me that the weather was not good enough to climb the 1500 steps to the tops..While waiting for the tour to start we wandered around an old hotel. Huge and must have been a great place when it was open.
It has been closed since the 70s. The volcano stopped spitting out lava. it was very cloudy, so instead did another hike. They wanted me to drive part way down, avoiding the 600 steps, but did it anyway. Good thing as just as we started on the second part and the police closed the trails! I thought for a while the guide was going to get trouble as he was arguing with the police!
So off we went. Stopped at a lookout where the valley was completely covered in cloud on the way up. The lake is Coatepeque. A lake is In a crater. We stopped at a little place on the ridge. Good thing as there was a rain storm roll through, it poured! The place is just a roof overlooking the lake with a video jute box. Great coffee and nice to look at the lake. I went to the toilet, well this is one of the best views from a toilet! No door and a great view over the lake.
Then into Santa Ana, the 2nd largest city in the country. Stopped at the main square, wandered around a bit then off to lunch. A buffet style place just off the square.....great food and it cost about $3...there are some cheap places you just need to look!
Then to Tazumal Mayan ruins. These are more pyramid style. Very nice to see. The period is about the same as Santa Andres. Walked down the street as I had to eat the local food specialty! It is yucca with toppings! You could get dried fish (tasted them, not good), pork rind (I had this) quite good, or some other sauce (not bad). Problem was it had only been a couple of hours since a big lunch! A very busy little place. We were going to Casa Blanca but it was too late. Headed back to the city....it poured rain most of the way...some of the city streets were like rivers!
A great day even if there was no hiking!
June 4, San Salvador, El Salvador
Drank lots of coffee this morning as no plans. Just went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Quite nice with some parks, although they are very dry...apparently there has not been much rain.
June 3, San Salvador, El Salvador
We were to go to the volcano today but the weather was not good. So instead we headed off to the San Andres Mayan ruins. They are not far out of the city. There was several buses in the parking lot, a school outing. The ruins date back to about 600 AD. There has not been much archaeological work done. The site was abandoned at one time and then repopulated. Mostly used for ceremonial purposes. While in museu6m we sort of got an unofficial tour from a student that just wanted to practice his English, it was pretty good.
Then off to do the Flower Route. I was expecting flowers but really was a tour of the various coffee plantations. Very nice. The temperature is much cooler, but then there was a good rain storm go through the area just before we got there.
Stopped at Santa Leticia, a quiet little hotel with a coffee plantation. The coffee was great...the best so far. There are a few people around but not many, they even have a zip line!
We drove through several small villages but stopped in Conception de Ataco. A very nice place. Many of the walls have murals and only a few market stalls. Coffee in a small place quite good. There is definitely a country feel...hats and boots everywhere!
It took about 2 hours to get back to the hotel. About 150 km round trip but the roads were very windy and lots of traffic in the city.
June 2, San Salvador, El Salvador
Today to the bank.....but card was blocked! So back to hotel to call. Turns out they did not like me withdrawing money in Nicaragua 2 days ago and now trying in El Salvador? Oh well better safe.
Then off on tour. First around the modern part of the city...lots of road construction including an underground tunnel...but makes for tough driving. Past a huge mall that is own by one of the richest men in the country. Very nice...then by some $10 million homes on the hillside...great views of the city and the houses are huge!
Then to a craft market. I bought some local candy...coconut in a very sweet brown sauce. Very good but even too sweet for me! The crafts seem to be similar to other central American countries. Very colourful and nice...bought a couple of things.
Then to El Boqueron, the sleeping giant volcano that over looks the city. A very windy road up but u great condition even with the pouring rain. The rain stopped once we got to the top so did not get wet although it looked like many people got soaked! A short 15 minute walk up steps and we were looking down into the crater.
Quite large but nice as there is a small crater at the bottom. It was even nicer as some cloud kept rolling in. We looked out 4 different view points. The volcano last erupted in 1917. They say it should erupt every 100 years..so due!
On the way down we stopped at a couple of restaurants for coffee, just so i could try the coffee. Ok coffee, tastes fine but not strong enough. The views of city were amazing. I was also to try pupusas....2 tortillas with beans and cheese inside but can also get many other fillings. There are toppings as well...pickled (sort of) cabbage with carrot and a mild tomato sauce. All very good. The 2nd restaurant was much bigger and fancier...with some Hobbit houses built along the walk way. The whole place is themed around the Hobbit. Great place with lots of little paths and almost hide aways for dinner or lunch. Again great views of city...I could see the mall I was at yesterday and the cathedral in the historical centre really stands out.
A beautiful drive through some very lush parks.
Up very early for flight!
Very interesting drive to airport, taxi driver was a real talker! I caught a bit but not a lot. He was very happy to know that I enjoyed his country....once again a person very proud of their country. He has been driving taxi for 22 years and never a problem. He talked about the danger....and i think he was saying not as bad now and that people need to change how they think. A great country to visit and 1 week is pretty short time but I did cover a lot of ground.
1 1/2 hour flight. Nice to fly over the Pacific coast line. There was probably only 10 people on the plane that seats 50.
Arrived and actually had a driver waiting. Stopped at grocery store and then off to apartment. I am on the beach but 3 houses back. Nice view from small deck. Went for a walk down the beach in either direction. Saw a ray and star fish in the water, several hummingbirds and some kind of huge rat..but without a tail (turns out it is a Roatan rabbit!). I am about half way in between West End and West Bay. 20 to 25 minutes either way.
Relax, nap, swim.
June 6, San Salvador, El Salvador
Today I walked unto the main square of San Salvador. It took about 1 hour. Very interesting, as I knew there was a large market nearby but it has over flowed....it was several blocks from the square. You could buy anything you need here....not many people around. The main cathedral is large but I did not go in....seen enough churches.
I did go into the National Palace. It is now a museum, but only a few musical instruments on display. The building is beautiful. The former president used to live here. Built in the square, but each side has an added piece jutting unto the central court yard. Some of the tie work and painting was great...even the would that is an optical illusion.
Walked back to the hotel.
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| Actually a church Rosario |
Then later the guide from the first couple of day had to take me out to taste the local beer. First stop to a pupusas place, huge and cheap. Great food, the pupusas are made to order. Pupusas are 2 tortillas ( corn or rice ) with different fillings. I had beans and cheese. Then to a bar. Turns out to be a sports bar...a huge place with a vinyl roof and open sides. Definitely a warm climate. Huge tv screens all over. A big soccer match on, Chile and Argentina.....the American Cup.
Back to hotel after a couple beers. Good. They sell it by the litre...$3 US.
The father showed up and had to say good bye. Talked until about 11..late since i have to get up early.
June 5, San Salvador, El Salvador
Off to Cerro Verde, the green hill...actually a volcano with a lake in the crater. We got there and there were lots of people around...no other tourists. They convinced me that the weather was not good enough to climb the 1500 steps to the tops..While waiting for the tour to start we wandered around an old hotel. Huge and must have been a great place when it was open.
So off we went. Stopped at a lookout where the valley was completely covered in cloud on the way up. The lake is Coatepeque. A lake is In a crater. We stopped at a little place on the ridge. Good thing as there was a rain storm roll through, it poured! The place is just a roof overlooking the lake with a video jute box. Great coffee and nice to look at the lake. I went to the toilet, well this is one of the best views from a toilet! No door and a great view over the lake.
Then into Santa Ana, the 2nd largest city in the country. Stopped at the main square, wandered around a bit then off to lunch. A buffet style place just off the square.....great food and it cost about $3...there are some cheap places you just need to look!
A great day even if there was no hiking!
June 4, San Salvador, El Salvador
Drank lots of coffee this morning as no plans. Just went for a walk around the neighbourhood. Quite nice with some parks, although they are very dry...apparently there has not been much rain.
June 3, San Salvador, El Salvador
We were to go to the volcano today but the weather was not good. So instead we headed off to the San Andres Mayan ruins. They are not far out of the city. There was several buses in the parking lot, a school outing. The ruins date back to about 600 AD. There has not been much archaeological work done. The site was abandoned at one time and then repopulated. Mostly used for ceremonial purposes. While in museu6m we sort of got an unofficial tour from a student that just wanted to practice his English, it was pretty good.
Then off to do the Flower Route. I was expecting flowers but really was a tour of the various coffee plantations. Very nice. The temperature is much cooler, but then there was a good rain storm go through the area just before we got there.
Stopped at Santa Leticia, a quiet little hotel with a coffee plantation. The coffee was great...the best so far. There are a few people around but not many, they even have a zip line!
We drove through several small villages but stopped in Conception de Ataco. A very nice place. Many of the walls have murals and only a few market stalls. Coffee in a small place quite good. There is definitely a country feel...hats and boots everywhere!
It took about 2 hours to get back to the hotel. About 150 km round trip but the roads were very windy and lots of traffic in the city.
June 2, San Salvador, El Salvador
Today to the bank.....but card was blocked! So back to hotel to call. Turns out they did not like me withdrawing money in Nicaragua 2 days ago and now trying in El Salvador? Oh well better safe.
Then to a craft market. I bought some local candy...coconut in a very sweet brown sauce. Very good but even too sweet for me! The crafts seem to be similar to other central American countries. Very colourful and nice...bought a couple of things.
Then to El Boqueron, the sleeping giant volcano that over looks the city. A very windy road up but u great condition even with the pouring rain. The rain stopped once we got to the top so did not get wet although it looked like many people got soaked! A short 15 minute walk up steps and we were looking down into the crater.
A beautiful drive through some very lush parks.
Thursday, June 2, 2016
June 1, San Salvador, El Salvador
Relaxed this morning and did some looking on what to do. Urns out the guy from hotel is also a guide so I have hired him for 3 days. His English is excellent.
Walked to the mall today, all of 20 minutes...it is huge. A bit unnerving along the way as there are many security guards..all of them with shotguns! Even some of the restaurant and small shops have them! Not so many in the mall but definitely lots of security. Guess that makes it safe!
May 31, San Salvador, El Salvador
Travel day! The woman that runs the hotel gave me a ride to airport, and she even gave me a hug? Interesting, but she was quite nice as were the others in hotel. She was the only one that spoke any English, her husband is still in Canada.
The plane was an hour late, but did get there. One of those Dash 8 type planes, but not a dash 8...I am not sure what it was. About 50 people and full.
I had to wait at airport....me and prearranged pickups do not seem to work. I wait for about 30 minutes and then went to get a taxi and they had my name! So I did end up with ride that was arranged. I got to the hotel, about a 50 minute drive.....lots of traffic but it is also a long way from the city. The hotel wondered what happened. She did not speak any English but got by. I am the only person here...it is very slow season everywhere now.
A nice place, but not as quiet as the last hotel. There I never heard anything but here my window over looks the street.
Weather here very different. Just as hot during g the day, 35, but not as humid and cools down to about 22 at night. Very different than 27 in Managua.
May 30, Managua, Nicaragua
Relaxed a fair bit. Today is Mother's day here and for some a holiday. The mall was busy and so were all the restaurants.
May 29, Managua, Nicaragua
I actually got moving today! I walked to the Loma de Tiscapa. A look out over the city and also a small crater lake. The water was green but the view was great. Also the view over the city was very nice. I stopped along the road to take a picture and of course I got stopped by the military...no photos as there is a base below the road that you overlook to the city. But I showed him the picture I took of the ruins of the church and he was ok with that. The walk to the look out took about 1 1/2 hours. Hot and sticky! Lots of water....over the day I must have had 3 litres!
Then continued down towards the lake front. Lots of music playing...apparently the 30th is Mother's day. Walked around the old church. It was damaged in the earthquake in early 70s and has not been repaired...a lot of damage. It is on the Revolution Square with the Museum of Culture. I went in for a bit. The building as excellent...a palace at one time. Lots of revolution stuff about the Sandistas and Sandino. He is very popular as it was his idea that the country needed to change.
I continued on to the lake. They have developed a park, 5 cordoba entry free, about 25 cents. Nice park along the lake with sitting areas, paths, old houses with displays and even an old 737 airplane!
There was a stage with some entertainment...for mothers day I am guessing. Strange as there are not many people around and even the streets are very quiet...Sunday I guess.
It took me about 3 hours to get here. I was going to catch a cab but decided to walk...it only took an hour. I went to have coffee and sandwich at the coffee shop on the corner but it was closed! Too bad...great coffee and snacks there. I have been at least 1 time each day since arriving here.
Back to hotel for a swim, and then a super thunder and lightning storm rolled in..lasting about 4 hours. Great thunder....shaking the walls...not windows as there are none!
May 27 & 28, Managua, Nicaragua
Spending a lot time just relaxing by the pool. And of course talking to the guy that works here. He does speak English but with a translator he is giving me information about Nicaragua.
Relaxed this morning and did some looking on what to do. Urns out the guy from hotel is also a guide so I have hired him for 3 days. His English is excellent.
Walked to the mall today, all of 20 minutes...it is huge. A bit unnerving along the way as there are many security guards..all of them with shotguns! Even some of the restaurant and small shops have them! Not so many in the mall but definitely lots of security. Guess that makes it safe!
May 31, San Salvador, El Salvador
Travel day! The woman that runs the hotel gave me a ride to airport, and she even gave me a hug? Interesting, but she was quite nice as were the others in hotel. She was the only one that spoke any English, her husband is still in Canada.
The plane was an hour late, but did get there. One of those Dash 8 type planes, but not a dash 8...I am not sure what it was. About 50 people and full.
I had to wait at airport....me and prearranged pickups do not seem to work. I wait for about 30 minutes and then went to get a taxi and they had my name! So I did end up with ride that was arranged. I got to the hotel, about a 50 minute drive.....lots of traffic but it is also a long way from the city. The hotel wondered what happened. She did not speak any English but got by. I am the only person here...it is very slow season everywhere now.
A nice place, but not as quiet as the last hotel. There I never heard anything but here my window over looks the street.
Weather here very different. Just as hot during g the day, 35, but not as humid and cools down to about 22 at night. Very different than 27 in Managua.
May 30, Managua, Nicaragua
May 29, Managua, Nicaragua
I actually got moving today! I walked to the Loma de Tiscapa. A look out over the city and also a small crater lake. The water was green but the view was great. Also the view over the city was very nice. I stopped along the road to take a picture and of course I got stopped by the military...no photos as there is a base below the road that you overlook to the city. But I showed him the picture I took of the ruins of the church and he was ok with that. The walk to the look out took about 1 1/2 hours. Hot and sticky! Lots of water....over the day I must have had 3 litres!
Then continued down towards the lake front. Lots of music playing...apparently the 30th is Mother's day. Walked around the old church. It was damaged in the earthquake in early 70s and has not been repaired...a lot of damage. It is on the Revolution Square with the Museum of Culture. I went in for a bit. The building as excellent...a palace at one time. Lots of revolution stuff about the Sandistas and Sandino. He is very popular as it was his idea that the country needed to change.
I continued on to the lake. They have developed a park, 5 cordoba entry free, about 25 cents. Nice park along the lake with sitting areas, paths, old houses with displays and even an old 737 airplane!
There was a stage with some entertainment...for mothers day I am guessing. Strange as there are not many people around and even the streets are very quiet...Sunday I guess.
May 27 & 28, Managua, Nicaragua
Spending a lot time just relaxing by the pool. And of course talking to the guy that works here. He does speak English but with a translator he is giving me information about Nicaragua.
Monday, May 30, 2016
May 26, Managua, Nicaragua
I shared a van with a woman from Washington DC to the airport and then paid extra to get to hotel.
Great place, another family home run by a guy from Saskatoon and his Nicaraguan wife. Great place. My room is basically outside. The bathroom is open for part of ceiling and bedroom has a small deck. The room is screened.
I am close to mall so wandered around a bit....apparently I am a fairly well off neighbourhood as things are expensive, relatively.
May 25, Granada, Nicaragua
A 2 hour drive back to Granada. Out for lunch, a hot dog and then wandered around the city a bit. Back to hotel for a swim. Later we had happy hour with macua, rum and guava juice, and guacamole. Very good before heading out for dinner. Our last night and some are leaving at 4 am. Sad to say good byes as they were a fun group, a nice mix of people.
May 24 , San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
This is an easy day. The other guy and I decided to hike up to the statue of Cristo. Fairly large but not to the size of the one in Rio. It only took about 1 hour but it was very steep, and this was the road! You would never see roads this steep in Canada...must have been 45 degrees!
Easy walk down and time to get ready for the sunset cruise. Stop one, get something to eat as the cruise includes rum and coke! Had a taco, lots of Mexican influence in the food here.
The cruise was great, nice to get out on the water. Rum was good too. They threw in some hook and line and actually caught a fish....25 pound jack fish, but nothing like I know. Great as while on the water there were several dolphins swimming around and we even saw a turtle in the water...making up for last night. A short swim and then watch the sun go down as we went back to the dock. So nice. I am always surprised at how fast the sun goes into the water.
May 23, San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
Off to Playa Hermoso....the beach where the 2012 season of Survivor was filmed. Still the poles, tables and other things around. Beautiful beach. Got a surf lesson and I even was able to stand up a few times! Fun!
Back to the city, quick dinner at seafood place on corner. $7 for red snapper fillete...excellent!
Then off to see turtles lay eggs. We did not see any, but the olive-ridley turtles are to be laying tonight.
We spent about 3 hours walking up and down the beach. Very nice as the moon was full and the guide showed us phosphorescent plankton and some small shells. Really weird as we had a park ranger with us and there were several turtle poachers on the beach waiting as well. They seemed to know each other. Apparently the rangers do not have much power to keep the poachers away. A sad thing.
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