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I write this as we try to stay out of the sun as it's still absolutely scorchio (and it's 3.30pm, it should be getting cooler!). We're definitely not wanting to complain, but with our Scottish complexions and since we're taking anti-malarials (which make us more likely to burn), we could do with it being just a little bit cooler. Or even just a few clouds in the sky would help.
Anyway, we've had a busy week since our last post.
On Sunday we got up early to head to Monteverde Reserve. Decided to walk the '6K' to get there to avoid the $10 taxi fare, but got very lost and ended up walking about 12K. And this was before we even got to the park to start hiking! Saw some birds on the hike, including a humming bird. By the time we walked home we'd done about 25K. Had some great cake as a reward though
Monday Got up at 5 to catch the local bus to Quepos next to Manuel Antonio National Park. Quite an experience-very bumpy dirt tracks most of the way, a driver who spent more time chatting up the women in the front seat than keeping his eyes on the road,and occasionally massive clouds of dust would completely obscure the view of the road. No chickens in the seats next to us though so no real complaints. Stayed at a great hostel with a pool and huge kitchen,so decided to stay for 3 days. Drank some beers by the pool then an early night.
Tuesday Up early (note the common theme here) to go to the national park and hopefully see some wildlife. We definitely weren't disappointed! Saw a sloth, lots of lizards (Ali's favourite being a tiny one that could puff out it's chest like a big bubble), iguanas, Capuchan monkeys down by the beach, agoutis and coatis (both racoon/possum-like). The park has some of the most beautiful beaches we'd ever seen so did a bit of lazing and swimming. While sitting watching the waves a man in the water was pointing and shouting at us. We turned around to see an agouti trying to steal our bag! After a tug-of-war between Ali and the agouti it eventually gave up and ran away with our rubbish bag instead.
We walked back towards town trying to find 'a really cool bar' (Becky, you'll get that one) that we'd heard about, and at the side of the road we spotted about a dozen monkeys in the trees. Amazing!
Wednesday Had a surf lesson! A great experience,especially since the water is so warm, and I even managed to ride a wave about 3 times. Ali did really well! We have another lesson booked in OZ,courtesy of Richie and Anna, so hopefully we'll manage a bit more then. We both got a bit much sun so hid away in the shade for the afternoon and read in the hammocks at the hostel. Cooked some food, drank some wine, then bed. Tough life.
Thursday Headed south by bus to Peurto Jimenez on the Osi peninsula,which is next to Corcovado national park. We are doing a 2day trek in the park with a guide on Sunday (thanks Elaine and Gareth) but thought we'd arrive a couple days early to adapt to the heat. We've definitely not yet adapted (hence hiding inside by a fan writing this). Had some beers and burritos then escaped to our fan-cooled room.
Friday Went kayaking through mangroves early in the morning which was great. Didn't see any crocodiles (thank god as they would have been a bit too close for comfort when in a small kayak), but did see some massive croc footprints and some eggs that the mother had abandoned on the sand bank. Our guide also took us to a deserted beach and showed us how to open coconuts with a stick,and we drank coconut water and milk, and had the freshest pineapple ever. So tasty! Going off now to meet our guide for the park and find out what we need to take for 2 days in the dense jungle.
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