Río Claro, Puntarenas [Costa Rica]

I couldn't have imagined that it could possibly get any hotter.... all that stuff I wrote earlier about baking my brains and drinking 8-10 liters of water was kid's play.... this is true heat.  Before, I could struggle through the middle of the day and still make some progress.  Now, I can't even force my legs to move...

The plus side is that the legs are stronger and I can comfortably push out 100+ km a day, even with large amounts of vertical.

Another plus is to be cycling with Shane Hutton again.  He and I met on a ferry in México.  After traveling together for over a week, our paths parted for a time.  It's fun to have someone to tell stories with while moving down the road.  It's comforting to have someone to help watch gear.

Also, the last day has provided us several spontaneous offerings.  One man, Davíd offered to have us stay with brother for the night (only 50 km down the road... made for a loooong day).  The next day, quite possibly the most excited man I've met, Carlos (and Carlos Jr.) pulled off the road, waved us down, and loaded us up with food, drinks, sugar, snacks, and lots of laughs.  That same day, we ran into Davíd again, and he bought us a large chicken lunch.  Heat be damned!!!!  Life is pretty good!!!

Jacó, Puntarenas [Costa Rica]

Twenty five kilometers on more crazy jungle roads find me arriving at Montezuma Beach, the southern-most point of the Nicoya peninsula in Costa Rica.  I arrive at 8:45 am hoping to take the 9:30 am fast boat to the Coast Rican "mainland".  I was a little concerned that I might not make it because I had forgotten to make my reservations a day in advance as was suggested.... no problemo, luck is on my side (once again) and I also manage to sweet talk my way into a 25% discount because the boat is full and they wouldn't want me to take a competitors boat....

I once again avoid making offerings to the sea gods and land intact in Jacó where I met my fellow cyclist and former traveling companion Shane Hutton!

We relaxed a while during the heat of the day and then pushed off for another 60+ km.

Playa Manzanillo, Puntarenas (II) [Costa Rica]

The last 2+ weeks have been full!  You know life is pretty good when six days out of the week you're chasing waves.  I've filled in the "off-time" with horse riding, farm work, swimming on the beach, and tromping through the jungle.

The little things have also added to the routine... giving a new friend driving lessons, going to barn dances, and destroying then trying to fix the previously mentioned old motorbike without brakes and headlight (and now without a chain).

Alas, all good things must come to an end.  Looking to start biking again tomorrow!  Pura vida!!!

Playa Manzanillo, Puntarenas (I) [Costa Rica]

Even better than rest days, is "chillin' out" for a while.  The last week, I've been relaxing in the house of a good friend, Sam.  He has an extra room and has been a gracious host, showing me around the jungles and beaches where he lives.  He even showed me around a mind-blowing permaculture project that he's working on (cirenas.org).

The first few days are always filled with a list of chores.  This time around, I took a full day to wash laundry; another full day to wash my tent, panniers, and sleeping bag. It's been three months of hard travel and things were absolutely filthy.  Of course, there is a day or two of bike stuff to do... cleaning, tuning, maintenance.

Now, it's all relaxation time.  I've been surfing on a borrowed longboard, enjoying the famous Costa Rican waves, and cruisin' the dirt roads on an old motorbike that doesn't have brakes nor a headlight.  Pura vida!!!

Granada [Nicaragua]

The sun was getting low and I really needed to find a place to sleep, but..... they were playing baseball on the dirt road and I just couldn't resist.  So, I jumped in and started playing pitcher.

After an hour, it was too dark to play any more.  I went to my bike (it was laying in the dirt behind home plate).  It finally dawned on one of the dudes to ask me where on earth I was going.... I told him that I was looking for a place to camp.  They all started to laugh... "Stay with me amigo." came the reply.

And so, I stayed for two days on the shores of Lake Nicaragua.  Thank you!!!