Pura Vida

Returning to Costa Rica after 4 years came as a bit of a shock. It didn't seem as cheap as before, particularly having just been through South America. It seems on a par with the US pricewise for many things.
The low water levels turned the trip into more relaxation than paddling...shame as we had hoped to end the trip on a paddling high..(hope UK has some good water levels.)

We met up with our friend Ferdinand who accompanied us on some river trips. We had hoped to do a overnight trip on the Chirripo Atlantico, but unfortunately were thwarted both times by logistics and injuries.

We based ourselves out of Turrialba for a few days, and paddled some classic Costa Rica rivers, the Orosi, Reventazon, Upper and Lower Pacuare , and even safety kayaked for a day for a rafting trip.

Turrialba is still relatively untouched by tourists, On one particular day..A horse parade closed the entire town down. The idea of the parade is for local cowboys to come and show off their horses..most can do wonderful spanish prances. Cheryl got a treat when she was asked to ride (prance) a horse up the street. There were over 500 horses in the parade... later in the evening many of the horses were with the cowboys outside many of the bars, it was quite a sight.

Due to the lack of rivers we headed out to Quepos / Manuel Antonio. We managed to paddle the labyrinth section of the Naranja, which is a great low water gorgey option.

The remainder of our time was spent relaxing, enjoying the scenery and taking in the abundance of wildlife in Costa Rica... we saw sloths, agoatis, cawatis, lots of monkeys, lizards and huge iguanas. One Iguana has taken to enjoying the local tico food on the beach.

Our trip is sadly coming to an end, Tomorrow we fly home to blighty...It been a wonderful 12 months. Its gone fast but the memories will last a life time.