The Estuary in Tamarindo

One of the spicies of Egrid. Not skiddish!

Croc!

Local fisherman catches a species of red snapper (coveted) we asked if he would sell it to us, he smiled and said no.

Mangrove trees tangle every inch of the shore line in the estuary.

Monkeys lounge in the trees above.

Great lunch in Tamarindo

Pangas on the beach.

Red Snapper, perfectly done! The skin was amazing, lite and crispy, so yummy. All the meat slid easily off those tiny bones. 

Located on the beach but in front of the estuary. This is where the estuary begins and continues east for  21/2 miles.

I posted a video on YouTube: La Carolina Lodge

http://youtu.be/LYp7oTDDQBA

Some of the locals.

Sitting by the pool we saw an armadillo! Couldn't get to my camera in time...shy guy.

This guy clung to my shorts..I was napping in a hammock when he climbed on.

All day beach/trail ride.

 Super cool! a full gallop in the sand! The horses were competive, and the feeling of the gallop in the sand was like running in the clouds.

Cattle call

We took a catamaran company called Lazy Lizard to find a cove to snorkel, kayak and swim. Lots of other people joined us :(  The Catamaran left out of Playa Flamingo, north of Tamarindo. The area seems a little more modern.

A short distance from the anchor we were quickly under full sail on a beautiful afternoon (3:00ish). By 4:00 we we donning fins and snorkels. 

As soon as I enterd the water, my left leg felt a stinging feeling...humm? Then we herd a kid yelling and nearly walking on water, making his way back to the boat. Yep jelly fish, tinny ones... Little clear circles, smaller than a dime. Ok.. so not fun. We took a kayak to shore...pretty. All the drinks and beer you wanted, so the party was starting! They laid out fruit and sandwiches. We headed back, while the sun set.

Prior to our floating party, we drove into some areas where we saw homes from the beach, looking up, toward the craggy cliffs. Wow big houses! This pic doesn't do justice to the homes we saw though. Lotta "Se Vende" "For Sale" and the brokerage houses doing the selling... "Christies" not Coldwell Banker or Remax

which seem to be everywhere else. Some of the Mansions had a 300 degree view, just by their position on top/point of the cliff. One giant property!

My surfer is happy!

This is a surf spot called "Little Hawaii" and when I go riding in Paya Negra, I get in the car he puts the board on the roof we drive to the front of the beach club, (1/2 mile or so) he checks the surf and if it looks good he gets out there takes the board and I go on to ride. Or I take him back to the condo. When he's done surfing he paddles around a point to the beach front of the JW Marriott and comes to shore there because it's just a short walk back to the condo we're right next door to the JW Marriott. That trick saves him a most of the 1/2 mile walk.

A 1 1/2 mile hike to a gem!

A hike into a secondary and primary rain forrest...

All to see! This phenomenon! One of Costa Rica's 7 wonders. The Rio Celeste.

Below, is the area that shows the mixture of the two rivers.

The hike was tough, slippery and steep plus many stairs to climb back to the main trail to see the other sites surrounding this beautiful destination. It was 3 mile round trip, with a built in stair master.

Blue Lagoon!

This picture below is a spot that had a huge sulfer smell. The water was bubbling up there.

This plant when eaten by an insect, repairs itself leaving these drops of red color. The locals think is a spiritual sign.

Location, location ....magic!

Close your eyes.. and imagine the sounds of a rushing river, toucans, frogs, humming birds, insects, monkeys and the local language offering a comfortable stay at a rustic lodge.

La Carolina Lodge is in a beautiful location and they kept this spot natural. Flanked by a split in the river, and surrounded by the jungle that's been there forever. 

This sustainable lodge is raising the meat, fruits, vegetables, beans and rice that are served in the wonderful Tican meals. (Included with room price)

The lodge is currently building a green house for more verities of fruits and vegetables.

The use of oxen are how the large pieces of lumber are moved and heaviest work gets done. Bill and Karien do much for the local Ticans, employment, the local children's schools, and keeping traditions alive.

Our cabin called "El Colibri" was so lovely.

A fabulous rustic hot tub heated by a wood burning fire place, set above the rushing waters! Loved it!

Charm is everywhere!

And if that's not enough! Horse rides, a great guide Alejondro, milking cows and long georgous walks! Thank goodness for bug spray and long pants...those bugs love me!

3 nights! Not enough! No phone, Internet, night life softly lit by candlelight, a sound track from nature herself, and good old rest! We were so apriciative of the hospitality Bill, Karien and their attentive staff gave. We're going to return, with whoever of our friends wants to come. There are some house options with all the privacy and beauty one could ever wish for!

Uploaded a video to YouTube!

http://youtu.be/LYp7oTDDQBA

Back to jumping!

I thought while I have the best jumping instructor stateside and here, I best get my adrenaline up! I told her ground poles are ok if she thinks that would be best. So I arrived at the arena with jumping saddle securely in place and noted the ground poles...that's not where we started. Molly set up a small jump, and we started. I have to confess, my mount is a horse named "Fabio" , and he has a gas peddle like a Ferrari. We spent a couple of minutes slowing his brain down, and the rest was auto pilot. Good boy! So fun to feel my 2 point!

My Valentine gift...a spa day!

Oh my skin needed that! Pretty!