Santa Cruz, Nicoya Peninsula, Tarcoles to San Jose

Feb 23, 2012

After two restful days in Hacienda Pinilla, swimming, beach walks and water volleyball, we head out bright and early at 7:30, to Santa Cruz and around the Nicoya Peninsula to the province of Puntarenas .
 A river tour on the Tarcoles yielded birds we have never seen before and the world's largest population of crocodiles.

This beastie is called Mike Tyson

Our boat driver got out and fed these creatures some raw chicken, a

little too close as far as I was concerned, his toes next to the lower jaw!

My delight was a tree with eight very colorful macaws, unfortunately, I must have been shaking with that excitement as my photo is just a blur of color.

Other new birds included: bar-throated tiger heron, northern jacana,, black-necked stilt, semipalmated plover, crested caracara, scarlet macaw and a southern lapwing. Once again, the guides was excellent, so much knowledge and ability to do the bird calls for us.

Then to the big city, we are staying right downtown, next to the gold museum, national theatre, the Grand Hotel where JFK stayed.

gold museum

National Theatre

Rick, Marsha, Dave and I joined the 1.2 million walkers on the streets of San Jose. We are told there is this number on the streets every day, except Sunday. Crazy place, here the pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way!

Marsha and me

The great travelers and incredible sports.

And now, after 1000 miles and 10 days of pure "pinch me" experiences, we have our farewell entertainment and dinner, said our byes to some travel buddies.

And now, two days to do laundry and catch up with our journal before the next adventure begins.