Reconnecting with Dawn and Paul last year in Antigua was just the beginning of our new re-found friendship - after nearly 15 years, flower shops, children and life stuff we both realize that we still have “stuff” in common - like the love of traveling and adventure. So here we are in Costa Rica together!!
Dawn and Paul
Besides a little bit of sailing, Dawn and Paul wanted an inland adventure - so they invited us to join them for an 8 day road trip to a couple of different regions that we could not get to by boat! WOW what a treat we were in for … especially since those two did all the legwork and organized it.
So off we went - traveling to Punta Islita - an absolutely stunning beach point - we could not have ever anchored here due to reefs; so it was perfect to go by car.
Our view from the Punta Islita Terrace - and to think we sailed right past this point!
As Henry David Thoreau once said: we have to travel the “road less traveled by” and this was certainly the case … thank goodness - it was the dry season - I could only imagine what this riverbed will look like once the rain comes … but for now we had a little adventure finding the other side of the road once we crossed …
Rocky and rugged … thank goodness we have 4-wheel drive!
The Hotel - Punta Islita - our home for the next four nights - a perfect little villa with an amazing coziness to it - welcoming, relaxing and you should have seen the glorious bathtub!!
Dawn and I headed for the main hall at Punta Islita
Our days were spent kayaking, swimming, hiking, touring the nearby village, beach walking under the full moon, and of course eating …
Kayaking thru the mangrove was so relaxing - we were treated to some wildlife … monkeys, iguanas, many species of birds …
arriving to this desolate beach with giant driftwood - huge trees that have been washed up from somewhere - absolutely bleached by the sun … wish I could have brought a log or two back for our new backyard.
You can see who is doing all of the work!
arriving to this desolate beach with giant driftwood - huge trees that have been washed up from somewhere - absolutely bleached by the sun … wish I could have brought a log or two back for our new backyard.
Dale checking out the size of this giant tree and root system!
The full moon is amazing down here - I think I could almost touch it … as it rose slightly after sunset for the few days we were at Punta Islita - it was a perfect way to take a night stroll on the beach!
Even the guys pose for a pic!
Romance is in the air - full moon and all!
Punta Islita has this charming community - it fosters “the arts.” Right up my alley - The buildings have all been resurfaced using glass and ceramic tiles. It is so cool when you stop and really look at all of the detail in their murals - a true work of art! The locals have been introduced to ceramics, oils, watercolors, mobiles, fabric and hand work … a real treat to get to shop there!! Their work is evident all thru the hotel’s decor - so it is a win - win situation for the local artisans - their work is being purchased and displayed!! And lucky us - we get to bring some home!
The art studio and craft house
Of course, dining is always a must … not just because we need the energy to keep going but to have the experience … dining on the terrace at Punta Islita - a real treat. But for me and I think Dale as well as Dawn and Paul - we found a little local restaurant that was tucked into the forest - outside tables (we sprayed for mosquitoes) - delicious food - so good we went twice … I wish I could remember the name of it - because we would recommend it - hands down!!
One of our days excursions was to head to Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo - two of the most amazing beaches … Carrillo … not one bit of real estate on that beach - just gorgeous water, sand and surf - so much surf that it was “foaming”! We walked and played in the water. Delightful.
Playa Carrillo - beach walking for hours
Now for Samara - a perfect little beach town - we were treated to soft black volcanic sand, great surf, loads of people - locals as well as tourists, restaurants and shops.We enjoyed a cocktail and knew that we would need to come back their for a late lunch date another day ….
We all needed a drink after that walk! - Gusto's at the Beach - the perfect spot!!
Ahhhhhhhh … this is the life! - This is the spot that Dale choose to relax in after lunch -
Gusto's knows how to treat their patrons!!
Gusto's knows how to treat their patrons!!
Another treat for us was a tour of Diria Coffee Co-op - I now appreciate a cup of java so much more …. From the little farms of 1 acre that holds 1500 coffee trees to the 30 acres plantations (450,000 trees) - every coffee bean picked by hand - workers up at dawn and finish at dusk …. They are almost hanging on the side of a cliff to reach the plants … From the sorting, to the grading, to the drying, to the roasting and then packaging …. so much done by manual labor … I can only imagine what the farms must look like when they are blooming and the fragrance would most like get me going!! We are bringing home some of their pea berry coffee - premium coffees …. Can’t wait for that cup of "joe" and most likely mine will have a teaspoon of chocolate stirred in!!
Entrance to the coffee company
Dawn - no matter where she is - she is a Master Gardener
Standing next to the coffee trees
Standing next to the coffee trees
Both, Dale and I truly enjoyed our time in the Nicoya Peninsula - the local people, the amazing scenery, the gorgeous water, delicious cuisine, hanging out with friends ...
There is no doubt that this is might be one of our favorite places in all of Costa Rica - we loved Punta Islita!
No comments:
Post a Comment