Puntarenas, Costa Rica Friday March 8, 2013

PUNTARENAS, COSTA RICA FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2013

This is a port that I have visited before so finding a tour – either the ship's or private – that covered new ground could be a bit of a challenge – I didn't want a long days drive to San Jose and wasn't willing to spend the bucks to do the Paos Volcano since there was no guarantee that I would see the crater as the last time I was there it was completely socked in – while I haven't confirm it they may have lucked out this time if they got there early as it was a cloudless sky in the morning – there was increasing cloud throughout the day but it didn't affect my tour.

What I opted for was a tour organized by Redhead Anne – a potpourri of things that when combined provided a relaxing stress free day.

Puntarenas also is a good port to visit has it has a proper cruise pier – a short walk off and then the town is right there and right there was a sign with Anne's name on it or the nine of us boarded the mini-van and headed out for the day.

Our first stop was in search for the white-faced monkeys that inhabited an area not far from town – at first they could only be seen in the distance but with a little persuasion – IE – an apple – one fellow liked the bait and came up to roadside – he was literally eating out of our guides hand while we were busy snapping photos.

Next we stopped at a small sugar cane operator's place where he taught us how sugar cane juice is made or extracted from the sugar cane – then a sample of the product.

Next up – a roadside stop and walk across a bridge to see the crocodiles – and there were many below on the river bank – they were lazing in the sun – not much water activity.

Next a drive up a narrow dusty gravel road to a viewpoint of the area – while the scenery was great the picture taking wasn't as the sun was causing a shadow effect – they are okay for giving a general view but would never be part of a major photo show.

We then retraced our steps a short way to the Santa Lucia Artesian Village – a small historic village that sits on the edge of a rain forest and national park and has a zip line and sky walk but that wasn't part of today's tour.

After we were treated to some watermelon, pineapple and mango slices and some refreshing ice tea we re boarded the van and headed for our next stop.

Our next stop was at a woodworking shop in a nearby town where we saw a good display of locally hand crafted woodwork.

Finally it was time for lunch in the town of Jaco – pronounced with an H sound – it was a buffet style where you had a choice of side dishes and one main entree – fish – which appeared to be the most popular – chicken, pork chops or beef which is way I had – a choice of salad and a beverage – lemon aide for me – we paid $6.00 US for this – that was the price that our tour guide quoted – I think she had to convince the restaurant owner of that price judging by some of the Spanish conversation that occurred between them.

It was a filling meal.

Jaco is a resort town with an American feel to it – for across the street was a Pizza Hut, KFC and Quiznos sub shop.

After lunch we headed for a nearby beach – there was some discussion among the group here – our original plan was a different beach area where there were more options but because of the time it was shortened – we agreed on a twenty minute stop – those that wanted to swim – Don and Paul took a short dip in the rolling surf – I just dipped my toes in the water and the others enjoyed the gentle breeze under a shade tree.

We also spent some time trying to see if we could find any macaws who frequent the area but we struck out there.

Boarded the van for the final time – a ride back to the pier but with a drive through the town – not a lot to see – then I am on my own – just walk along the beach area and pick up three beers at a place across from the pier control gate – it being a nice warm afternoon and not needing to be back on ship for while – sat on the beach and drank a couple of them.

All in all it was a relaxing day.

Tomorrow the tender port of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.