Sunsets and Surfing

After our day of hiking in the Rainforest, we departed (sadly) from our amazing resort that was right in the heart of the jungle of La Fortuna.  But, we knew our next destination would be as incredible, just in a different way.  Next stop, Tamarindo, Costa Rica.  Our trek would include three more hours of winding, narrow roads but would offer us a chance to stop in small towns and embrace more local culture.  About half way to Tamarindo, we needed lunch so decided to stop in Cana's.  A quick grocery store run where I spent only $1 on fresh cut pineapple and papaya and it was more than enough for one person. She even offered us napkins and forks!  Across the street we found a small chicken joint, but we opted for a hamburger, fries, and a coca-cola and spent less than $5.  Now, we are onto the oceanfront views!

Once we arrived in Tamarindo we headed straight to our resort; since we were losing daylight, we wanted to get our luggage to the room, freshen up, put on our suits, grab a beer, and head to the beach! And we made it just in time to see one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen; little did we know, this would be a nightly ritual for us and many others at this particular area.  The Occidental Tamarindo is the only all-inclusive resort in the area and is surrounded by the Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, Sector Playa Langosta, where the wildlife and the land is protected.  It's the perfect blend of relaxation and adventures, the jungle and the sea and some incredible surfing. It's about a mile from the City Center where you can find local restaurants, shops, and experience the more touristy side of Tamarindo.  Fortunately for us, we met some super cool locals our first night on the beach, of course they had dogs which is how we started chatting. We learned they owned a local bar right up the street from our hotel, The Surf Club Sports Bar, where we would find ourselves visiting several times for a cold brew and even an afternoon of horseshoes.

The next day we knew we wanted to tackle surf lessons and since our new local friends knew all the right people, we were sent to the Banana Surf Club.  In no time, we were walking to the beach, surfboards in hand, barefoot, and ready to take on the waves.  A quick lesson pre-water on the boards and our "rad" instructor who had moved to this area from California over a decade ago, took us out for our first ride.  The BF did great in the water and was riding most of the waves; I was definitely nervous and powering through the waves was the hardest obstacle for me.  I never actually was able to do turtle roll under the water, but had no problem getting up on the board and riding the waves into shore.  The BF and the instructor were both super supportive and encouraging; and luckily the surf pro ended up helping me get out far enough because intimidation and my slight fear of water was starting to play a toll.  Two hours of surf lessons, taking in salt water, and being banged up by the board was still the perfect start to the day!

Surfs Up Dude! ✌
Shona

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Labor Day at Beaver Lake

One word, amazing.  My Labor Day weekend could not have been any better!  Meeting new people has become easier for me as I have gotten older and stepped out of my comfort zone, yes I used to be shy.  I was asked to join a group of people, which whom I only knew one of them, for the Labor Day Holiday at Beaver Lake.  One house, 14 people, 2 bathrooms, and 3 bedrooms...my first thought...how on earth will we all get ready in the morning? Yes, you are laughing now because it's the lake and probably thinking why in the world do you get ready...trust me, hair and mascara are still a must! 

 

I decided to accept the invitation and after talking another classmate into riding down with me, I am SO glad I did!!  We walked in to a houseful of people; clothes, bedding, and food everywhere....and did I mention an endless supply of coolers full of, um, ice :) Everyone was so accepting and we plopped down at the kitchen table and starting playing games!  Bingo!  And no, we weren't playing bingo! What happens at the lake stays at the lake!

 

Now to the lake part...GORGEOUS! I mean, beautiful, clear, clean and amazing views!  Two boats, 14 people, a paddle board, lake mat, and laughter all day long!  The weather was perfect, the company was even better and I witnessed a sunset that was to die for!  We were on the water all day and star-gazed at night. The perfect ending to the holiday weekend...besides walking away with some awesome new friends! 

 



 

Here is to new friends and good times! Lake Life!

Thanks to Victoria for some great shots!