Waiting for the wind

to let up and provide a window in which we can make our way to Bahia Del Coco, Costa Rica. Thought we would be leaving tonight but now the weather fax says no no no - 30 knots plus will be rolling in within a short period. OK. New strategy. We'll look for a longer weather window and plan a shorter journey - just across the boarder to northern Costa Rica and duck into Bahia Santa Elena. It would be easier to time the weather and our departure if we did not have to first pay a visit via bus to the Nicaraguan frontier. That is where the immigration office is and where we have to report to receive our exit papers. Apparently it is about 45 minuets away via car if you know where you are going but we'll be traveling via bus - one from San Juan Del Sur and then connecting with another some where between here and Rivas, that will take us to the "frontier". Hummm. I figure the whole process will take most of a day. Once we have checked out we MUST leave within 24 hours. Therefore all the deliberation as to when to initiate this check out process.

This is an interesting small town with a bay that offers good anchoring if the wind is blowing from the north east. Thankfully the wind has been blowing from the north east. Unfortunately it is blowing in the 20 to 35knot range. Yes, the famed papagayo winds are here and they are blowing. The port would rather you take the small tug, aka water taxi, to and from your boat and the shore. It is a cute little thing covered with fenders. Carlos, the captain, is a fantastic boat handler. Thank goodness because he snuggles the tug up to Ceilidh in 20 + knots of wind so we can jump onto or off of the roof of the tug. I'll get a photo of him before we leave. The town is filled with young tourists from many countries. I counted five different largish buildings with "spanish speaking school" signs. Many smaller hotels and hostels supply the young adventurers with places to stay. We found the mercado and purchased vegetables, fruits, bread and eggs. All the food is a bit spendy so I bet most people catch the bus into Rivas for major shopping. If we are waiting here for long we will probably take the bus to Rivas as well just to see the town. Today we plan to flag down the water taxi and take a long walk along the beach.

Taking some time and enjoying what we have each day is a good thing. Sarafina is out of her case and I am playing throughout the day. Rich is resting and reading. We celebrated our wedding anniversary on the full moon last week. A quiet day with each other and time to think of all the changes since we married 7 years ago. Wow. Will sign off for now and write again as new adventures unfold. If the wind allows we may make it into the internet cafe with our computer and upload some new photos. Check back and see!

Love to all from the yin side

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