Snorkeling (July 27, 2023)

We waded out to the snorkeling boat, waiting for us at the appointed time at Samara Beach, a short walk down the road in front of our VRBO.

All on board, headed for the very island that Mya and River kayaked to the day before. Hoping to see sea turtles and fish. A sea turtle that was about 4 feet long swam right past Mya; she was able to pet it on the back.

Thousands of hermit crabs scurried on the island beach. We took a break for water melon.

The captain also served fresh pineapple. We learned a new way to cut and serve it.

Wind in the hair on the bow. Mya, Piper, River, Mia

 

Howler monkeys, secluded beach cove (July 27, 2023)

Howler monkeys high up in the trees across the road from us! River, Papa Tom, Ryder, Otis, Brandy, Micah, Mya, and Piper

Otis and Brandy at the secluded beach. Someone said you could see tropical birds there but we saw none.

Otis at the secluded cove.

Howler monkey in a tree across the road from Casa Pacifica, our VRBO. They mainly slept all day but would wake up and complain if a motorcycle or some other vehicle disturbed them.

 Mia and driftwood at the secluded cove at Samara Beach.

Turning 70--day is done (July 26, 2023)

Micah and Otis, after the birthday dinner. 

Micah and Tom, after grilling dinner

 Four of six grands on the trip, in the pool: Mya, River, Piper, and Otis

Zipline part four (July 26, 2023)

And we're done! The last rappel.

Ryder rappelling

Brandy's back on the ground. She'd asked for a slow drop; the guy joked that his arm was tired. He dropped her fast part of the way. Not funny!

 

Zipline part three (July 26, 2023)

Brandy rappels

Mya, Papa Tom, and our guides at another jungle bridge.

Piper zips

 

Ryder brakes at the end of the line

Zipline part two (July 26, 2023)

Flying Piper!

River rides

In the treehouse, clipped in. The guides always made sure we were clipped in. As you'll see in the last photo below, you wouldn't want to fall out of the treehouse and land on your head, helmet or not.

Sweet smile, Mya!

 Looking down through the treehouse slats. See the helmet heads below? We rappelled out of the treehouse. 

First time to zipline ever! (Zipline part one: July 26, 2023)

View from the beginning of the zipline in Samara. There were nine lines with jungle trails in between. We had to rappel down from a treehouse to one trail, and rappel down at the end!

Ready to ride! Micah and Otis opted out.

Brandy on one of the trail bridges.

Easier than the treadmill. All you have to do is be clipped in and ride. Oh! And know how to slow down for a stop.

Papa Tom is ready to take the plunge. Yeehaw!

 

Let the 70th birthday continue (July 26, 2023)

The Casa Pacifica VRBO came with beach bikes, kayaks, and paddle boards. Here's River in front of the casita, where Micah and Otis stayed.

Horses across the street from Casa Pacifica. The VRBO was next to the Hideaway Hotel, where we sometimes got take out. 

River and Mya took the kayaks to a nearby island where the beach was covered with hermit crabs. They saw sea turtles too!

There were only two kayaks at the house. Ryder saw the kids off.

Ryder tried the paddle board.

I helped the kids launch their kayaks.

When the house cleaners discovered it was my birthday, they made a special decoration for me with the bath towels. Muchas gracias, Dey and Eve!
 

The dawn of 70 (July 26, 2023)

Thank you, wonderful family, for making 70 (!!!) so special. You were busy elves after I went to bed on July 25!

70 seems so unreal. I feel no older than I did at 21. Hopefully wiser though!

Celebrating in one of the world's five Blue Zones was inspiring. 100, here I come!

A common Blue Zone thread is being surrounded by loving family and friends. Thank you for your love and support! Combine that with eating right and getting enough sleep, and 100 should be a realistic possibility. Good! I still have a lot to do on the planet!

When tall people take your picture....Truthfully, I'm about to be the shortest family member once Piper passes me up.
 

Samara, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica (Day Two, Part Two--July 25, 2023)

Micah and Otis took the Toyota off road along a river or creek. As Micah was backing out, the bank collapsed and the car slid sideways into the water.

Alfonso from National Car Rental in Samara attempted to pull the Toyota out with a tow strap. But he didn't wait for Micah to get in the driver's seat and take the SUV out of "park." The wheels on Alfonso's identical SUV spun and it looked like he was going to get stuck. He and two other guys pushed him out of the mud. So he gave up. Micah's pulled many a stuck vehicle out at work. He said if Alfonso had not doubled the tow strap and had waited for him to put the Toyota in "reverse," it would have worked.

 Ryder watched from above as Alfonso tried unsuccessfully to pull the Toyota out. Later, National Car Rental sent a tow truck from Liberia, about two hours away. Johann, with NCR in Samara, let me know around 7 p.m. that the SUV had been unstuck. His one word message: "Finally."

The road down, next to the bridge. There's a road up on the other side. A low water crossing?

Once down, Micah drove around the bend then decided to back up to return to the paved road. That's when the river bank collapsed.

Looking at the road down from the road up on the other side.

Tracks, after the fact.

Samara, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica (Day 2: Part One --July 25, 2023)

Very friendly and healthy looking stray cats and dogs were everywhere. Here, at the organic food court, Mya and Piper pet a willing kitty.

River at the clothing market next to the beach in town.

Iguanas were everywhere! Micah and Otis stayed in the casita; iguanas scrambled on the tile roof and in the gutters all night. Very loud clattering!

Ah, ice cream and coffee and pastries at the local bakery. Left to right: Piper, Ryder, me, Mya, River.

Micah and Otis at the Organic Market with gluten free chips that, as you'll see in Part Two of this day, were left behind. Stay tuned!

Otis, Ryder, and Piper at the Organic Market.