Woken up just after sunrise and opened the window to see the view I would probably want to see every day of my life. The hotel owner’s dog went for a morning walk along the beach with us. Purchased breakfast, salty white cheese, fruit, biscuits and orange juice and eaten in our wooden hut’s patio table. Struggling to leave, we started cycling at about 10 am. The owner’s dog followed us for ages until we had a cunning plan of hiding and cycling off at high speed. The beach resorts became more busy and suddenly the road changed into the beach itself. Not possible to cycle on soft sand but next to the shore line was pretty ok. Clambered across a river and after about a kilometre on a sandy beach passing tourist horse riders and quad maniacs we got to a gravel road.. Lots of posh villas and very well maintained gardens. Lots of properties for sale; the effects of economy downturn could easily be seen. Extremely hot conditions and lots of dust being kicked up from passing vehicles made the experience a bit hard. In the afternoon, absolutely drained of energy, we have arrived in “Playa Grande”: a renowned national park protecting leatherback turtles. Had couple of ridiculously expensive beers in a scabby beach bar (served by “Britney”…), not impressed! Looked around for a room and no joy in our price range. Wild camping was the answer of many people asked, however not possible with expensive equipment like ours. Cycled south to check options on the outskirts of town. Finally under pressure of time, (the national park beach for turtles does not allow walking on the beach between 6pm and 6 am) we left Playa Grande for Tamarindo in a small boat whizzing across the river that divides the beaches . Crossing time 15 seconds, price 8 bucks - I want this job.
Another struggle through the sandy beach accompanied with lots of surfing dudes hanging around waiting for the perfect wave. Quick swim and fight with fantastic curly waves.
Got to Tamarindo town, completely filled with tourists. Pizza hut and Subway did not add local charm either. Had a quick ice cream and while enjoying the taste Teresa’s bicycle stand broke off. Found the campsite in the southern part of town. Only us and a Swiss gentleman travelling by 4x4 across the Americas were staying on site. Got some food and beers and chatted with about travels and worries of the world. Hans told us that his first car trip was from Switzerland to India in 1969 in Citroen 2CV (return) for his honeymoon!!!
I did some cleaning and maintenance to protect the bicycles from the hefty portions of sand and salt water received through the day while Teresa washed our salty clothing.
Collapsed after few beers and fell asleep to the sounds of the local disco in a background (music until 6am)
Another struggle through the sandy beach accompanied with lots of surfing dudes hanging around waiting for the perfect wave. Quick swim and fight with fantastic curly waves.
Got to Tamarindo town, completely filled with tourists. Pizza hut and Subway did not add local charm either. Had a quick ice cream and while enjoying the taste Teresa’s bicycle stand broke off. Found the campsite in the southern part of town. Only us and a Swiss gentleman travelling by 4x4 across the Americas were staying on site. Got some food and beers and chatted with about travels and worries of the world. Hans told us that his first car trip was from Switzerland to India in 1969 in Citroen 2CV (return) for his honeymoon!!!
I did some cleaning and maintenance to protect the bicycles from the hefty portions of sand and salt water received through the day while Teresa washed our salty clothing.
Collapsed after few beers and fell asleep to the sounds of the local disco in a background (music until 6am)