Onwards towards the Pacific Ocean now. Leaving at 8.20 am, descending down a steep unpaved dusty mountain road, just like our country roads back home, the travel was then through very lush green countryside towards the coast. Part of it felt like travelling through the King Country then down through the Wanganui region.

A nasty road accident was passed which held us up for a short while.

A stop was made to see the crocodiles. None were being fed so they were rather docile. While we were croc watching, Bec got all of us some Enyucado which is shredded yuca with some meat inside it and was deep fried. Just C$ 600 / NZ $ 1.50 / US $ 1.20.

Passing through the old town of Quepos, once a very important port for the exportation of bananas, the last of 7 kilometres was along another twisting road up and then down to Manuel Antonio. Passing many condos, hotels and restaurants this bit of the road reminded me a bit of Bali, Indonesia with the many billboards all competing for our attention. A visual pollution if you ask me. No foot paths! The actual town of Manuel Antonio is about the size of Paihia (not large at all) but more developed with tourism focusing around the beach and national park only. Wonder what this place was like before this development which is still happening?

It was just over a four drive getting to Manuel Antonio at 1 pm. We were in Tucan’s upgraded hotel which mean a flat walk to the beach and it was nearly next to the Park entrance. Their normal hotel which we passed was up on the hill and meant a short walk up from the beach and park.

Boy it was hot here. At least in the mid 30‘s and a high humidity. Hate to think what it will be like in summer. Remember this is their winter. As our rooms were not ready, an orientation down towards the beach and then free time. I walked to the end of the main beach and had lunch at one of the beachside restaurants - Balu Surf School. Sand floor, concrete tables and seats, rather rustic under the shelter of the palm trees from the sun. Anyway one chocolate milkshake was not enough so I had two to accompany the rice and chicken with a salad and fries C$ 9,000 / NZ $ 22.00 / US $ 18.20.

Back down to the beach to capture the 5.28 pm sunset.

Dinner at Backpacker’s Paradise Costa Linda. A Zombie Burger - double meat, bacon, cheese and eggs with French fries and salad. C$4,900 NZ $ 12.00 / US $ 9.90. That plus a passionfruit smoothie for C$1000 / NZ $ 2.40 / US $ 2.00.

All I can say today is “Thank goodness” for the air conditioning in the room to cool me down!

Note to myself. Check SD card as this entry has some missing images - croc and sunset.