So today was a wonderful day . . . . Church had a blessed cross breeze that kept the sweat from trickling down my back. I love it, dogs roam the isles as we sing, iguanas creep along the rocks during the sermon, even the occasional spider makes an appearance during services. It was another lazy day, until the idea to "explore" occurred. Now I always thought of myself as an adventurer, but my family here makes me look like a nun without ambitions. Every dirt road, open gate, or path is free game to be explored, even if it means we might get lost or stuck. As long as we have a full tank of gas (mind you the car still has a mind of its own) and the boys are strapped in with snacks and water, we're good to go.
So todays evening exploring led us to another beach, called "Pirates Beach" which is yet again, another beautiful spot. The water is so clear you can see the waves start to form, curl and then fall. Large sand granules make the shoreline interesting because it's like miniature boulders instead of grainy sand. Easier to clean off, and it doesn't cling so bad to your ankles and toes. Standing with the waves lapping at my ankles, rock islands so near that they begged to be explored, I could imagine pirates laying anchor long before it was discovered by hotels and tourist. Rowing their boats ashore they would have found a long stretch of beach, deserted with a thick tree line of jungle forestation and numerous spots to bury their loot. How else could it have gotten it's name?
Once we'd soaked up some rays, we were off again, down another dirt road that was supposed to lead us to a town. Well it ran right along the shore and when were finally cleared the numerous jumps, we discovered a strange crossing. On the edge of the tree line there was large plain of white sands, like an empty river bed, and then more trees. Now we were already in soft sand, you could just feel the Trooper settle in. Titus looked at Natalie and then back at us. "Should we do it?" he asked. There were tire tracks across the sand so obviously someone already had, but here is where my adventure spirit takes a punch from my practical side. First there are two small children in the car, so if it sinks you can't just ditch it and walk away yourself. Second we're all wearing flip flops, skirts and shorts so pushing is not really going to be an apparel approved option. Third, getting stuck doesn't even sound that fun and I've had a few close calls to know.
Hesitation hung in the air, as the decision went undecided for moments. Facts were debated, and the motor just rumbled on through it all. Finally it was decided to be too risky (whew) and we backed up. But here's were the real adventure began. Cars were parked along the way, making it hard to do a three point turn. Finding a little nook, we did point one and then we stopped. Tires spun, the back dropped down, and we all looked at each other. Again the gas was pushed, tires turned and nothing. . . .
We were stuck and we hadn't even tried to cross the sandy plains. Locals looked on with amused smiles as Titus got out, then Natalie and they placed sticks under the tires. Seeing our helpless state, generous souls came over and offered advice and direction on how to free our sunken steed. Down shifting into low four wheel drive, we rocked forward then back and then popped out. Local tourist police (who'd been standing by the whole time watching behind shaded sunglasses and crossed arms) suddenly appeared to direct our backing up and then waved as we bounced back the way we came. Relieved smiles and the words "Well wasn't that an adventure" were expressed as we found our way back to more solid ground.
In closing, when taking a risk that involves getting stuck - first make sure you have the appropriate shoes on before deciding to trek across the desert; and second, decide to do it within view of the locals - so they can have a good story to laugh about later that day and because they're the ones that will be able to get you unstuck when you try.
To cap off our grand expedition we visited this restaurant in Playa Flamingo that was high up on a hill with an amazing view. Do you know the sun sinks below the horizon in less then six minutes?First it's there, and them bam! it's gone. It turned out to be a cool beautiful evening and the wonderful ending/beginning to the week. Who knows what new experiences will unfold in the next six days, but as I've learned living here, life in Costa Rica is always an adventure . . . . .
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