Limon, Costa Rica

Limon, Costa Rica was our tropical port for the day on Monday, January 24.  Limon is located on the east coast, nearly opposite of where we were in Quepos (on the west coast), with my brothers and their wives in March of 2019.  From the port, we walked to a small park where the locals were happy to point out their resident mother and baby sloth in the treetops. I'll be the first to admit that I didn't see much more than a ball of fur.

Bob and I had booked a tour that would take us on an eco river boat cruise on the Tortuguero Canal followed by a ride on the historic banana plantation railroad. We were pleasantly surprised at the variety of wildlife we saw while floating down the river. Of course, the sloth and the caiman were what caused the most excitment. We also saw spider monkeys swinging through the trees (no photo).

After a short break with fresh fruit and Yuquitos cassava chips, we were off to board a historic, recently restored car of the open-air train that has facilitated Costa Rica’s banana industry for decades. This experience ended up being about a 45-minute leisurely ride though the banana plantations and jungles along the coast of the Limon province.

During the bus ride portions of our tour, I was able to take photos of the area.  Limon is not nearly as developed of as touristy as what we experienced on the west coast.  Bob and I had a little extra time to wander around the town before boarding the ship.  I concluded that this area has a laid back simple vibe, providing a comfortable life for the locals.

ATV's and Rainmaker Reserve

Our last day in Costa Rica had arrived much too soon.  With no plan in mind, we awoke the morning of Friday, March 1, 2019 and discussed the possibilities.  We wanted to check out the weekend farmer's market sometime in the evening, and a sunset meal at El Avion had been suggested by Linda.  But before then, we agreed upon doing a 4-wheeling adventure through the villages of Costa Rica, which Itza arranged for us.  The northeasterly hour-long drive took us past palm plantations and along dirt roads into the mountains of Costa Rica.  We arrived at the small home/business, and saddled up for the dusty ride.

  

After cruising along dirt roads which traversed through palm trees, rivers and villages, we arrived at Rainmaker Reserve where we enjoyed a cool drink before hiking through the nature park.  Our destination was a small natural pool which quickly cleaned and cooled our dirty bodies.  We were served fresh pineapple before hiking back to our ATV's. (Love the way the pineapple was sliced and served!)

Upon arriving back at the starting point of our ATV adventure, we were served a typical Costa Rican meal of chicken, beans and rice - but this time a pasta salad accompanied our dish.

We returned to our Enchanted Home in Quepos where we showered and readied ourselves for some evening fun.  El Avion is a two-story bar and restaurant built inside of an old cargo plane which was acquired in 2000. The plane was previously used during the Iran-Contra scandal during the 1980's.  A beautiful sunset meal at El Avion was the perfect finale for our Hill Family vacation in Costa Rica!

 What a gorgeous sunset!

After dinner we made our way to the night market. A few souvenirs were obtained, but I had already purchased my silver sea turtle charm and nothing more was needed.

It was fun to experience this local gathering place, although, with our morning departures, there was no sense in buying the interesting cheese and produce to sample.  I will say I was intrigued by the cashew fruit which is not actually a fruit; and which the green/gray kidney shaped "stem", on the end of the "cashew apple", is actually the "nut" when harvested and correctly processed.  (See bottom photo.) 

A final stop took us to the colorful Quepos welcome sign, which perfectly depicts the time we enjoyed together in this purely simple place! 

Pura Vida, Costa Rica!