Costa Rican Adventure Day 12

We were up early for our breakfast before our transfer to Montezuma. The Arenal Observatory Lodge is situated in extensive grounds right on the slopes of the volcano. It was a shame that the visibility wasn't better for a view of the volcano but the cloud was down obscuring most of it. There is a lovely viewing platform next to the restaurant which gives tremendous views over the gardens and down to the reservoir in the valley below. We joined a British group of 'twitchers' on the platform to view some Montezuma Oropendola and a huge Great Curassow in the garden below. After a quick breakfast we set down the slopes of the volcano back to the road to start our transfer to the Pacific coast.

Montezuma Oropendola

Great  Curassow

View from Arenal  Observatory Lodge

We stopped on route at a great coffee shop, where in the car park at the back there is a group of Scarlet Macaws sitting in a tree. Beside it was a lovely giant Alsatian dog sitting in the back of a pick up truck. A lady tourist got too close and jumped a mile when he barked at her!

The road we were using is part of the Pan America Highway and as such was quite busy. We had to catch the 11 am ferry and due to the traffic we were running perilously close to missing it. As we stepped on and our minibus drove on the doors were pulled up and we were off - we made it by the skin of our teeth!

Last on the ferry!

The crossing over the Gulf of Nicoya took just over an hour. We made the most of it with a little rum o'clock session and some snacks with our guide and driver (thankfully Olman the driver didn't drink, so he had a soda and lots of crisps!)

Gulf of Nicoya

Across the other side in Puntarenas province, the road were rough and pot holed so we bumped our way for an hour and half or so to make it to Montezuma. Just as we reached the town outskirts a troop of White-faced Capuchin monkeys crossed the road in front of us, some using the overhead telephone lines to do so.

White-faced Capuchin 

We said our sad farewells to Fabian and Olman, who had to make the return journey all the way back to San Jose. Both had been excellent and we were sad to see them go, as with all our guides we will not forget them and already have their E-mail and Facebook details.

We transferred to a Land Rover which took us a half mile or so to our beach hotel - Ylang Ylang. First impressions are usually right and all of us were really impressed with its location and simple, yet elegant look. A lovely chap called David who had picked us up in town, took us to our rooms. He explained he was a graduate taking a year off to improve his English before continuing his studies. Like all the staff and people we have met on this journey he was polite and courteous and a pleasure to meet.

Beach view from room, Ylang Ylang

Our rooms are of two types. Mum, Lee, Sarah and Andrew are in a beach 'igloo' type bungalow.These are right on the beach and are quiet and private. As we are sharing with George we have a two storey place with three double beds. Again it's right on the beach and has a veranda.  The whole place is very relaxed and has a nice feel to it.

We settled in and then went for a great swim and play in the pounding surf. More rum o'clock and then a lovely open air dinner in the warmth of a tropical evening and under a full moon - perfect!