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28 Feb 2013
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Matagalpa to Managua
Leaving Matagalpa we opted for the long way round.
Screen Shot 2013-02-27 at 11.57.42 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3074 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is 3 kids on 1 bike.
FILE3068 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is a few km of dirt on the way to San Ramon for some fun, but even paved this is a great ride!
FILE3092 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3126 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
matagalpa to managua 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is a fairly sketchy 20 km just past Muy Muy, but the rest of the road is good.
FILE3104 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3106 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3109 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
matagalpa to managua 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The traffic on the drive thru Managua luckily was not too bad since the temperature was 37.5.
matagalpa to managua 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Even in the heat we had to stop and run back for a photo of this statue with the machine gun.
matagalpa to managua 24 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had been offered a stay in the private casita at the Home of fellow ADV rider Salvador.
matagalpa to managua 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
matagalpa to managua 30 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
He is actually riding from Cape Town to Egypt right now { http://tripwelove.com/], so his lovely Mom took very good care of us.
matagalpa to managua 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
matagalpa to managua 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are Christmas lights on all year round in Managua!!
matagalpa to managua 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is a massive Mango tree in their backyard so we had lots of juicy fruits!
matagalpa to managua 38 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
matagalpa to managua 37 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nikita is one HOT dog!!
matagalpa to managua 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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1 Mar 2013
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Managua
We went to visit Salvador’s grandma at her farm.
DSC05216 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05228 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05229 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05231 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
They have an equine therapy center for disabled children.
DSC05220 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
They also have trained horses that dance.
DSC05240 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Leaving Salvador's and heading out thru Managua.
DSC05251 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3152 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3160 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3166 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3183 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3191 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 4 Mar 2013 at 18:46.
Reason: added pics
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2 Mar 2013
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Granada Nicaragua
We had a very short ride past Volcano Masaya and on to Granada.
Screen Shot 2013-03-01 at 10.11.00 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07479 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There are lots of horse drawn carriages on the square if you want a tour of the city.
DSC07476 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had a “drink” and some amazing ceviche on the front patio of the hotel.
DSC07483 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07484 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The Cathedral here really stands out because of the colour.
DSC07574 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07534 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07553 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07532 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We went to Volcan Mombacho where you have to take a transport truck up the “steep road”. Actually it is steep, but paved and “don’t they know we went up El Impossible!”
DSC07491 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07525 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
While waiting for the ride up we walked thru the orchid garden.
DSC07487 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We hiked the El Crater trail to the first mirador looking over Lake Nicaragua and the city of Granada
DSC07494 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07492 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the way to the second viewpoint we took the right turn thru “the tunnel” to get a view inside the crater.
DSC07495 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07496 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07498 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07501 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07508 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is the view from the second mirador. There were lots of wild flowers.
DSC07520 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07513 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
You can also see the second crater from here.
DSC07523 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
When the crater blew out it created the isletas below.
DSC07524 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The volunteer firemen or Bomberos were putting on a demonstration in the square.
DSC07537 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07564 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC07570 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We also came across a large procession walking thru the streets.
DSC07540 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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5 Mar 2013
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Granada Nicaragua
This is a hip and happening place especially on the main street on a Friday night. The cafes and restaurants are packed.
IMG_1507 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We ran into a large group of riders from Edelweiss tours. Their 2-week trip is mostly in Costa Rica, but they came for a few days to visit Granada. We also saw them when we were crossing the border.
DSC05254 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05311 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05313 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We have also been to Isla Ometepe before, so we will not go again, but it is a not to be missed trip to these two islands formed by the two volcanoes in the massive lake Nicaragua. There is a nice hot spring on the way to Merida on the south island where there is a good hostel Hacienda Merida right on the lake.
Heading out of Granada.
FILE3200 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3207 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
These people in the truck were all taking pictures of us with their cell phones!
FILE3220 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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5 Mar 2013
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San Juan del Sur Nicaragua
Heading south to Costa Rica we stopped for a visit back to San Juan del Sur.
Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 11.51.46 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05255 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05256 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05261 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05268 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Thanks Orvar for the tip on the hotel with great parking. We ran into a Honduran tour group Maya tours here too.
DSC05288 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The seafood here is really amazing.
DSC05272 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05292 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Big D finally bought a new pair of sunglasses for 5$. He and Garry Dymond had bodge glued his current pair of riding glasses in Mexico in October!
DSC05273 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Why is sunset so special? They are not all the same for sure and I will never get tired of them. Sunrise is a whole other story.
DSC05274 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05279 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05287 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Summary of Nicaragua experience.
This country has come a long way since the revolution and is on the verge of breaking out. This place has nothing but up side. It is less expensive by far than El Salvador and Costa Rica, and is the “safest” country in Central America. There is a ton of great riding off of the Pan Americana! There a gorgeous spots that see few tourists and rarely over-landers. We met a lot over very friendly locals. Our only police stop was in the middle of absolutely nowhere somewhere after Muy Muy and when they asked for the bike registration and we said “your joking right?” they said don’t worry about it and told us to keep going.
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5 Mar 2013
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1 border 4 hours
One thing I hate to drive in is wind and that means a wind farm is never a good sign. Gusting to 32mph.
FILE3236 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Screen Shot 2013-03-04 at 11.52.38 AM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
I really used to dread the border-crossing day, but as Guaterider says expect the worst, but hope for the best. I really look at it as a game now. I really find the horde of “helpers” that descend on you very stressful. We just continue to say no gracias and they eventually get tired of us. Occasionally a quiet one will stick around and we might ask him where we start and give him a tip.
The exit for two bikes and us from Nicaragua and entry to Costa Rica is 3 hours 45 min (2 hours was standing in line to get passport stamp at CR immigration).
Step 1 is to get out of Nicaragua. You stop at small blue shack in the middle of the road where the official looks at your passport and signs your import permit. Ask for a tourist exit paper. Then drive past the Migration building ahead go left and then left around the back to park.
DSC05294 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here you pay 1$ each tax and then 4.50$ exit fee at different unmarked windows of course. You get your passport exit stamp here too. Then the official will check your VIN and sign your permit (again).
DSC05298 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Then you need to find a cop to sign your import permit. Look for them across the lot sitting under a tree.
DSC05300 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Then take it back in side for more signatures.
DSC05303 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05302 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Finally you take your import permit with multiple signatures and give it to the official as you leave Nicaragua.
Step 2 is to enter Costa Rica. Drive to the fumigation station where they ask to see you passport. We did not have to have fumigation done. There are no “helpers” here.
FILE3246 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3250 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Drive to the gate where they ask for your passport and direct you to the migration building ahead.
FILE3266 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3278 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3295 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05309 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3300 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE3305 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We had the bad luck to arrive at 845 am along with 4 full buses that unloaded just in front of us. The line was glacial and took 2 hours.
DSC05305 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Make sure you fill out a second CA tourist paper for here (the police there have them). No one ever looked at our luggage, despite the bus passengers having to put theirs thru an x-ray scanner.
Next walk or drive 300 m down to the Aduana (not across the street to the yellow building marked Aduana, that comes later).
DSC05324 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05307 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here you pay 30$ for 3 months of CR insurance and then get copies of the insurance paper, passport photo page, immigration stamp page, Drivers License, and vehicle title across the street.
Then proceed back to the small yellow aduada, where they will check all your papers, then your VIN, and send you back to aduana number 1 with your stapled stack of papers.
DSC05310 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05315 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05317 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05320 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05321 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here they enter your data into the computer and give you your import permit. Check the VIN, Plate numbers, and dates carefully.
DSC05323 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05325 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05326 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was an elderly French man here who was livid as his paper had incorrect dates and implied he had over staid his visa. This of course could not be corrected on a Sunday. This is just after he backed into the parked semi truck, but luckily no harm was done.
DSC05327 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Finally made it!!!
DSC05328 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05330 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0383_2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0386_2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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5 Mar 2013
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Playa Copal Costa Rica
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7 Mar 2013
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learning to kite surf at Playa Copal
The view from our room overlooking the bay at Playa Copal Kite House.
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 23 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Learning to kite surf lesson 1- Kite control
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 25 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 2 get in the water and then control the kite.
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 26 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 45 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 32 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 3 add a surf board and ride.
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 47 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 49 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 4 get launched at least once.
Kiting in Playa Copal, Costa Rica 52 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Step 5 ride up wind.
DSC08078 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 14 Mar 2013 at 00:08.
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19 Mar 2013
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Nosara Costa Rica
Now that Dan is “a kite surfer dude” we are going to head south to meet his sister and her family in Nosara.
Screen Shot 2013-03-13 at 4.32.50 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The drive south was initially on the gravel road back to la Cruz and then for a few hours on the pavement.
FILE0636 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0642 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
After leaving La Cruz there are several Policia stops about 5 km apart, where they record your passport number. It was uber hot at 37.5 degrees and kind of like riding your bike inside a sauna.
FILE0661 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0669 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0678 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We stopped for lunch and a cold drink in Liberia and ran into Blake from Ottawa whom we had met on the street in Antigua at the beginning of January. Small world!
IMG_1512 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05336 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This kid was so excited he was waving his thumbs up at us.
FILE0687 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
At Santa Cruz you leave the pavement and drive the 68 km of dirt to Nosara on the pacific Coast.
FILE0699 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0703 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0715 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
The dirt was a bit deep in spots.
FILE0716 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0718 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0719 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0721 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0723 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0726 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0728 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0731 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nearer to town where there is more traffic there was some minor Ripio and some areas in the villages had a skim of cement on the dirt.
FILE0745 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0765 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE0783 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Daniel's sister had rented a nice enough place in Nosara, but this is not a place we would recommend at all. This town is a dustbowl. Luckily we had a pool to beat the 40-degree heat. Dan is cowering in the shade watching the mermaid/men swim.
DSC08161 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08165 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08159 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08168 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08179 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This place has another down fall it is in the middle of nowhere, but does have a tuk tuk to drive.
DSC05344 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05341 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05343 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Shopping with my niece Kiara at the fruit market.
DSC05350 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Fun in the pool
DSC05354 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05359 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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21 Mar 2013
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Nosara Costa Rica
We managed to get out to the nearest Beach Playa Pelada for some exploration of the tide pools.
nosara 79 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 68 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 75 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 90 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 81 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 99 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 80 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
We also got in some fun in the waves.
DSC08256 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 93 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
nosara 88 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08267 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08275 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08388 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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21 Mar 2013
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Samara Costa Rica
Leaving the dust and heat of Nosara we retreated to the beach at Samara. This was a 28 km ride down a VERY dusty dirt road.
Samara 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 3 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 31 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 10 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
On the up hill and looking back down hill. I’m trying to stay back out of Dan’e dust cloud.
Samara 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Not too bad yet as there is no traffic.
Samara 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Here comes the dust.
Samara 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 12 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This road was nasty also because it was so bumpy. Both of us had numb hands from the road and the ripio.
Samara 13 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 42 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is a short cut off the gravel on a dirt bit of road.
Samara 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Then you hit the pavement of Samara a few km from town.
Samara 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
This is a nice little beach town.
Samara 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 16 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 18 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 27 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara 28 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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25 Mar 2013
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Playa Samara
The next bay over is Playa Carillo so we rode over to check it out the white sand and waves.
Screen Shot 2013-03-24 at 4.44.37 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
playa Carillo 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
playa Carillo 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara part 2 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Back in Samara there were quite a few horses wandering down the beach.
Samara part 2 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara part 2 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Samara part 2 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There is a fair in town so we had to check it out.
DSC05455 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05461 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05466 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05453 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05454 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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1 Apr 2013
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Time alone after 9 months
After 9 months on the road together we actually were going separate ways for a week. Dan was headed back to kite surf up north at Playa Copal and I was headed to Nuevo Arenal on the lake for some relaxation and a cooler climate after 2 weeks of oppressive heat at the beach. When we left home in June we said we would try to get time by ourselves regularly and we did not do it.
Screen Shot 2013-03-30 at 9.52.01 PM by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Heading east off the Pan Americana you can feel it get cooler from 37 to 27 degrees. Turning towards the lake the road was initially like a paved country lane.
Nuevo Arenal 1 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 2 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
It did get windier (is that a word) and windier until I saw the dreaded wind farm.
FILE2208 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Suddenly the pavement stopped and for a few KM it was a dirt road with some pretty steep down hill grades.
Nuevo Arenal 5 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 6 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 4 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 7 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
I had booked into the Agua Inn B&B for some R&R. They have a steep very windy driveway too. Up is worse than down for sure, especially if you meet a car.
Nuevo Arenal 8 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 9 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 11 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 14 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 15 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 35 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
It was nice to be alone and go for walks to the lake or just hang out on the deck and watch the birds.
Nuevo Arenal 20 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 22 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Nuevo Arenal 21 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC08559 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
They really make you feel at home here. The girls were always making goodies for me.
Nuevo Arenal 17 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
There was a tropical storm here and it poured rain for days, but I did not mind just hanging out on the couch with a book. It rained so hard on the metal roof on the inn that I hardly slept 2 of the nights.
Nuevo Arenal 19 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
Last edited by saralou; 1 Apr 2013 at 03:48.
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1 Apr 2013
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Trying to kite surf with a tropical storm
Daniel meanwhile was at copal with wind that was way too strong for a noobie, but some of the experts did kite by the full moon with glow stick on their kites.
DSC05475 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05479 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05481 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
DSC05484 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
He finally gave up and headed back down the dirt road south of Copal to hit the Pan Americana.
FILE2442 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2441 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2498 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2626 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
FILE2708 by Worldwide Ride.ca, on Flickr
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
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