love the photos on this episode,there's some spectacular country there about's.

Heya Noel

Mate it is a beautiful part of the world so not hard to take good photos ... kinda cheating really.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Saying goodbye to Can we continued on our way partly costal then across inland mainly to have a tickitour of Costa Rica and stay off the Pan Am which is loaded with trucks and buses.

Long Way Round ... without the glamour :rofl



So we turned off heading toward another beach, the road turned to dirt and was neat fun, at one stage we forded a small river and Maya had a quick wash.



The track was mostly hard packed clay so we were lucky it was dry or it would have been very difficult and greasy.

We came across a quad bike tour group and unfortunately one lady had binned hers and was crying and in an awkward position, we stopped and offered help but they already had help on the way.

I am no doctor and don’t profess to be but the position of her body and the way she was being held I think she too had done some ribs in as she was struggling with the breathing thing just like I was, hopefully she will be ok.

Continuing on our way we toured through the country side on a mixture of dirt and tar, through beach bays and small towns.

Also a big bridge which crosses the Rio Tempisque and is quite big so there is a huge bridge in the middle of nowhere ... well at least somewhere



A quick pose ... it was hot





The countryside was very green and lush, the roads conditions superb



We made it to Arenal where we had organised a couch surf that came highly recommended by Phil an Jane and they were right, really nice people and great fun.

Arriving at Arenal we went to the German Bakery, now this is quite simply and adventure bikers must stop, world class coffee, sandwiches with german sausage etc ... outstanding.



There is a window, it is covered in RTW biker stickers so with peer pressure we had to do the same, gotta put TMK with the big names :rofl



Lunch, what can I say, simply outstanding



The weather started to cave in a little, then a lot, then completely, we thought we would sit it out but this came in for keeps so we rode to our couchsurf and got drenched.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Having arrived amidst torrential rain we got sorted, hung up our riding gear and turned into humans.

Kim and family greeted us and welcomed us in, Ellen took control of the kitchen and knocked up enough tucker for the whole tribe with thumbs up from the audience.

Chats and giggles, discussions on Facebook etc and that closed off the evening.

The following morning after some chatter and coffee Ellen and I went for a ride to the hot stream, nice place with a few locals kicking around ... and free ... Kiwis price.





Muchas locals



After soaking in the stream for about an hour or so and turning into prunes we headed out to go home, I cleverly dropped my T shirt into the river which was really smart so I had to cram that back into the pannier and only wear my jacket back.

We got back to Maya and once again there was quite a crowd around her looking at the alien, a young fella with a small bike had a flatty, we lent him our pump but the hole in the tube was too big to hold air which was a shame, our patch kit was 35 km away at the house so we couldn’t offer any more help.

The ride around the side of the lake is awesome with very few straights so I really enjoyed it, I had to keep my mind on the job tho with missing road and mud slides from the previous nights deluge.

Trees down



Mudslide across the road



Unfortunately on the way back we lost our second carbon tank protector, this time the glue sticking to the tank but letting go on the back of the CF cover so she is a goneburger.:cry

We also stopped at a place called the Toad Hall and there was a Toucan



Also spotted this on the table



And Pierres cuzzie looking happy



The road in a previous deluge had disappeared ...completely, the rebuild still going on.



Returning home we walked to the shop with Kim and the girls to get supplies for the night, Sushi was discussed and all eyes lit up so Ellens skills came into play again with smoked chicken and avocado as the base ... what a treat.

The family,

Kim, tribal elder and head honcho, hostess supreme



Tayler, elder daughter....main cause of trouble :rofl (j/k)



Aubrie, youngest ...looking to be main cause of trouble (j/k)



Included in the making was lessons for the girls in both making and cutting, a successful round yet again accompanied by Flore de Cana rum.

Tayler (the older daughter) did and interview with us which was great fun too, almost felt like being on a show.

Chubby Bunny, something new to the Kiwis, plan is to stuff as many marshmellows in your mouth and still say Chubby Bunny .... seems I am a big mouth ... at least I wasn't gonna let two young ladies kick my bum :rofl

Further discussions on facebook etc and how we were going to do it was all brought to a stop when the light flickered flashed and everything went dead.

I was already dark outside so only for the light from the computer screen that we could se anything so out with the phone with an LED torch and my head torch again providing all the light we needed.

After going outside and it being pitch black everyone decided it was bed time, I sat up for about another 1/2 hour keeping and eye out the front window just to make sure there was no funny business going on but the coast was clear so I too hit the sack.

An early morning start being it was Monday and Kim had to go to work so kisses, hugs and thank you were had, Ellen had made enough Sushi for everyone to have roll each for lunch and I had precut it to make life easy.

We then packed up and left the girls to their school work.

Aubrie making sure we leave without nicking anything :rofl



Adios amigas

Huge thanks to Kim, Tayler and Aubrie for having us stay and best for your future travels too.

Next destination, Orosi.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Leaving Arenal we headed around Lake Arenal, wanting to avoid the Pan Am and have a better look around Costa Rica we took a rounded approach.



Our destination was Orosi so we went through Angeles Norte over to Siquirres across through Turrialba to Orosi, Mrs Garmin sent us down some shortcuts... we had a good look around the countryside.:rofl

The road was very busy in places to Siquirres but from there over to Orosi we has great roads with a lot less traffic and a really cool ride.

Lunch was had in Siquirres in cento park just after a huge downpour which we had ridden through, sushi was on ... yummo and a what a treat after a reasonable ride.

The section of road with little traffic and great surface was excellent and we really enjoyed the ride to Orosi.

In Orosi we had arranged to stay at Costa Rica Moto, Freddys place. Costa Rica Motorradtouren

He has a caravan and a unit which is a great setup and they run the Swiss Bakery in town to, perfect, quiet and Maya was under cover, we arrived and just in time to get in before the rain set in.

Our casa



Being Central America it thundered for about 20 minutes then cleared again so we made a trip to the supermarket to get fud.

That night was some writing and early to bed from the 300 km day.

Orosi for the day we headed out for a walk across the swing bridge.



The road goes straight up the ridge, literally, in between when walking along the road a small dog decided he didn’t like us and wanted to have a go at us, he was quite upset, I was at the ready with my walking sticks but luckily he decided he didn’t fancy a mouth full of these and backed off ....grumpy little bugga!!



Reaching the top we had great view of the valley and we had a chat to some locals before heading back down to town to the bakery for lunch which included coffees and a chocolate buttoned heavy bread kinda thingy which was beautiful, coupled with some butter it was bloody good.



A typical back street in Orosi, no street names or numbers.



Lunch .. mmmmmm



After refueling us we walked up to a waterfall ....well kinda, we got ourselves lost and didn’t find it in the end, again we came across another angry dog, this time it was a big dog and he was playing for keeps.

Again with my walking sticks I kept him at bay while Ellen passed safely and briskly, he was very unhappy and I wasn’t that pleased either to be fair.:eek1

We had to return down the same track so this time Ellen grabbed two sharp sticks if needed for war and we made a game plan if things got nasty.

I was first up again and yeap he was pretty angry with heckles up and all.

Again I held him at bay while Ellen went passed behind me, the dog got closer and more threatening so I took a more threatening prod at him with one stick and raised the other stick very threateningly and luckily he backed off a bit, keeping an eye on him I was walking backwards down the hill watching my step and him at the same time.:eek1:eek1

We got far enough away to feel okay but I must admit I was a little apprehensive to say to the least and happy to be passed the war zone.

Heading back down the track we saw the rocks that had fossilized shells in them





So at the elevation of 1400 meters or 4500 feet this used to be sea base, mum nature at work big time which shows you just how active this area is with volcans etc.

Done with bad dog day we headed back to town and back to our unit dropping by the supermarket again for some fud for tea....and some chocolate for a treat....Cadburys nothing less!!

All in all a great day out, coulda done without the dogs, particularly the big one but all well and ended well.

Chocolate, now you see it :evil



...now you don't :eek1



They have BIG mice here in Costa Rica capable of opening fridge doors :rofl

Ok, 9.26 pm, I am off to bed to dream of Halle Berry again.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Basic defensive technique for Developing World dogs: pick up a rock, or pretend to. They're generally trained from an early age by rock-throwing owners, youth, neighbors and passers-by. It's been working for me all over Asia, Africa and Latin America (but no guarantees).

When it comes to defending against Halle Berry, I've got nothing.

Mate the word rabies kept going through my mind but I was more than prepared to feed it a mouth full of walking stick as was Ellen following by bone breaking hits with her big sticks and my walking sticks.

Never thought of a rock, actually tho it was a clay track anyway so no rocks there but good point to remember.

Arh Halle, no need for defence she can bite me anytime anywhere

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

So the day started early, woken by dogs barking I couldn’t get back to sleep so and early breaky and coffee and some other activities kicked the day into gear.

We said goodbyes at the bakery and headed off.



Plan was to go around lake Cachi, first we had to cross the bridge under repair, we waited for about 10 minutes then crossed and carried on only to be stopped by another lot of roadworks, they said upward of 2 hours wait and we still may not be able to get through.





Riding past welders ,grinder, sandblasting equipment it was all a bit narrow sometimes



We made a decision to backtrack and skip the lake after about another 10 minute wait, so back to the bridge under repair and wait another 10 minutes.

Slalom back through all the gear



So about half an hour riding and half an hour waiting we were back in town an hour later no further ahead.

Carrying on we took the main drag up and out, we needed fuel and today seemed to be l”let fill up our car day” and there were queues for petrol at 5 - 6 stations we passed, finally we found one not too busy, not sure why the other stations were so crowded.

Leaving town we followed two moto cops and they were riding side by side, in, on and over the double yellows and all!!



And on the other side



To be fair tho they were passing slow joes and at one point they overtook a bus, the first rode passed and signaled his buddy to come through cos it was a blind corner at this stage and he takes off, his buddy then signals us to come on through on the blind corner (they could see tho at that stage) so that was pretty cool.

When we turned off we gave them a big wave and they waved back.

This is where the somewhere comes into our trip, somehow we managed to muck things up and the road we turned down was the road we were meant to come up so the wheel fell off it completely and we ended up in the middle of nowhere with some bloody good views.



The road was fantastic



It got narrower but still very nice and on the top of a ridge



Then we got lost .. how .... I dunno :evil :rofl



Steep corners



Drink of water, some nuts and we backtracked realising our mistake and soon got back on track although now well behind where we thought we would be.

Wasn't too long and we were making our way back to the supermoto circuit



The road climbed to 3345 meters or nearly 11000 feet, it went down to 12 degrees and we froze our arses off, a stop and put on warm gear was needed then we carried on all the way down to 600 meters and were sweating hard so had to strip it all back off again.

Ellen took the photo at 3328 meters



We rode into a wall of fog and we wofted in and out till about 2500 meters



Lunch was in order, I was very tired from not much sleep, an early start and from wrestling Maya on the steep little shingle backroads which were steep.

This was was we did in the end



From there we continued down to the coast and headed south to Uvita where we ended up for the night.O

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

A very small place with a cool hostel, highlight of the night was the plugin mosquito machine that is designed for 110 volts I plugged into a 240 volt socket and promptly melted the unit and filled our room up with burnt plastic smelling smoke .... things are not labelled very well here.



Maya partially under cover which was cool as we had a big rain storm



Next day started out leisurely with an easy walk to a waterfall with Ellen taking full advantage.





With an easy ride down to the border, mission one, get out of Costa Rica, ticked that box!, mission two find a front tyre for Maya as our MT21 dissolved extremely fast at just on 5000 km ... the first one did 10647km.

On the way to the border we thought we were going to get a wash but we rode on the edge of it.



Only a small short lived shower



Searching for a tyre was no bueno, could find everything else but what we wanted, no prob these things have thick canvas.:rofl

Getting into Panama was painless with the usual tenfold too much paper but all the same.

Final part of the mission was to find Norm who had kindly offered us a bed for the night, Norm lives about 15 km short of David and we found him with ease.

Discussions were had about the state of the front tyre, Norm had to go to town to find out about his alternator so we all piled into his ute and went into David, a moto shop there said they had a 90/90-21 so we headed there.

We did manage to pick up a MT90 which was a little more road orientated than we wanted but it was that or risk not making Panama, the risk was high with the rate it had dissolved so although we paid a slight premium it was worth it and Norm had made the effort to get us there too, one would have to say our starts had aligned that day.

Back to Norms I changed the tyre with three tyre irons and a glass of whiskey .... job done with a new rim tape as well, flash as Michael Jackson.

That night we took Norm our for tea to a local restaurant, more rum was had discussing life then back home for a coupla roadies before hitting the sack.

A few shots of Norms paradise, really cool place :clap





Some very artistic talent here



Most people have a dog .., check out this little fella



The following morning was goodbyes to Norm and off to Panama, Norm thank you for having us stay.......although we were away earlyish which was disturbing :eek1 but we had a 430 km ride, something not done by us since leaving Canada, the road was straight down the Pan Am, mostly good condition with a few patchwork places.

Moto cops EVERYWHERE with speed traps etc, fortunately we didn’t attract any attention and made it through unscathed.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

The first sight of panama



Arriving at out Hostel was easy and we soon established that three out of the five bikes crossing the Darien were there too so that made life easy.

The following morning was “The Canal”, something I had been looking forward to for a long time and I was not disappointed at all.



We arrived right on 9.00 am when they open the gates, a container ship was already sitting in the loch so we watched it go through.

Next in line was a bulk bin rice ship, now I could blast on how cool it is, we took these photos to show the sequence, we trimmed it right back so as not to bore you but it is an incredible feet of engineering being finished in 1913 on its second attempt after the French originally failed with 20000 lost lives to tropical diseases etc.

So I will apologize to those who may not be interested in this amazing engineering marvel ..... but today was ALL about ME !!

Enjoy

First off, this dude landed on the camera and pushed in for a good view.



Boating lining up to enter



Guide engines



Boat lined up and doors opening







Gates closing



Boat sitting in loch ready to fill, gates closed



Water level raising



Full height



Next gates open



Boat moving through





Doors shut after tug boats go through



Note the level of the water



Full



And away it goes, this is my satisfied face



We were here ... as the boat sales off to the next loch



The next loch is a series of three



All in all it was outstanding and I left feeling like I had seen it properly, a nice feeling :clap

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

He has sailed there a number of time's ,you think that is a cool piece of engineering ,you want to go through the lock's on the yangze river in china,the three gorges dam is an incredible piece of engineering.

As an engineer it saddens me to see such engineering as the cost of the environment. Since the dam was finished, the healthy population of the Yangtze River Dolphin (Baiji) has been wiped out (now extinct) and the Yangtze River Finless Porpoise all but destroyed, and is expected to be extinct within 5 years.
It is believed that between 20 and 30 species of aquatic wildlife will be gone from the Yangtze in the next 10 years………….shame shame shame

Oh and they are going to build two more mega dams on the upper reaches of the Yangtze destroying a 400km ecological reserve…..

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I once ruled the world, till mum told me it was only the garden!

Yep, dogs have been friends/foes with humans for thousands of years, and know quite a bit aqbout sticks and stones.
Guns? No. Swords, knives? No, just short sticks to them.
But one thing thing that you might try: if you have a telescopic monopod or tripod, the extension can fly out and give the beast a nasty crack.
Non - lethal and quite hard on you equipment, but it does drive the beast away. Most dogs are quite cowardly if you best them.
Rob

Heya Noel

Yes it is an incredible piece of engineering, it might have been a good idea at the time but I agree with otr002 it is an ecological disaster.

When projects like that come at too bigger cost to its surroundings and wild life I question its worth.

It is definitely an incredible piece of engineering but also a disaster unfortunately at least in my mind.

Pitty the world isn't perfect where you can easily balance engineering and progress nicely with ecology and unfortunately (and Ellen being Chinese agrees whole heartedly) that the Chinese are not user friendly in that department.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere

Heya otr022

See above my reply to Noel, I am stuck in the middle between engineering marvels and ecology, like you I like to see balance and I don't think it was gained on that project unfortunately.

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Cheers Andi & Ellen .... https://twomotokiwis.blogspot.com/ Two Moto Kiwis Alaska - Argentina - April 2012 -> Somewhere