Day 9

Monday, Oct. 3

Arrived in Puntarenas at about 6:00 am.  We were scheduled to get up at that time because we were heading off on an excursion, but Dawn was up early (about 5:15) and got some photos while our ship was manoeuvring around the bay before docking at the pier.  As it was we were finally docked about 7:00 and passengers started getting off at about 7:45.  We had to meet in a lounge at 8:30 for our tour, so we went down about 8:10.

We finally got on the bus at about 8:45 and left for the tour.  Drove for about 1 ½ hours to where the ECO river tour was to take place.  It was on a river in a mangrove swamp.  The boat was a catamaran, with double seats and twin 115 horse Suzuki outboards.  There was quite a current in the river and we went downstream for a long ways until we reached where this river and a couple others met the Pacific.

Along the way, we saw lots of bird life, some insects, and some crocodiles.  With the long lens on my camera, I was able to get some pretty good shots of most of them, although not great shots because the boat was moving around a lot and with that lens, stillness is important.

All in all, we were on the river for about 2 hours.  Then we were given some light refreshments (fruit and drinks) before boarding the bus to return to the ship.  Our tour guide was Jose, and he was great.  Very personable and cheerful.  He had lots of personality, and a great sense of humour.  He clearly enjoyed his job and his country.  I asked him to stop at a school we had passed so we did.  It was a small, 1-room school.  The kids all came out to wave and “show off” for us while we took pictures.  School is mandatory for 11 years in Costa Rica and this was an elementary school.

After returning to the ship, we walked into the town to view some of the vendors who were lined along the beach.  Lots of the same thing for various prices.  We bought a few things, but nothing too major.

By then, we were tired and returned to the ship.  We spend the next hour on our balcony watching people return and the crew get things ready for cast off.  Next it’s on to Fuente Amador in Panama.  We will be at sea again tomorrow and arrive for our next excursion on Oct. 5.