Wednesday, December 6, 2006
Day 16: Journey Home
Day 16: Back to Heredia
All good things must come to an end and my time here in Drake Bay and at Jinetes de Osa has come to its end.
I woke up early enough to pack my things and enjoy a light breakfast of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, pancakes and fresh tropical fruit (papaya, watermelon and pineapple). I took the boat taxi to Sierpe where I had parked my car in a guarded lot.
The six hour journey home passed uneventfully (thank goodness) and I arrived back in Heredia safe and sound, and missing Drake Bay, its serenity and my new friends.
Contact Info:
Costa Rica Adventure Divers and Jinetes de Osa
www.costaricadiving.com
reservations@costaricadiving.com
Phone: 1-866-466-5090 or
in Costa Rica: (506) 236-5637, (506) 826-9757 or (506) 396-4405
All good things must come to an end and my time here in Drake Bay and at Jinetes de Osa has come to its end.
I woke up early enough to pack my things and enjoy a light breakfast of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, pancakes and fresh tropical fruit (papaya, watermelon and pineapple). I took the boat taxi to Sierpe where I had parked my car in a guarded lot.
The six hour journey home passed uneventfully (thank goodness) and I arrived back in Heredia safe and sound, and missing Drake Bay, its serenity and my new friends.
Contact Info:
Costa Rica Adventure Divers and Jinetes de Osa
www.costaricadiving.com
reservations@costaricadiving.com
Phone: 1-866-466-5090 or
in Costa Rica: (506) 236-5637, (506) 826-9757 or (506) 396-4405
Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Day 15: Journey Across the Osa Peninsula
Day 15: Drake to Puerto Jimenez
I had the opportunity today to tour the area around Drake Bay and travel to Puerto Jiménez by accompanying one of the staff on a trip to purchase supplies for Jinetes de Osa. The road to Puerto Jimenez cuts across the Osa Peninsula from Drake Bay to The Sweet Gulf (Golfo Dulce).
Along the way, we drove through several streams that would be impassible during the wet season because of high water. After we passed the town of Rincón, there were metal bridges providing safe crossing over the numerous rivers and streams that run in between the two coasts of the Osa Peninsula.
All in all, it takes about two hours to travel to Puerto Jimenez from Drake. Puerto Jimenez is one of the main towns on the Osa Peninsula. Puerto Jimenez is a center of tourism and commerce where people from all over the Peninsula come to purchase their groceries, clothing and household supplies.
There are several hotels, restaurants, gift shops and plenty of companies offering tours and excursions. Tours from fishing excursions to hikes in Corcovado can be chartered from Puerto Jimenez.
We purchased the necessary supplies for Jinetes de Osa we were sent to buy and made the 2 hour return journey home. We arrived just before dark, and, happliy, just in time for dinner.
Tonight was also a full moon. It was one of the most beautiful full moons I have ever experienced. It was a cloudless night and the full moon reflected over the Bay as the last hints of daylight faded into hues of pale pink and purple on the slightly clouded horizon.
I spent several hours relaxing on the beach after dark while soaking in the smells and sounds of Drake Bay. Frogs chirped, bats flew overheard, waves gently crashed along the shore. It was a splendid evening and one that will be impressed in my mind for a long time.
I had the opportunity today to tour the area around Drake Bay and travel to Puerto Jiménez by accompanying one of the staff on a trip to purchase supplies for Jinetes de Osa. The road to Puerto Jimenez cuts across the Osa Peninsula from Drake Bay to The Sweet Gulf (Golfo Dulce).
Along the way, we drove through several streams that would be impassible during the wet season because of high water. After we passed the town of Rincón, there were metal bridges providing safe crossing over the numerous rivers and streams that run in between the two coasts of the Osa Peninsula.
All in all, it takes about two hours to travel to Puerto Jimenez from Drake. Puerto Jimenez is one of the main towns on the Osa Peninsula. Puerto Jimenez is a center of tourism and commerce where people from all over the Peninsula come to purchase their groceries, clothing and household supplies.
There are several hotels, restaurants, gift shops and plenty of companies offering tours and excursions. Tours from fishing excursions to hikes in Corcovado can be chartered from Puerto Jimenez.
We purchased the necessary supplies for Jinetes de Osa we were sent to buy and made the 2 hour return journey home. We arrived just before dark, and, happliy, just in time for dinner.
Tonight was also a full moon. It was one of the most beautiful full moons I have ever experienced. It was a cloudless night and the full moon reflected over the Bay as the last hints of daylight faded into hues of pale pink and purple on the slightly clouded horizon.
I spent several hours relaxing on the beach after dark while soaking in the smells and sounds of Drake Bay. Frogs chirped, bats flew overheard, waves gently crashed along the shore. It was a splendid evening and one that will be impressed in my mind for a long time.
Monday, December 4, 2006
Day 14: Exploring Drake Bay
Day 14: Walking the Ocean Side Trail to Marenco Point
I know my time here in Drake is coming to an end. I don’t want to take for granted to beauty of the mornings here as the sun rises over the Bay and the morning mist slowly evaporates.
I enjoyed another delightful cup of coffee this morning as the birds sang and the hummingbirds fluttered about.
There is a trail that follows the coast from Drake Bay all the way to Corcovado National Park (about a 6-8 hour walk from here). I spent the better part of the day walking this trail from Jinetes de Osa to Marenco Point. There are several
hotels along the way I wanted to check out.
The trail was easy to follow and dipped and twisted along the shore just along the inside edge of the shade of the forest. Rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches alternated to form the coastline while small creeks flowed into the ocean and made for a wet trail in some locations.
At Marenco Point the Peninsula turns south and the
coast faces west. I imagine there would be a beautiful sunset from the Marenco Lodge, which is located on a cliff with a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean.
I returned to Jinetes de Osa in the late afternoon to find that many new guests had arrived.
The bar at Jinetes de Osa is an after-work
gathering place for many of the local guides and other folks working in Drake. Anytime after 4pm, there is usually someone enjoying an afternoon refreshment. The new guests were lively folks and we all passed the afternoon amicably at the bar until dinner.
Contact Info:
Costa Rica Adventure Divers and Jinetes de Osa
www.costaricadiving.com OR reservations@costaricadiving.com
Phone: 1-866-466-5090 from the USA
or in Costa Rica: (506) 236-5637, (506) 826-9757 or (506) 396-4405
I know my time here in Drake is coming to an end. I don’t want to take for granted to beauty of the mornings here as the sun rises over the Bay and the morning mist slowly evaporates.
I enjoyed another delightful cup of coffee this morning as the birds sang and the hummingbirds fluttered about.
There is a trail that follows the coast from Drake Bay all the way to Corcovado National Park (about a 6-8 hour walk from here). I spent the better part of the day walking this trail from Jinetes de Osa to Marenco Point. There are several
hotels along the way I wanted to check out.
The trail was easy to follow and dipped and twisted along the shore just along the inside edge of the shade of the forest. Rocky outcroppings and sandy beaches alternated to form the coastline while small creeks flowed into the ocean and made for a wet trail in some locations.
At Marenco Point the Peninsula turns south and the
coast faces west. I imagine there would be a beautiful sunset from the Marenco Lodge, which is located on a cliff with a commanding view of the Pacific Ocean.I returned to Jinetes de Osa in the late afternoon to find that many new guests had arrived.
The bar at Jinetes de Osa is an after-work
gathering place for many of the local guides and other folks working in Drake. Anytime after 4pm, there is usually someone enjoying an afternoon refreshment. The new guests were lively folks and we all passed the afternoon amicably at the bar until dinner. Contact Info:
Costa Rica Adventure Divers and Jinetes de Osa
www.costaricadiving.com OR reservations@costaricadiving.com
Phone: 1-866-466-5090 from the USA
or in Costa Rica: (506) 236-5637, (506) 826-9757 or (506) 396-4405
Sunday, December 3, 2006
Day 13: Recreational Diving at Cano Island
Day 13: Diving at Barco Hundido and The Anchor
Now that I have my certification, I can dive anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity today to dive again at Caño Island, so I could not turn it down.
I woke up with just enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee and be ready to go at 7:30 am. Two people from France (who were staying at a neighboring hotel) joined the divemaster from Jinetes and me for 2 dives.
The 45 minute boat ride to Caño Island passed quickly. We all kept an eye out for dolphins or whales, but none were to be found today. Our first dive was to Barco Hundido (Sunken Ship) where there is an old train wheel resting on the sandy bottom. We saw white tip reef sharks, sting rays, a lobster, blue chin parrotfish, moray eels, puffer fish and a spotted porcupine fish.
We took a quick break on the shore of Caño Island and returned for our second dive an hour and fifteen minutes later. At “The Anchor” dive location, we saw a jeweled moray eel and a Jew fish (an enormous grouper). The grouper was about 4 feet long and had a huge mouth. It was feeding on the side of a large rock formation and a school of little yellow pilot fish accompanied it where ever it went. There were numerous other fish swimming about too.
I arrived back to Jinetes de Osa and enjoyed a sunny afternoon and a quiet Sunday evening.
Now that I have my certification, I can dive anywhere in the world. I had the opportunity today to dive again at Caño Island, so I could not turn it down.
I woke up with just enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee and be ready to go at 7:30 am. Two people from France (who were staying at a neighboring hotel) joined the divemaster from Jinetes and me for 2 dives.
The 45 minute boat ride to Caño Island passed quickly. We all kept an eye out for dolphins or whales, but none were to be found today. Our first dive was to Barco Hundido (Sunken Ship) where there is an old train wheel resting on the sandy bottom. We saw white tip reef sharks, sting rays, a lobster, blue chin parrotfish, moray eels, puffer fish and a spotted porcupine fish.
We took a quick break on the shore of Caño Island and returned for our second dive an hour and fifteen minutes later. At “The Anchor” dive location, we saw a jeweled moray eel and a Jew fish (an enormous grouper). The grouper was about 4 feet long and had a huge mouth. It was feeding on the side of a large rock formation and a school of little yellow pilot fish accompanied it where ever it went. There were numerous other fish swimming about too.
I arrived back to Jinetes de Osa and enjoyed a sunny afternoon and a quiet Sunday evening.
Saturday, December 2, 2006
Day 12: A Quiet Cloudy Day in Drake.
Day 12: Rain, Work and the Disco
This was my first morning here to awaken to cloudy skies. A brief, intense morning shower passed by at 6:30 am, but the clouds lingered for the duration of the day.
I had planned a walking tour of the area, but thought it better to stick around the lodge to avoid getting caught in a torrential downpour.
After catching up on some work, I laid down for a short rest, but slept a full 3 hours… I must have been tired. There are no other guests here at Jinetes today, so it was just a quiet day.
I switched rooms today and moved to the Presidential Suite for my last few days here. These larger rooms offer 2 double beds, a large spacious bathroom and a better view of the Bay because they
are higher up (comparable to the level of a second story).
I was glad to be well rested when the night arrived, since it is Saturday night (the main night of the local disco) and, after all, it is my job to go check it out...
The local disco is located on a hill up a long flight of steps. It has an amazing view of the Bay. Most other nights they offer karaoke but since it was Saturday night, they played a mix of dance music including salsa, meringue and my least favorite, reggaeton.
The bar was pretty full (it’s the only disco and late night bar in town) and drinks were rather inexpensive (¢700 for a beer and maybe ¢1000 for a rum or whiskey drink). I have to be honest; I did not have to buy myself one drink the whole night. There were many generous men who offered, everytime my glass got low, to buy me another. I only had to pay my cover charge at the door of ¢2000. (roughly ¢515 = $1)
I danced a bit and enjoyed friendly conversation with many of my new friends who live and work in Drake Bay. About 2am, I carefully made my way down the long flight of steps and along the beach back to Jinetes. Navigating the high tide and the rocks in the dark was fun…. I only got a little wet.
This was my first morning here to awaken to cloudy skies. A brief, intense morning shower passed by at 6:30 am, but the clouds lingered for the duration of the day.
I had planned a walking tour of the area, but thought it better to stick around the lodge to avoid getting caught in a torrential downpour.
After catching up on some work, I laid down for a short rest, but slept a full 3 hours… I must have been tired. There are no other guests here at Jinetes today, so it was just a quiet day.
I switched rooms today and moved to the Presidential Suite for my last few days here. These larger rooms offer 2 double beds, a large spacious bathroom and a better view of the Bay because they
are higher up (comparable to the level of a second story).I was glad to be well rested when the night arrived, since it is Saturday night (the main night of the local disco) and, after all, it is my job to go check it out...
The local disco is located on a hill up a long flight of steps. It has an amazing view of the Bay. Most other nights they offer karaoke but since it was Saturday night, they played a mix of dance music including salsa, meringue and my least favorite, reggaeton.
The bar was pretty full (it’s the only disco and late night bar in town) and drinks were rather inexpensive (¢700 for a beer and maybe ¢1000 for a rum or whiskey drink). I have to be honest; I did not have to buy myself one drink the whole night. There were many generous men who offered, everytime my glass got low, to buy me another. I only had to pay my cover charge at the door of ¢2000. (roughly ¢515 = $1)
I danced a bit and enjoyed friendly conversation with many of my new friends who live and work in Drake Bay. About 2am, I carefully made my way down the long flight of steps and along the beach back to Jinetes. Navigating the high tide and the rocks in the dark was fun…. I only got a little wet.
Friday, December 1, 2006
Day 11: Caño Islands Top Diving Spots
Day 11: Diving at Barco Hundido and El Bajo del Diablo 
So today was the day. My last two open water dives before I earned my certification. My alarm clock went off right on time… the sound of monkeys running on my roof top.
I took some time to enjoy my morning coffee while sitting on my porch with a view of Drake Bay. Hummingbirds chirped and zoomed about as the sun rose above the mountainous foreground.
After a light breakfast, we were off to Caño Island. The first dive of the day was at “Barco Hundido. We dived for about 35 minutes with a maximum depth of 50 ft.
There were tons of marine life to be seen: black tipped sharks, sting rays, parrot fish, barracudas, an Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, an old train wheel and a ton of other fish I have yet to learn the names of. It was such a beautiful experience to be in such a different world. I was so pre-occupied with all the new stuff I was seeing that I forgot to be nervous about being so deep under the water's surface.
After a short break on the shore of Caño Island and another healthy lunch, it was time for my second dive. We went to what is known as “El Bajo del Diablo”, the best diving spot Caño Island has to offer. Here we found large rock formations forming wide channels where sharks and a plethora of more marine life lurked.
Forty minutes later we emerged to the surface where I officially completed my surface skills and YEY!—I was officially certified with the PADI Open Water Diver Certification.
It was a beautiful ride home, as the sun began its decent towards the horizon as we left Caño Island behind us.
All of the guests with whom I have spent the last few days are leaving tomorrow. We enjoyed our last meal together, said our goodbyes and I called it an early night.
So today was the day. My last two open water dives before I earned my certification. My alarm clock went off right on time… the sound of monkeys running on my roof top.
I took some time to enjoy my morning coffee while sitting on my porch with a view of Drake Bay. Hummingbirds chirped and zoomed about as the sun rose above the mountainous foreground.
After a light breakfast, we were off to Caño Island. The first dive of the day was at “Barco Hundido. We dived for about 35 minutes with a maximum depth of 50 ft.
There were tons of marine life to be seen: black tipped sharks, sting rays, parrot fish, barracudas, an Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, an old train wheel and a ton of other fish I have yet to learn the names of. It was such a beautiful experience to be in such a different world. I was so pre-occupied with all the new stuff I was seeing that I forgot to be nervous about being so deep under the water's surface.
After a short break on the shore of Caño Island and another healthy lunch, it was time for my second dive. We went to what is known as “El Bajo del Diablo”, the best diving spot Caño Island has to offer. Here we found large rock formations forming wide channels where sharks and a plethora of more marine life lurked.
Forty minutes later we emerged to the surface where I officially completed my surface skills and YEY!—I was officially certified with the PADI Open Water Diver Certification.
It was a beautiful ride home, as the sun began its decent towards the horizon as we left Caño Island behind us.
All of the guests with whom I have spent the last few days are leaving tomorrow. We enjoyed our last meal together, said our goodbyes and I called it an early night.
