Bahia Herradura, Golfo Nicoya, Costa Rica

Not so much to report, today. We did a road trip to the Tarcoles River and the Carara National Park. This a transition area between the dry forest we have seen before and the wetter rain forest that we have not. Various creatures were spotted including the apparently rare scarlet macaw, numerous large crocodiles, other reptiles and birds and of course different kinds of

flora. A very interesting but tiring day ( we walked for miles)

scarlet macaw. he really is in there somewhere

Tarcoles river crocodiles

jesus lizard. this dude really can walk on water

For those of you who didn't know, there was some sort of football game on last night. We watched it in "The Hook-Up" which is a fishing bar at the the resort. (not the other kind of hook-up but maybe some of that as well). The locals were in quite a festive mood, perhaps enhanced by a funny looking man and two ladies with a great deal of cleavage who were dispensing free Mojitos. They weren't very good ( the Mojitos) but they were free, so I guess one shouldn't complain. The game itself was surprisinly entertaing and I am now a Saints fan and I have the Mardi Gras beads to prove it.
We had a huge rain storm at about 0200H and there was a mad scrambling about to get all the hatches closed. Callisto got a good freshwater washdown. So much for the dry season, I guess they really mean a dryer season than the summer.
You will be pleased to know that Costa Rica elected its first female president yesterday. She is the center-right candidate and takes office in April.

Bahia Herradura, Golfo Nicoya, Costa Rica

We are now anchored up in Bahia Herradura on the southeastern end of Golfo Nicoya in the company of numerous megayachts the most impressive of which is Perseus, a 169 foot Perini Navi ketch. She makes Callisto look like a toy boat alongside.

Perseus at sunset

This is the location of the Los Suenos Marriott Resort and Marina. Unfortunately, the marina is full of gigantic sportfishing boats but the bay is calm with good holding and we shall make some day trips to Arenal volcano and the rain forests from here.
Ron left on February 1st. and went back to California and we will miss him and all of his excellent help. He'll be back in March to get ready for the Galapagos -Tahiti leg beginning mid March.
We spent the past few days exploring the Golfo Nicoya. We went to the Isla Tortugas which were spectacular. pristine white beaches and crystal clear water.

Isla Tortugas.

Lots of tourists during the day but after 1600H, we had the entire place to ourselves. We went further north to Naranjo Beach but the resort there was almost deserted and quite windy. Decided to give Puntarenas a miss as the back lagoon is quite shoal and probably very hot and buggy, so we will do our exploring from here.
We have had some excellent sailing in the strong breeze and flat waters of the gulf.
The Costa Rica general elections are this weekend and I hope that doesn't disrupt the program.

Bahia Ballena, Golfo Nicoya, Costa Rica

We are now anchored up in the pleasant and picturesque Bahia Ballena. We spent a week lounging around in Bahia Culebra, on the beach and numerous bars and eateries in the village of Playa del Coco. Cousin Benny returned after a few days of wandering around Costa Rica and we all had dinner at a seafood restuarant in Coco and afterwood went to a tenth anniversary of one of the local bars that featured an excellent live band. A very late night at 0100H for yours truly but I did manage to stay awake.
We also did a tour of the Rincon de Vieja National Forest and Volcano area. We did all the touristy things like horse back riding,

The Admiral "flying like an eagle"

zip lining and volcanic mud baths that were a lot of fun, all in outstanding surroundings. Lots of flora and fauna too. Monkeys, iguanas, birds and the like.

A missed career as an Al Jolson impersonator

Howler Monkeys making a huge racket

Black and white iguana

We left Playa del Coco on Tuesday and stayed the night in Bahia Potrero about 20 miles south. On Wednesday, with a 15-20kts forecast we left for the run south. Within three hours the wind was up to a steady 35kts with gusts to 48 kts. from the north-east. Fortunately, we were only 2-3 miles of the beach and there was no significant sea running but we did have an interesting ride for a few hours until things settled down. Needless to say, the Admiral was not happy.
We arrived at Bahia Carrillo at about 1700H and settled in for dinner and an early night. The anchorage was very rolly and no-one slept very well.
On Wednesday morning, we had an excellent and fast sail to Cabo Blanco and into the Gulf of Nicoya and on to our current location in Bahia Ballena, which is nice and calm with no swell at all. Haven't seen any whales in here yet, though.

Playa del Coco, Bahia Culebra, Costa Rica

We finally got out of Huatulco as noted below. The run down to Costa Rica was quite difficult with the end of a Tehuantapec gale and then 48hrs of no wind at all. We saw lots of sea life while it was calm, whales, sea turtles, dolphin but caught no fish. The final 24 hours were quite enventful with 30 kt wind gusting to 36 kts. it was a little bouncy. Callisto did great as usual and looked after us well. Despite green water over the decks for much of the time we stayed warm and dry and safe.
We got to Costa Rica on Jan 18 and had to do the immigration cha cha again and finally met up with the Admiral and brother and sister at the Hilton in Golfo Papagallo.

A pleasant evening was had by all and unfortunately, they had to leave the following morning. They brought the ice machine and I set it up today. It works quite well and will bring a new dimension to cocktail hour on Callisto
The trip down was worth it as this little bay is absolutely delightful. Gentle breezes, easy anchoring and no swell. We will probably spend a week here and then go south.
We fueled up in Marina Papagallo and saw my old boat sitting here, which was quite a surprise. New owner was not about though.
The former Callisto

We have left Huatulco

We finally got out of Huatulco on the tail end of a Tehuantapec gale. We made good time today but the first eight hours were quite rough with gusts to 26 kts. The wind died about 2 hours ago and we have been motoring ever since.
Crew is all feeling well and ceviche is for dinner. current position is 15deg 05.6min North and 094Deg 43.3mins West speed 7.0kts course110M

Huatulco, January 12, 2010

Well, as you can see from the weather widget, it's still blowing like mad in the Gulf of Tehuantepec. Ongoing gale to storm force wind is still delaying our departure but the weather is now looking good for Thursday morning, and that is our current plan.
The boat is nice and clean and we started the paperwork cha-cha over again. Ron dove on the boat yesterday and the prop is clear of marine growth and we are waiting for customs and immigration to visit so that we can leave very early on Thursday.

huatulco, Friday January 8th,2010

Benny and Ron arrived yesterday with all my spare parts and were keen to get underway. Unfortunately, the 2 day weather window for getting across the Gulf of Tehuantapec has now closed and the forecast is for gale to storm force winds in the gulf for tomorrow and Sunday. So it looks like we aren't going anywhere for a while. The winds lighten up a little on Monday but I'm still not sure if we will be able to go on Monday morning. May have to wait for next Wednesday for the seas to settle down and hope a new system doesn't develop.
Will fix the motherboard on the computer tomorrow and dive on the boat on Sunday and remain optimistic. Will keep you posted.