Day 6: Surfing June 15

Well the verdict today was that we could not do the second section of the river due to some flooding resulting in unsafe paddling conditions for the size of our group. Although disappointing, the plan was to head straight to the Caribbean for some surfing & to check into our eco-hotel. So after an amazing breakfast we headed for the ocean! We encountered some challenges in getting up one of the hills with our van but it was worth the views of the valley below, the jungle, and a few toucans we saw in the trees.


I didn't originally realize we were going to drive almost to Panama - I think we were about 10kms away or so! It definitely feels more Caribbean - reggae & Bob Marley are the culture here! The Almonds & Coral Resort we are staying it is actually located in the Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and we have very unique accomodations - tents inside a screened-in cabin on stilts.


Boardwalks lead from cabin to cabin through the untamed jungle complete with whatever native animals live there including little agoutis, crabs, howler monkeys, bats, birds, etc. The smells & sounds of the jungle are all around us and it is actually quite thrilling yet relaxing in an odd way.


Little geckos peer at us from the screen and later we notice bats have their home thankfully on the outside of the screen of our temporary home!

We spend a couple of hours in the ocean learning to surf and I managed to get up on my knees and stand up just as the wave dies but it will definitely take more time and better surf conditions to actually feel accomplished and ride these mystical waves. I had a few good rides on the boogie board as well but I have to admit the surf and sun are tiring!


We had a great evening of food and conversation with our guide Pablo, new friends J & R, & driver Jorge! It has been a lot of fun and good to spend some quality time with Wen!