Costa Rica Journal

[azbackpackr]

The countdown is on, less than a week to go! I'm off to Costa Rica on Friday morning! I have probably gained quite a few new gray hairs over the past few weeks, what with all the hassle in getting a correct authentication/apostille on my birth certificate (would you believe the California Secretary of State made an error and the Consulate would not accept the document?) I had to have that in order to get a student visa. I ought to run for President, what with all the problems with my birth certificate. I have had to order THREE of them!

So, look for me hereon this thread over the coming months, and I will post up some photos (and likely even some hikes) from time to time. It will be fun to keep in touch with everyone while I'm there, too!

[Alston_Neal]

I'm glad it's getting better, maybe a bruised ligament from the beach running and the hard surface walking.
Anyhow have fun at dance and enjoy the sunset...

[azbackpackr]

I sat out most of the dance class. Kind of sad, since the guys have finally learned the moves. However, we were an uneven number today, so my sitting out didn't cause a problem.

[azbackpackr]

I will continue to post some photosets and trip write-ups. I will be on the plane two days from now (Friday morning, May 11) going back to the U.S. All in all, it's been a great experience. I have a few regrets, mostly unavoidable, that I could not travel as much as I would have wanted to, due to limitations on my budget.

Here is a photoset and triplog of the most fun day I had here. This was back on April 3rd, on the Nicoya Peninsula. I love kayaking, and had always wanted to try sea kayaking, in one of those really long boats with a rudder. Here you go: http://hikearizona.com/photoset.php?ID=19929

[azbackpackr]

24 hours from now I will be waiting at the airport to leave Costa Rica. Took the last finals of my undergrad years (many undergrad years!!) on Tuesday, got my grades. A couple A's, a couple B's. My credits will transfer to NAU, and they'll send me my diploma in the mail by the end of the month (hopefully!) No more homework! YAY!! At least, not until grad school...

Althought I'm sad to be leaving Costa Rica, I'm looking forward to more adventures in 2012, in Arizona, New Mexico and maybe a couple other states as well: The solar eclipse. A horse pack trip. A rafting trip in Grand Canyon. And hopefully my foot has healed up enough now to go backpacking again! Blue River, Black River, Powell Plateau, etc!

If you've enjoyed this journal, (which I admit I was not too good about keeping up with), keep watching for a few more photosets I am likely to post up when I feel moved to do so. I'll post a notice in this thread so you can find them.

This morning the birds are singing, as they always do in Puntarenas. Very early in the morning before the sun comes up, when it's very quiet, I can hear the little waves splashing on the beach a block away. The ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula blows its horn. Now, outside my window people walk to the bus or ride their bikes to work and to school. Not many cars. Right now, at 6:30 a.m. I am hot and sweating, have to get up and turn on my fan!

I'm going for a bike ride in a few minutes to get a few more photos.

Thanks for reading!
Elizabeth

[PLC92084]

I'll be on the road about the same time you get in the air; we're both heading back to AZ! (Except you get to stay longer...)

I, for one, have enjoyed reading about your foreign sojourn. Looking forward to the remaining photos AND to future hikes/adventures!

Have a safe flight; see you later!

P

[big_load]

Welcome back! You'll be getting here just in time for me to leave.

[azbackpackr]

Thanks, guys! Sure am feeling kind of sad right now! But looking forward to being in my own house!

[PLC92084]

@big_load
Talk about bad timing! I roll into town and you and Joel both leave the state... I can take a hint!

[azbackpackr]

Ain't room enough in Arizona for all a youse guys, pardner.

[Alston_Neal]

@big_load
Talk about bad timing! I roll into town and you and Joel both leave the state... I can take a hint!

Make that three, I'll just have to figure out where I'm going....

[azbackpackr]

Good riddance! ;)

[Alston_Neal]

Ahhh feel the love.
May your home in Eagar have a redneck infestation..

[outdoor_lover]

@azbackpackr
@Alston Neal
I swear, I get more entertainment out of this Forum when you two get started.....

[Alston_Neal]

Eagar has less than 24 hours of tranquility left. ;)

[PLC92084]

redneck infestation..

That would mean you've made a determination as to where you're heading! Not quite out of the state, but close. (You don't drive a beat-up Trans-Am, do you!? )

[Alston_Neal]

@PLC92084
Trans Am HA!
Lifted 76 Dodge Pik em up with Easy Rider Rifle Rack and the back full of Bud Lite cans.

My mullet though is almost all white.

[PLC92084]

My mullet though is almost all white.

I figured that's why you wear the hat... to tuck the mullet up under. Probably best you drive a truck; easier to tow the trailer behind! Shame you won't be in town. Kinda hoping to stop by the shop and look at those high-priced horse rugs you peddle. Maybe drink a beer or two and discuss the future of feral cats...

[Alston_Neal]

Alas I must tell the truth, we'll be here minding the fort.
And for the month of May we'll be offering a free feral cat with every horse blanket purchase...

[azbackpackr]

For reals, I have a rusted out 1978 Blazer that runs like a top...!

Still have that GPS for sale...

[big_load]

@big_load
Talk about bad timing! I roll into town and you and Joel both leave the state... I can take a hint!

I almost got stuck for another couple days, but it would have been the exact opposite of hiking.

Anyway, I'm not surprised that azbackpakr is sad that this adventure is nearly over. I'm sure there will be many more to follow.