Playa Azul to Playa Sámara

Today we moved thirty two miles down the coast to another beach town, Sámara. The road was dirt and quite rough so the drive took two and a half hours.

This afternoon we walked down to the beach.

For dinner we had one of the best meals of our trip. We went into town to an open air barbecue restaurant called El Lagarto. For our first course we had mussels.

Then I had stuffed squid and Duke has red snapper.

Arenal Springs Resort to Playa Azul

Today we drove about five hours west to the Pacific. Along the way we stopped for snacks at Walmart.

The last twenty miles or so was on a dirt road. It was a pretty good road relatively speaking.

Our hotel tonight is right on the beach. .

We went for a walk along the beach. .

They have enormous grasshoppers here. I kid you not they are at least six inches long. The first time I walked by one and it jumped I about had a heart attack!

We had sea bass for dinner. It was delicious.

Arenal Springs Resort

Another first for me today. I don’t think I’ve ever had a drink at a swimming pool bar before. This is pina colada with fresh pineapple.

We spent the whole day relaxing and enjoying the resort. There are several hot springs pools. We found it all very refreshing.

For dinner we had rigatoni and pizza. They were both very good. The restaurant has a wood fire pizza oven.

MonteVerde to near Arenal Lake

All of our breakfasts on this trip have included great fresh fruit. This morning’s was especially great.

Our destination tonight near Arenal Lake and Volcano was only 19 miles as the crow flies from Monte Verde. Even the shortest driving route would have been circuitous and about three hours. But because of all the mud slides we took an even longer route and it took us about five hours. But after the first couple of hours it was all paved roads.

The tractor in the picture below is on the road into The Monte Verde Resort where we were staying. He had to move to allow us to get out. That road was scarey in the dark when we came in. It was even more impressive in the daylight when we were leaving. I’m glad we have a four wheel drive vehicle.

We had to stop for road clearing and eventually turn around to take a different route.

Once we got to pavement it was relatively smooth sailing. We stopped for groceries and snacks.

Tonight we are staying at Arenal Springs Resort. It is big and beautiful. This is the view of the volcano from the restaurant.

We had a lovely dinner of salad and pizza.