Days 14, 15 and 16 - Maiden Voyage, Fish, Whale Sighting

Day 14
2-16-14

Things are slowing down a bit, so not as much to write about. Kyle and our neighbor took his boat out on its maiden voyage on Sunday. It took four of us to get it from our house down to the estuary where he launched from, but it really wasn't too bad. I was so worried about crocodiles - but we didn't see any, thank goodness.

Ready to launch!

Maiden Voyage

They left about 6:30 in the morning. By 2:00 I was starting to worry that the boat had washed out to sea. I started down to the beach to see if I could spot them. Just as I was pedaling away on the bike, Ryan came and said, "Dad texted and said he is at the estuary and needs help bringing the boat in." Big sigh.

When I got to the estuary it was just Kyle. I asked him where our neighbor was and he said, "Oh he swam into shore because he was done fishing." Geeeez. Only Kyle would make someone swim to shore because he wasn't willing to stop fishing long enough to bring him in. He caught a nice wahoo though, which we had for dinner that night.

Day 15
2-17-14

Monday morning Kyle took the boat out on his own. The kids had a full day of school work and I ran, did Pilates and researched fish recipes. Kyle came back that afternoon with a tuna, a mackeral and big jack crevalle.

Kyle with his big catch of the day - Jack Crevalle

But rather than having fish again, we decided to try a local tico restaurant for dinner. It was a nice evening out at an outdoor table, laughing and joking. Ryan has definitely perked up!

Day 16
2-18-14

Tuesday morning Kyle and I went to beach at sunrise, hoping to spot some turtle hatchlings. We saw several sets of mama turtle tracks and nesting spots. We also saw lots of hatchling tracks, showing that many babies tried to make their way to the beach sometime that morning. We then found a baby that didn't make it. It was sad, but still beautiful.

While watching the surfers catch waves we spotted two whales behind them. It was crazy how close to shore they were. We just saw backs, tails and spouts, no breaching - but nevertheless a great sight to see. No photos, because I was too busy just enjoying it.

We saw this bright orange crab too!

 Before Elly's approach...

 After Elly's approach -- the "Danger Will Robinson" pose.

Since we would have to return our rental car in the afternoon, we left shortly after breakfast for a trip into Tamarindo. We picked up our first order from the "Food Goodies" co-op. So many georgeous organic fruits, vegs and herbs, freshly made cheeses, hummus, almond butter, coconut oil....great stuff!! A fresh caprese salad with reduced balsamic is on the menu for tonight along with the Jack Crevalle. I have read mixed reviews...some say it is not an good eating fish, other says if prepared right it tastes like beef. I'm following a "Jack Medallions" recipe for tonight...so we will see how it goes.

Kyle returned the rental car in the afternoon/evening and the kids and I had an evening at the beach, just the three of us. Kyle managed to sell a bunch of the fish steaks and filets from yesterday's catch to a family in Playa Grande. Always the entrepreneur.