Creed and I spent 10 days in Costa Rica, celebrating both my birthday and our anniversary, and had an epic trip. We decided to switch things up a little this time and spent the first three days in La Fortuna, which is in the rainforest.
It was a long, curvy drive to our hotel...
but the drive was so worth it. We stayed at Nayara Springs and were blown away with the service and accommodations- can't recommend this property enough.
The traditional Gallo Pinto is hands down, the best breakfast. Eggs, rice, beans, fried cheese, plantains, and all the fresh fruit you could ever want.
Nayara was so incredible that we cancelled our plans for that day and just stayed on property. There are actually three properties (Springs, Gardens, and Tented Camp) that flow seamlessly and we tried restaurants and pools at all three. We laid by the pool, walked the grounds, and took a dip in the four thermal pools. But, the highlight for us was seeing this momma sloth and her baby in the tree above the pool.
From the restaurant at Nayara Tented Camp, you have a perfect view of the volcano.
One of the main reasons we decided to check out the La Fortuna area was to experience the El Salto Rope Swing. After checking out of our hotel, we headed to the river. It was so much fun and such a cool experience. Because we went on a Monday afternoon, it wasn't crowded at all.
Leaving Nayara Springs was hard, but we were ready to get to the beach!
And, we made it to Tamarindo just in time to see the sun set!
We stayed at our favorite, The Coast Beachfront hotel, for a full week. We relaxed on the beach, caught a few surf waves, ate at our favorite restaurants that serve the freshest food, and simply enjoyed our time together.
Sunset snorkeling cruise
We took a $1 boat taxi ride across the estuary to spend an afternoon on Playa Grande and had the beach to ourselves!
While on Playa Grande we walked to Cafe Mar Azul for lunch. As always, I ordered the "typical," and it was SO good.
We booked a fishing guide out of Marina Flamingo one afternoon so Creed could chase his dream of catching a rooster fish. While that didn't happen on this trip, he was able to check off one bucket list item- catching a fish and then eating sashimi.
The "Tuna Mackerel"... our guide said they don't really know what this fish is so they call it a Tuna Mackerel because it resembles both a tuna and a mackerel. Regardless, apparently it makes the best sashimi.
Amberjack
The "Tuna Mackerel" sashimi
We took the Amberjack to our favorite restaurant in Tamarindo, El Chiringuito, and they prepared it a few different ways for us. Nothing beats fresh catch!
Walking down the beach we always see lots of this little monkeys. They are always up in the trees eating leaves, and usually they are in a big group.
One afternoon I was sitting on our patio and heard the unmistakable sound of a howler monkey. Since I hadn't seen one yet, I decided to try and find it. I followed his howl and found him up in a tree on the property next to our hotel. He was huge. While I was used to seeing the smaller monkeys all over Costa Rica, this guy was enormous compared to them.
When people ask why we like Costa Rica so much, it's hard to really put in words. Costa Ricans are the happiest, kindest, and friendliest people you'll ever meet. The wildlife is incredible, and at times it's like you are in a zoo. The ocean is always warm and the temperature averages in the upper 80s to low 90s, which is perfection in my mind. There is so much to do, and yet you leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. It is very laid back- no dinner reservations are required, and on most days, you'll eat in your swim suit and coverup. But, one of the best things about CR to me is the incredible food and how good you feel physically after eating there for a week. Looking forward to next trip!
the Mahi-Mahi at El Chiringuito
Caleb was inducted in to the National Honor Society. We are so proud of all the hard work he puts in!
Thanksgiving in High Point.
The boys and I drove down on Wednesday morning and Creed flew into town that night after he got off work.
My dad rented an RV for hunting this fall, and in true Cousin Eddie style, we picked up Creed at the airport in it.
the annual oyster roast
Creed always has a good day winter fishing on Lake Cumberland.
Creed took Luke to his first UK basketball game in Rupp Arena to see the Cats beat Miami.
At halftime he got to get his picture taken with the Governor's Cup.
L's DOWN
