…finally…animals!!

So we are now in Cahuita, just north of Puerto Viejo. It’s a great little town that hasn’t yet been ruined by Westerners…but give it time.  So far, I think we like it much better than Bocas.  It has more of a Caribbean feel to it.  We have a nice little cottage with a kitchen for $30 per night.  We are near a National Park Beach and another black sand beach.  Today, we did a 10K hike on a trail that followed the beach and saw lots of animals..Capuchin monkeys, Howler monkeys (little thieves), leave cutter ants, a pit viper, several hermit crabs, vultures, a three toed Sloth, a Coati, Raccoons and something that looked like a giant rat.  Zane did great and loved seeing all the wildlife.
One of the down sides to being in Costa Rica is the danger of theft.  I’ve been told about it from so many people and sure enough.  We have been here less than 24 hours and know of two people that have had things stolen.  They came in at night (they left their doors unlocked) and took a camera and some other stuff.  I don’t think violent crime is an issue, but it kind of sucks to have to be that watchful all the time.  It’s much different than Panama.
I think I am now just getting into the groove of traveling and we leave in about 10 days.  I can’t imagine how folks make due with two weeks a year of vacation. If there were more climbing in Panama I would consider living here for a year.  I was doing a little calculating and even with all the money we have spent on tours it’s about 1/2 what we spend in the US to live there.  If you rented a house it would be really cheap.!
The border crossing into Costa Rica from Panama was hilarious.  After a short chat with the exit patrol we walked with our many many many bags over a very long rickety bridge….yes, we have way to much shit here and we are reminded of it every time we get on a bus, hire a taxi and try to find a hotel in a new location. When ever I travel it leaves me with a desire to simplify my life at home. Really, we have so much shit it’s just ridiculous, and we have a pretty simple life.

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