Terry, Mike and Frank: Rescue in Paddle Prairie

We expected to fuel up with gas for the day at a 24 hour station in Manning, but it had stopped selling gas … so, … we moved to a lodge a few kilometres down the road. We pulled in and immediately realized that ...

Gas Pumps covered in plastic wasn't a good sign! 

Bobby Dodds ... a Brief Encounter

Bobby is the resident Information Centre 'Greeter' here in Grimshaw, Alberta. Bobby is an ex-trapper and he's in his 70's. We didn't ask, but he volunteered to tell us some of his life's story.

... he made a couple of fortunes (we never did find out how) ... he and his wife blew the last of it all in Australia ... he's not with the wife any-more ... she's in southern Alberta ... somewhere! Somewhere where it rains most of the time and he likes that!!!

Dave's World

Dave swears he saw one, two, three ... at least a dozen caymen. Well OK!, maybe just their eyes, so that's six. But they were big ... the eyes were BIG and they looked right at me!

KAYAKING: Organos River, COSTA RICA

Guides: Kat & Nate

Van Shuttle: With Crystal Seas from Costa Coral Resort, Playa Tambor > ORGANOS R., Playa Organos & return

Single & Double Kayak(s): Up the Organos for several kilometres and return - C1+ (surf landings)

View 2005 Organos River, COSTA RICA in a larger map

COSTA RICA: The Pacific Coast

We travelled the Pacific Coast from PANAMA north to NICARAGUA. We stayed at several different locations and had a few different travelling companions a couple of times throughout the trip. We were in 4 of the 7 provinces: Alajuela, Guanacaste, Puntarenas and San Jose. The weather was terrific . In general, we had sunny, hot, clear conditions for 51 days straight.

There isn't as much cultural diversity as in Panama and Cuba. The major cities of San Jose and Liberia aren't all that interesting ... architecturally, culturally or socially. There is no active indigenous Indian population left in CR. Most Indian artwork is imported from Panama. Local artisans create beautiful hand-painted ceramic tiles and pieces in exotic woods. Sunsets are always breath-taking. Driving can be an adventure - some dirt roads are extremely poor, mountain driving skills are a necessity. There are too many dogs and ATV's in this country. The indigenous breed of Spanish descended horses is beautiful.

Activities: sea-kayaking, hiking, cultural, snorkelling, catamaran sailing, swimming
Vehicle: Toyota Terios (rental)
Average Fuel Cost: 370 colonnes / litre (a bit more than $1 CDN)

Days: 51
Dates: January 10 - March 1
Activities: Cultural, Hiking, Photography

Distance: 3083 kms

COSTA RICA Photography