And Finally

Unfortunately after two and a half weeks into our month holiday we received the call everyone dreads. Tom's 90 year old mother was in the hospital and was very ill. We were able to change our reservations and made plans to leave the next afternoon. We arrived very late in Toronto, stayed overnight and went to see Tom's Mom the next morning. We were able to spend the next week and a half with her and the rest of the family before she died on Dec. 3. A sad time for Tom and his family but a celebration of a life well lived. Here's to Anne Ellis Morreale (Rankin).

We would like to return to Costa Rica sometime but now we are home buried in snow!

Our Friends

 

We always have such a good time!

A Day Out Fishing with Jean Marc

Jean Marc, owner of our villa, The Breezes, arranged for Tom and Gary to go deep sea fishing with him. They had a good time and caught many fish - six different species. It was a beautiful day and they enjoyed the day on the water.

Nice one, Jean Marc!

Such concentration, Gary!

 

Fighting the big one!

Don't you look proud of yourself, Tom!

Trip to Playa Junquillal

Our friends, Ricardo and Linda, invited us to visit them in Playa Junquillal. This area is about a half hour south through small towns and wide vistas with mountains in the background. We met them at their recreation centre. We swam in the beautiful pool, they played some tennis and we all had a good lunch in a nearby restaurant. Here is a link to Guacamaya Lodge where we had lunch.We visited their condo on the ocean and a piece of property on which they might build their dream home. We had a great day including howling howler monkeys! Here are some photos we want to share.

On the Way Back to Tamarindo

Northern racoons along the road stopping traffic. They are very odd looking racoons.

 We visited a rescue zoo where injured animals are protected and hopefully released when healed.

Roads are notoriously bad in Costa Rica. A fierce rain washed out many areas right before we arrived.

A beautiful and unusual orchid.

More Photos from our Trip to Arenal

 Fabulous flowers everywhere!

Lake Arenal

 Lobby at Tabacon Resort Hotel

 Arenal Volcano from our room!

Lake Arenal in the background

Here is another link for Arenal Volcano

Tabacon Thermal Springs Resort

Here are a few photos from our days at Tabacon Thermal Resort. Set in a rainforest at the base of Arenal volcano, the water is heated by the volcano. The resort is spread over a huge area. It is beautiful! To see more here is a link you may want to check out.

Tabacon