You thought I forgot about this blog thing; didn't you...

        Well, I gotta say this Playa Grande area is really starting to grow on me. First couple of days the impression was; beautiful--of course--but there didn't appear to be a lot of visible amenities outside our hotel and a short walk to another beach restaurant. Further research has uncovered quite a few gems that just needed a turn down a road or a pull in and park to experience some cool places to eat, and even better beaches that are not easy to get to--but totally worth the little bit of extra effort. We drove by a bunch of places that were not easy to tell if it was a place of business or even open--now we know where they are and even when they're open.
        We have been very fortunate to have met a great couple from NC, Maghan and Charles and the last few days have had some great adventures with them. We spent an afternoon in Tamarindo together, about a half hour or so drive from Jack. We took the adventurer's path to Tamarindo, meaning one of those dirt roads that the normal person doesn't take...but you have to cuz its there! Met a cool customer on the road that I thought you'd like...
He had a buddy that was perched next to him, but that one decided to fly to the next tree before the photographer was ready. The wing span on these things is enormous, 6 feet across, easy.

Upon entering Tamarindo, our original assessment was confirmed immediately upon seeing in-person the congestion of things and people on top of each other. This was the most people we had seen in one place since arriving in CR. We slowly drove through the center area of town, caution was needed as walkers, parked cars/trucks and the narrow road required it. Nearing the "end" of town, we took a small street and found a parking spot like we were expected. The beach and waves were about a 30 yard walk and as we appreciated the ocean, and the multitude of boats anchored offshore, as well as the many groups of people enjoying the beach, we found a table on the sand for lunch. Sharing fish, pork and shrimp tacos with my love on the beach was awesome! I was shocked to see that I was witnessing the high tide starting to come in as we were finishing lunch. The exposed sand that was visible when we first arrived at the beach disappeared by the end of lunch and was just outside the seating area for our restaurant.
      We took some off-the-path roads and found another beach to enjoy with the "royal family" and investigated Playa Langosta just north of 'Tamagringo' before heading back home. 

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      We made plans with M & C to go to one of the local markets/restaurant that was having live music and BBQ. They offered to drive us all there; did I mention they had rented a super cool golf cart while they were here. Dinner and drinks at the roadside restaurant was awesome and the DJ cranked some great "live music."