Return to Costa Rica

Marty and I took a "Father & Son" trip to Costa Rica this past week. We went with Marty's friend, Jeff Hicken and his father Alan. We flew to San Jose, the capital, and spent a couple of nights there before renting an SUV and driving to the Pacific coast to stay in Nosara and surf. The first day there we went on a rafting trip down the Pacuare River in eastern Costa Rica. This river cuts through a jungle laden gorge and we negotiated 53 rapids over an 18 mile stretch. We went with Costa Rican river guides that were recommended by our cousin Andrew Taylor. This may have been the highlight of our trip, but we also had some great sessions of surfing at Playa Guiones. Our trip coincided with the rainy season and we did get rained on nearly every day, but the rain is so warm and the ocean warm also that it didn't seem to matter. We still were able to complete our activities. The jungle was especially lush and green with many exotic flowers in bloom. While there we attended church at a small branch in the city of Nocoya. We met the missionaries there and enjoyed the members friendly welcome that Sunday morning. Marty and I had lots of time to talk and discuss his upcoming mission and his plans for life. I am proud of his choices and his desire to do the right thing. No doubt I will miss him a lot when he goes!