Puerta Caldera (nr. Puntarenas), Costa Rica – 30th April
Today we arrived in Costa Rica, in a small port called Puerta Caldera. Unfortunately a large American cruise ship had already grabbed the main berth in Puntarenas. We were about 9 miles outside town.
Our excursion was the Costa Rican Rail and River Ride. The weather again was very hot and very humid. However, we had an interesting drive through the countryside before we boarded a newly restored Pacific Railroad train for a half hour journey along a very rickety rail track. After a short delay when the brakes of the train had jammed, finally resolved when the conductor jumped off the train and picked up a rock to hammer the lever closed.
We eventually arrived at the Tarcoles River where we were given refreshments consisting of beer, juices and the most delicious fresh fruit. We boarded a small river boat to cruise along the river looking for wildlife. No sooner had we started we had a close encounter with a crocodile swimming three feet away from the boat. Here we saw cranes, herons, monkeys, macaws, but not a lot else.
On returning to the port and walking through the customary cruise terminal (and purchasing a few items), we returned to the ship rather drained from the humidity to a well earned meal and early night.
No comments:
Post a Comment