Esterillos Oeste New Year's Day Surf Photo 2014

This morning I got an e-mail from a friend who has never been to Esterillos but has followed my blog for all the years I' v done it. She was asking me about the New Year's Day surf photo.  Even tho I was not there, she was very aware I was the one who started this tradition now 6 years ago and wondered what happened.  

Well...what happened is - before I left for California, I made arrangements with last year's photographer, Beau Maisel, to take it again this year.  Then a few days before, I posted a message on FaceBook that reached just about everyone.  I sent out a few e-mail reminders and finally realized that those who were in Esterillos and were interested would make it....or not.

Before I left EO, I had a full size photo of my face printed.  My friend Judy who is now staying at my house, somehow or another managed to get my board down to the beach with my "face" taped on the nose.  My friend Desirae is the one holding my board in the photo.  She looks way better than I so that was the one good thing about me not being there :)

Later that day, I saw this other photo of a friend sitting apparently after the photo was taken.  Look closely - in the background is my "face" stuck on the back of the town map.....OoooK? 

Pura Vida

Thanksgiving - EO Style

Hosted by Tropezon, good time had by all !!

Pura Vida

Another.....two weeks ago.....Blog

I was on my bike headed.....somewhere,  when I saw the horses.  Everytime I see them I slam on the brakes, park the bike and grab my camera.  This happened to be in front of Rancho Coral - a small hotel and restaurant on the beach here in EO.  As I was standing near them, a young boy walked past me and straight for the horses with some grass in his hand.  

What happened next is magical!  Within moments the horses had turned away from the boy and were running towards the ocean. Rancho Coral is famous for taking in stray dogs and the small pack that was with the boy took off after them - with the boy chasing after the dogs.

Instead of just running straight down the beach, when the horses got to the water they turned so the dogs could catch up....next thing I see are all of them - horses, dogs and the boy running up and down the beach.  I am sure I was laughing out loud at this sight - the horses were actually playing with them.  This went on for maybe 5 minutes and then.....it was time to leave.

I have seen a lot of things happening on the beach - but this was a first.  

Pura Vida literally means Pure Life, however, the real meaning is closer to "plenty of life", "this is living!", "full of life".  It is the "motto" of Costa Rica.  The phrase can be used in many ways; for example, it can be used both as a greeting or a farewell, as an answer expressing that things are going well, or as a way of giving thanks.  

For today - these photos are a perfect example of life in this little beach town and.....Pura Vida!

Who Are Those HOT Guys You've Been Hangin With???

Seriously - I was asked this question several times while the guys were here.  Those HOT guys were my friends Steve and Glenn from Ontario.  I met them 4 years ago and ever since, when they are in town.....I spend as much time as possible with them.

Steve and Glenn have been friends for many, many years - since firefighting training way back when.  Glenn married his high school sweet heart and have been together for over 25 years.  They have 2 beautiful teenage daughters.  Steve shares a home with his girlfriend and her two daughters that he adores.

Even tho both of these men work full time and are totally devoted to their families....every year they make time to do adventure trips like no one else I know.....for example - they have hiked Mt. Everest together and a number of the world's highest mountains. Their stories are mesmerizing and always full of laughter.  

When they are here all they want to do is surf their brains out.....and chill.  For the 10 days they were here - that is exactly what they did.  Unfortunately I had a lot going on while they were here, but did manage to snap a few surf shots for them, had a lovely dinner at Karens, lunch or breakfast a time or two and just before they left.......they cooked me breakfast with coffee and Bailey's at the cabina.  I know......Lucky Me :):)

Until next year guys.....

Pura Vida