January 20, 2006 - Puntarenas, Costa Rica

We have spent the last few weeks getting dental work done, visiting our friends in San Jose, and doing boat projects. Once again dental work is very inexpensive here, saving at least 70% of US prices. Portia has a new crown for her implant which she was going to fly back to Puerto Vallarto for but instead was able to have done here. We had our teeth cleaned and caries filled. Steve decided to get some veneers which has really enhanced his smile. When not in San Jose, we spent 4 days in the Gulf of Nicoya at anchor at 3 island groups: Islas Tortugas, Isla Cedros and Isla Jesusita. We very much enjoyed getting away to the islands where Steve speared fish and brought 3 delicious scallops to the dinner table. While in San Jose, we stayed at the beautiful home of our new friends, Patrick (Canadian) and his Costa Rican wife, Lorena. This lovely couple owns a 43’ Catana catamaran which is at the yacht club and lives full time in San Jose in their brand new home. We had a fun time playing tennis at their club house with Patrick who is a very nice tennis player. It felt great to hit that ball again.

We love Costa Rica. The people are very friendly and helpful. The country is beautiful. We are now ready to head south again towards Southern Costa Rica (Golfito) and then Panama. We leave tomorrow morning (January 21) at high tide.