Surfing, drinking, and the Monkey Trail

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Meredith, Brennan and I headed south for Tamarindo by way of a dirt road known as the Monkey Trail (didn't see any, by the way).  The term "road" is flattery, actually, and, in America, most people would fear the trail and deem it impassable.  Luckily for us, we were not in America - in fact we were in Costa Rica, saddled comfortably in a pink Dihatsu 4x4, our fate's hinging on Curt's masterful piloting.  Suffice it to say, the ride was bumpy, at times intense, and probably too fast.  By the way, a running start is recommend for river crossings... it's just more fun that way.

This is what some of the paved roads are like...
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After emerging from the Monkey Trail, slightly jostled but eager for more, we ventured to Playa Potrero where we stopped at what ended up being hands-down the best soda of the whole trip.  ***Not sure what it was called*** but it was right on the beach, on the corner where you start heading south through Potrero.  Awesome casados!!

After lunch, we headed south and checked out Playa Flamingo before heading to Tamarindo.  Tamarindo is possibly the best-known beach town in Costa Rica.  We had a good time there, but it is not the type of place that will give you a flavor of Costa Rica.  It is pretty American (they have Subway, Pizza Hut, etc.), and really reminded me of Negril - it just doesn't have any character.  There was nothing bad about it, but if you are removed from the spring break scene and want a relaxing vacation or to see what the country is really like (versus what it is becoming), you can probably skip Tamarindo.

We walked along the beach, caught the sunset, and had some drinks at a chilled out oceanfront bar.  Then we headed back to our hostel, met a Dutch girl named Pinelli, and stayed up late playing hearts and drinking.

After breakfast the next morning we ended up renting some surfboards and hit the waves.  The water was the perfect temperature and the waves were kind of inconsistent, but we got a couple good rides in.  Then it was back to the road...