January 19, 2016 69 miles We arrived at the ferry early for our 8 am departure. The ride was only 1 hour to the port town of Punta Arenas. Once there we stopped for breakfast before heading out for a long hot day. Our goal for the day was Jaco Beach but we knew there was a long climb ahead so at 5 we rode into the town of Tarcoles where we found a nice beach and hotel. Dinner was at the only restaurant in the small town.
This morning we once again started early to try and avoid the heat. The climb to Jaco on CR 34 was difficult and full of truck and bus traffic. The ride down to Jaco was fast and furious with the increasing traffic and heat. Jocelyn’s thermometer was pushing towards 120 F. While in Jaco we decided to spend the night and take and afternoon break from the heat and traffic.
Our ferry from Playa Naranjo to Punta Arenas.Jocelyn boarding.There’s a ham everywhere.Airplanes on the beach at Punta Arenas.Pretty cool with the strong wind spinning the propellers.The beach south of Punta Arenas.We decided on a shortcut just to get off the main road. It was a doozy! And a long walk up the next hill.We decided one at a time on this bridge.A great lunch.We didn’t make Jaco this day because of the long climb ahead. At this point there was only an hour of sun left.Our first wild crocodiles! They were huge!When we were in Tamarindo Beach last December we paddled across a river mouth to get to the less crowded surfing waves. After that we were told it is a very dangerous to paddle across any river in Costa Rica because of these guys.We were also looking for places to camp along rivers and the many beaches. We were discouraged because crocodiles are everywhere.Crikey! Steve Irwin, the crocodile hunter, would have jumped off the bridge to play with this guy!
A beautiful sunset at Playa Tarcoles.Jocelyn contemplating.
These guys going out fishing at night. No motor, just paddling.Climbing to Jaco Beach.At the top – break time.A very fine hostel in Jaco Beach.
Tuesday January 19, 2016, 69 miles (111 km) – Total so far: 13,485 miles (21,702 km)
