SOME THOUGHTS AND PICTURES FROM COAST RICA

[PETER PAPPAS]

My plans were to sail the entire pacific coast of Costa Rica down to Golfito; I made it no further than my first port of call from Nicaragua - Coco in the gulf of Papagayo. I had to wait for a few days in Nicaragua before crossing the gulf of Papagayo due to high winds. I still managed to see 35 knots on the way across but Callisto embraced the conditions. She is a true blue water boat and really just starts to get her teeth into at 20 knots, at 35 knots I was trible reefed. II am a single handler. Of course it took six hours to check into the country; but if you have to just stay cool and accept the CHA CHA then you really enjoy it as part of the experience. Coco is a wonderful place - clean water and air, lots of wind, wonderful anchorages and beautiful and friendly people. Out sailing one day doing 7 knots I hit a giant sea ray. I did not know what had happened but turn to look astern and I could see a hugh fin sticking up out of the water. At first I thought a whale, but I had not seen any. Then I thought a shark but soon realized it was a ray and very large one. Atleast 10 feet across. I had nearly severed one of it's fins about four feet from the end. The thing was making good way and I think it will recover, but it was not too happy. I dove on the boat that evening and found no damage. I had to take my dinghy in for repair as the entire stern blew out. Fortunately there is a plant that makes apex dinghies in San Jose. It is four hour drive so I got to see a little of the country side while stalled in endless traffice. I have had to replace my batteries (13 in all - she is a push button boat), and I also had to replace the empeller in my generator. MY genoa lost some stiching and it is out being repaired. All part of the game. I have decide to stay at Papagayo Marina and brand new marina associated with the four seasons resort here - so it is very nice. I am well rested and well taned and excited about returning to Wyoming after a short visit to Augusta, Ga to see my family.. Well that's all for now. It does not suck to be me. Peter PS if anyone knows a beautiful, loving young lady that would like to join me please send her my way.

[Judy Gubner]

Hi Peter,
How do I access your photos? My brother & S-I-L will return to Bahia de Drake in late may and be there till mid August if you're going back down. Keep us posted. hugs.Judy

[LOLA]

Great story of your travels......how long before you leave?

[Liv]

What a wonderful and interesting cruise. Thanks for posting for us ' Northeners' who have to wait for the warmer season to sail.