Yah... It is several weeks later and two big snow storms past the holiday vacation and I still have a bit of the Costa Rican national attitude running in my blood. Also noticed that I have not posted in a long time. Costa Rica was well worth the trip - both for the vacation and for the diving. We stayed with family in a house and were not tied to rhythm and insanity of a resort. If I felt like sleeping in - I did. If I felt like getting up at 6AM and walking down the beach - I did. If I wanted to drive on the Monkey Trail over the mountain to get to Playa Coco and Hermosa - all it took was a bit of time and patience, a 4 wheel drive vehicle, the willingness to ford a few streams, and the lungs to withstand some dust. It was a special experience that helped me avoid a 2 hour drive around the long way on the paved highways. Regardless of where I was, the people were friendly and always willing to help. It is a different place.

So real kudos to Bobby Jo and Tracey of Diving Safaris at Playa Hermosa and Eduardo, Antonio, and the boat crew at Aquacenter Diving in Playa Flamingo who went the extra mile to help me find the dive experiences I was looking for. Special thanks to Tracey for her patience and leadership during my qualification for EAN and Digital Photo specialties. Also special thanks to Antonio for helping my daughter and her friend discover diving during their first dives. I recommend both outfitters very highly.

Lots to see and do: feel free to browse some of the other pictures in my public gallery at Picasa. Here is another set from another dive.

Please enjoy and feel free to comment. I am learning to use the camera underwater, so constructive suggestions are always welcome.