Here’s what I opened my eyes to this morning.
I’ve never camped quite like this on an oceanside beach so I was very excited about it. As predicted, it was a little warm in the tent so I didn’t have the soundest sleep, but who cares!? I’m glad I did it.
As I was slowly packing up at about 6:30 this morning, my camping neighbour approached me. I hadn’t even totally registered that there was a person there, I just noticed the truck and tent. He came up, looked me straight in the eyes and lifted his hand to give me something. It was a slice of papaya and a banana on a napkin. As I went to accept it, he gently put his hand on my shoulder, said buenas, slightly nodded his head and then just walked away. I don’t know precisely why, but it felt like the purist and most genuine act of simple human kindness directed at me maybe ever. I almost started to cry. It was beautiful.
From there it was about 10 km through a very tourist oriented and developed stretch of the coast. Small strip malls, lots of young women jogging in yoga pants and sports bras, surf schools and tattoo shops, you get it. I skipped breakfast at camp and had planned on holding out for a small soda, but that didn’t seem likely so this happened.
Then, folks, it was glorious and stunning beach riding on massive, perfect and totally empty stretches of paradise. I swam in my underwear several times. Despite no one being around, I’m sure the glare of my legs above the knee blinded someone somewhere.
Between that and Samara. some hilly, steep, bumpy and dusty stretches just for a parting punch in the gut.
Then the home stretch along Carrillo beach.
So that’s a wrap. I’ll post a summary and conclusion soon.
Beautiful day. Beautiful human kindness. Congrats on finishing another memorable ride. Enjoy your time with Karen and friends in CR.
I love every bit of this! Especially the morning kindness of strangers. The beach riding looks incredible.
It was a good day 🙂
You always have a “moment” at the end of your trips – your neighbour (notice, I spelled it the Canadian way) was your moment. So touching, had me with tears. I’m going to miss your blogs – maybe you can add a few more while still in CR. I know you’ll take long bike rides, it’s in your blood. Enjoy your time with Karen and Costa Rican friends before heading back to winter. Love you, Mom
Buenas, Chad! We’ve had some lovely sleet to await you when you return. Raining all day today though, so it will be the perfect mix of ice, slush and mud for you. We do what we can!
I’ve got a week left and currently that lands me on a sunny above zero day thank goodness
Ah! I took the “last day” headline too literally! Enjoy not biking (or at least biking less)!
It really doesn’t get better than all this, Chad. So glad it was such an amazing week. Congratulations and enjoy your beachy reward!
❤️