Arriving in Costa Rica
Sank our anchor in a sand and lava rock bottom at 1800
November 9, 2005 in Bahia Santa Elena, Costa Rica.At midnight, we were scooting along at 7 knots, which over the next four hours diminished to 0 knots, no winds. Anticipating our need to make anchorage by sunset, we cranked up the noisy beast under the cockpit. Luckily, it was a star full night and an uneventful night. I like it that way.
The Captain had a good rest and came on watch at 0500. He would sail us through winds, light and breezy throughout the day. Making our voyage a mixed one of sailing half the time and motoring the other half. Encanto’s best performance was beating at 8 knots for about a half hour. Yahoo. It was krinkle, krinkle time. We broke out the brownies!
During the sail we were escorted by schools of dolphins, even several very cute baby dolphins that swam close to mom.
Captain caught a Mexican Tuna, which normally we would have tossed back, but decided to give it a try. Filleted, the tuna was marinated in a seasoning mix of lemon pepper, garlic salt, sliced green onions and a little fresh lime juice. Fifteen minutes later, it was dredged in flour and seared in a hot pan of olive oil. The Mexican Tuna became a delicious lunch, set on a bed of red lettuce and papaya chunks with a side dish of seasoned rice.
Cutting through the navy blue crystal waters, an object caught our eyes. Was it a bunch of coconuts? Nope. We watched as turtles fornicated in total oblivion of our hull rushing by them. Must be mating season.
We arrived as the sun was setting behind the green volcanic hills of Bahia Santa Elena. The lush landscape surrounds a large bay where we have already passed panga fishermen at work night fishing. We are told that adjacent to us is the Santa Rosa Reserve where there are five cat species: pumas, ocelots, jaguars, and margay and Jaguarundi as well as caves that are home to over 60 species of bats. We expect to hear coyote in the night and wake to hear howler monkeys in the morning. The clear clean waters and nearby shoals will provide excellent opportunities for snorkeling. When we site the green macaws and other colorful birds of Costa Rica, we will truly feel that we have arrived in a tropical paradise. We will sleep well tonight in anticipation of the places to explore at daybreak. The sounds of the gusting winds remind us of the Sea of Cortez.
We share Bahia Santa Elena with fellow cruisers, sailing vessels: Clair de Lune, Alkahest, Soy Libre and Alaskason. In the morning, we will visit them and learn from them of the sights to be seen and the places to be discovered. A waterfall is nearby that we understand we must hike. Ah, anticipation, the magical potion of adventure.