Outback Cuads orchestrated a Poker Ride today, raising money for school improvements at Zaragoza, a small pueblo in the high hills above Samara.
We picked up our “hand” of cards from wranglers along the way, while dodging a typical Saturday morning commute.
Just started seeing the Streak-backed Orioles this week here at the beach in Costa Rica. He’s the first one each morning to stop in our bamboo, just after sunrise – hence the poor light.
But he’s getting bold enough to visit our deck railing where we recycle our dog fur from the curry comb for nest building. .
Costa Rica is in the middle of a drought, like just about everyone else on the Pacific Coast, but there is still some good news in the natural world.
The Olive Ridley turtles appear to be getting stronger. On our morning walk on Carrillo Beach this morning, just 4 km from Casa Mango and Casa Papaya, we encountered a hatch.
Our owls are back, hanging out in the bamboo near the house. Last year there were three but maybe the juvenile grew up.
We think these are Pacific Screech owls. Any confirmation?
Damn that auto flash!
We Samarenos gathered on the beach Sat. afternoon to say goodbye to our good friend Joe Potrebenko, who was killed last week in his home in Panama.
We wrote our messages of love and grief for Joe on paper boats. We sent our courage and strength to his wife, Betsy, and her mother Lorraine.
Finally, the half speed bump just southeast of Samara has been removed. Many in the community wanted a speed bump near this intersection but half a speed bump is more dangerous than no speed bump. Finally, after nearly 2 years, we have a resolution.
Two more noggins protected. We gave helmets to these young motorcyclists when we saw them outside the grocery store this morning. We buy used helmets for a couple bucks at Goodwill and bring them in our luggage. They take up little room and almost no weight. Leave no child unlidded!
They’re putting up the stands.
Getting ready for the holidays in Playa Samara Beach means building the arena and bleachers for the traditional Corrido de Toros. This temporary arena is built fresh every year.
Ticos are a gentle people so they don’t so much fight the bulls as annoy them. Young toughs get into the ring and run around poking at the bulls to entice the beast to chase them so they are forced to climb the fence before being gored in the hiney. It’s somewhat entertaining to northerners who’ve seen an actual rodeo but it’s very popular with locals. Actually, my visiting nephew said it was the most fun he’s ever had for a buck. The carnival rides and eateries fill out the festivities which begin each day with a cannon shot and end the week with fireworks.
Last Sat. night, Sámara was treated to an elegant fashion show
and exposition of local designers.
It was really a special event, so well put together and enjoyable.
The cover charge was a children’s toy for Christmas.
Sandy-Shorts 