Today we biked from David to Cuidad Neily, Costa Rica which according to my bike computer was 50.15 miles. We got an early start which was really necessary because as the day goes on it gets hotter. It was a day of blue skies and bright sun so no coolness today.
We we said goodbye to some friends on the way out of town, and stopped in Boqueron for a rest with our friend Richard who had come down to see us. We pedaled on knowing we would continue climbing until we reached Concepcion, but unfortunately the climbing continued well past there. Finally though we headed back down and were able to enjoy some miles of mostly downhills.
We stopped at the checkpoint where most of the cars were being waved though, but the guard asked for our IDs before wishing us well and waving us on. The border crossing was unbelievably easy. We were sent to the luggage inspection room which was great because we had to wait for awhile in the cool air conditioning. Then the guy got to us he asked if we had any children in those bags, and when we said no he laughed, wished us well, and waved us along.
The gal at the window who sent us to inspection now took our photos, stamped our passports and we were done. There was no line when we arrived and only a few people when we returned so we were through there in minutes. The Costa Rica side was equally easy. Fill out the paper, take it to the window, stamp passports, and done. She didn’t even ask us one question and here too, there was no line.
From here we pedaled down the road a bit to get away from the trucks and traffic, found a shady spot under a tree, and had some lunch.
Our friend Karen had given us pancakes rolled around sausage and eggs. Very yummy!
Elza, my biking partner, is an expert at finding treats along the road – mangoes, oranges, lemons, and coconuts.
Now, we figured we had maybe 15 miles to Cuidad Neily, which seemed a reasonable goal. It was very hot in the sun but a lot of the way was easy downhill riding so it wasn’t long before we reached town. We had heard the bomberos (firemen) are good people to stay with, so we asked around until we found them. They didn’t have a dormitory with a bed but we’re happy to let us have an empty room. This was great! We had mattresses so all we needed was floor space and it was wonderful to have a shower, electricity, and a safe place to stay.
Even though we also have use of the kitchen here, after riding in the heat I only wanted something cold. We headed out and found the chip for my iPad that is allowing me to post this, and then we went to the supermarket for some tuna, tomatoes, bananas, and a green pepper, oh and some limon flavored mayonnaise. We made a great tuna salad with some orange juice from one of the found fruits, and it was excellent. Then it’s time to check emails and relax before calling it a night.
We plan to get up early tomorrow and set out for another day of biking through this beautiful country! I’ll leave you with a couple photos of some of the scenery we saw today.
The Panama Adventure 
Sounds like a wonderful day so far! How exciting. Hope you have a fabulous time. Keep us posted! 🙂
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Thanks, will do!
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Wonderful…pipas (coconut water) is wonderful stuff full of electrolytes. Nature’s Gatorade.
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I know, very good stuff
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The pancakes sound delicious! Great post, and your photos are lovely. 🙂
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I am so excited about following your new adventure. Sleep well mi amiga. Looking forward to reading tomorrow’s adventures.
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Thank you, and looking forward to seeing you
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Kris, how are the legs feeling tonight? Fifty miles is quite a way in one day! Tuna salad is probably all I’d want too. I can’t eat much when it’s hot. I’ve heard the same about the coconut water (as mentioned above). Glad things are going well so far.
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Legs felt a biT tired last night but not sore, and all feels normal this morning. We shall see how this day goes.
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Hi Babe! Glad to hear all went well. No power here 5-midnight. Cedo brought spaghetti and patticones, very yummy. We spoke for a half hour or more at her place. Will see her again for lunch or dinner. So nice to have my Panamanian sister!! Talk to you today (John Harp time:-)
XO Your Husband
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Hola mi armor! Sandra wrote and to,d me about the power outage. I’m glad your hermana and you are spending time together. Tell her all is well here when you see her. Talk to you soon! Xoxo. Your wife
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How exciting, Kris, to begin your journey! I wouldn’t even have guessed that the local firehouse would let you stay there, how cool is that? Have fun and be safe!
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I heard about the firehouses from other cyclists, so gave it a try. It’s great and very nice of them!
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And you are doing this in the midst of a heat wave! Buena Suerta!
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But it is always a heat wave in Panama. We are getting early starts and drinking lots of water
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We’re living this adventure through you on your blog – and getting inspired to do the same. Fantastic! Looking forward to seeing you visit some of the same places we stopped on our boat. I was thinking you might get to Golfito and then looked on the map and realized it’s pretty far out of your way.
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We have been to Golfito before so don’t think we will take that detour this time, but we will be going along the beach
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What a amazing undertaking!! You are an inspiration to everyone who follows your blog. Way to go Kris and good luck on e rest of your journey. Safe travels and Vaya con Dios, my friend.
Suzi
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Thank you so much 🙂
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Love hearing about how ‘easy’ life seems where you are … we are so looking forward to checking things out for ourselves this winter, and a more relaxed lifestyle …
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It is easy, or it is for some. Others can get frustrated by things that are different. I suppose like anywhere it is what you make of it. But our lives are easier and it’s more than just not working. It is the more relaxed pace of life and good people around us.
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So envy your adventurous side. Nice idea sleeping at the firehouse, very friendly people.
Glad to hear you went so far in one day. My legs would never make it, great way to keep in shape.
Ride safe. Keep posting, love the pictures and text.
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I heard about the fire house from other cyclists. As for keeping in shape, I have been “training” for this for quite a while, but I am still finding it very challenging.
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So Richard is “OldSalt” Lovin’ this story Kris….David.
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Yes, that is Richard
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Big RAH! For you and Elza…will be following your adventures. The hat looks cool👍🏻
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Thanks! That has is from a good friend, though she may not want it back after I’ve sweated in it for a couple weeks!
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Big RAH! To you and Elza…will be following your adventures here…the hat looks great👍🏻
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Is Cedo married? ha. David.
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Cedo is widowed, but before you get any ideas remember she has her gringa sister looking out for her
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