Breakfast, looking out onto the pool was a quiet meal, a little subdued, for which we could not entirely blame the fact that we were leaving Cost Rica and most of us were returning home. So where was Anna?
We ate, brought our bags down to reception and checked out. Anna appeared packing as she arrived, bag open contents going in as fast as they were falling out.
A farewell to Andy, Michael and Pete who were staying to do other exciting adventures, like driving a hire car around San Jose (using a sat nav in Spanish), white water rafting, leaping from airplanes and other everyday tourist day-trips.
Back on Luisca's bus for the final time and to the airport.
The flight to Texas was notable only by the United Airline cabin crew, one attendant in particular, sternly asked if we wanted a drink, then walked the length of the cabin with one glass of water. Asked another passenger and repeated her journey. She was obviously wearing a pedometer and clocking up her air miles. Thank goodness we didn't want a meal.
To kill time in Texas we ate burgers at Ruby's. Texan burgers mmmmm, delicious. After a short trip around the terminal, and to kill even more time in Texas we went back to Ruby's, and ate apple pie and drank wine - we needed the calories.
Texas to Heathrow was a night flight. We were tempted by a second set of 'soon to be B&Q recruits' to another United Airlines meal - thank goodness for Ruby's - intermittently played nodding dogs and landed 40 minutes ahead of schedule.
Fine, cloudy with sunny intervals and definitely colder than the weather to which we had become accustomed.
We said good bye to Anna, Daren and Matt all of whom had a third connecting flight to catch, and vowed to meet again for another big adventure.
We had cycled from east to west across a most beautiful and amazing country; met a fantastic bunch of friends; been to levels beyond exhaustion but felt elated at our considerable achievements too. We had learned we could push ourselves further than we thought possible and learned just what we are capable of.
Our heartfelt thanks to you all for believing in the three of us; Mark, Penny, and me Amanda, we are truly grateful for your backing.
Acknowledgements
Declan McConvile, has been the driving force (as if he needed it) behind Mark, supporting and encouraging and campaigning on his behalf. As a Chaplain at Poole Hospital he sees first hand the effects of dementia on elderly patients.
He was even there to wave Mark off to the airport at an unmentionable hour in the morning on 3rd April.
We would also like to thank him for personally, individually sponsoring Penny and me.
Finally our deepest thanks to Anne Jacob, dear friend, mentor, extraordinary campaigner, blogger and all round expert. There really isn't anything that Anne can't do.
We could not have done nearly as well in keeping in touch with you, the Costa Rica diary readers, without her unwavering support. Even while we were away cycling she was keeping you up to date with our progress.
A true 100 carat diamond and virtual Passepartou.
P.S. You're coming with us next time Anne, a place for you has been reserved, so get yourself a pair of cycling shorts.
Until 2016 and our next adventure we bid you all, adieu!