Our challenge to ride 500 km across beautiful Costa Rica in aid of 'Dignity in Dementia' at Poole Hospital, began on 3rd April 2014. Back home and mission accomplished, we publish below our daily diary and photos.
3rd April 2014
In preparation for the journey to the airport Penny called for Mark – at the wrong house. Mark’s neighbour didn't appear to notice her 04.50 wake up call but Mark was indignant that his lift had arrived early and consequently his day started without a cup of tea - something he would miss until our return to the UK.
Penny, Mark and I had met Anna (challenge leader), Daren, and Matt at Heathrow. It was here that Mark announced he had made some ‘protein balls’ and 'enough for all to share' – but more about those later.
In preparation for the journey to the airport Penny called for Mark – at the wrong house. Mark’s neighbour didn't appear to notice her 04.50 wake up call but Mark was indignant that his lift had arrived early and consequently his day started without a cup of tea - something he would miss until our return to the UK.
Penny, Mark and I had met Anna (challenge leader), Daren, and Matt at Heathrow. It was here that Mark announced he had made some ‘protein balls’ and 'enough for all to share' – but more about those later.
Our flight arrived at Newark, New Jersey 45 minutes early, 'Ma'am, no photos, Ma'am don’t take photos', (of the New York skyline)!!!! So I did.
Two baggage and body searches later, the connecting flight, courtesy once again of United (no frills) Airlines, touched down after sundown in San Jose. The city lights strung out like fairy lights across the chaotic, sprawling mass of the Costa Rican capital.
Two baggage and body searches later, the connecting flight, courtesy once again of United (no frills) Airlines, touched down after sundown in San Jose. The city lights strung out like fairy lights across the chaotic, sprawling mass of the Costa Rican capital.
Tired from travelling we transferred from the airport to the hotel in, The Bus, which would be with us and follow us everywhere, well, almost everywhere......
The bus provided us with a place to stow bags, and all manner of paraphernalia including Dignity the dog, (who did the driving) but most of all gave us access to Costa Rican cookies and litre, upon litre of (ice) cold drinking water.
Something we really came to appreciate later as the temperatures climbed.
Something we really came to appreciate later as the temperatures climbed.
Arriving at the hotel, KC Colayein, we met the rest of the guys with whom we would spend the next nine days.
Michael, Pete and Andy, the Cinco Amigos (OK so there were only three but at their planning stage there were five) had arrived a day earlier. They had explored the city, seen everything (worth seeing) and announced it was time to move on. As if cycling across Costa Rica wasn’t enough of a challenge they were also staying on a few more days to do even more silly things, like sky diving and white water rafting!
Shower, bed, sleep, zzzzzzzzz
Shower, bed, sleep, zzzzzzzzz