Over-dose on Vitamin D

We’re going on a hike today.

  I’m planning in advance, to make it as comfortable as possible. We are leaving at 8:30am, low tide is at 10am. We already planned out the tides, that was the first thing we look at, because options change depending on how much beach is available. High tide means more people – less beach for them to walk around and avoid each other. It means less areas we can go, because we are going to the next tiny beach, and during high tide it’s impossible to even think about swimming over there. Waves crashing into the rocky hill, crocodiles, sharks. Our beach is near perfect and safe. On either side is crocodiles! The beaches have signs that say watch out for them. Although on our side there is a sign for rip tides. Right where we go to snorkel. But that’s at low tide.

  So the tide will be right when we get there. It takes less than 10 minutes to bike to the trail head on the next tiny beach. It takes about half an hour for the intense hike to the stairs to the beach. Last time, by the time we hit the stairs my calves were shaking like a bowl of jello in an earthquake. But then they calmed down so I could hike back along the beach, which is what we are doing again today. Last time was an impromptu thing, this time I’m taking more pictures. It won’t be the nice time of day, the time when the sun is setting and it’s mostly in the sun. When we first arrived we just rushed out and experienced it all. Now we look at the tide and time of day, and bring enough sun screen!

  I have good shoes, the open kind with a strap on the back. But loose enough that I can shake rocks out of them while I’m walking. They’re still wet from our sunset walk along the water last night, but that’s ok. Remember to rinse your shoes well when you get back, to get as much of the salt water residue off. It can put some serious wear and tear on them, and any elastic. We have an outdoor shower, which is very helpful.

  I’m going to wear my big silly floppy hat to keep the sun off my face and neck. Which means I will plan my clothes around that. Can’t wear a pink hat with black and green shorts. Even if chances are good we will be the only ones hiking that rocky part of the beach. I like it, it’s like a puzzle. I have to stare ahead at the ground and figure out my every step. Then I get an adrenaline rush from slipping a little, but not falling. The good news at low tide, is the rocks have had time to dry out, reducing the risk of a nasty tumble. Then I stop every 20 feet to look around and see if there is anything that I haven’t already taken a picture of. And to stare at the waves. The best time to stare at the waves is right before sunset. The change of angle makes the ocean reflect back a gorgeous turquoise color that makes me feel like I’m in a dream.

  We should be at the beach by 9:30am. Half an hour before low tide.  The tides are about 6 hours apart (FACTS), and there is a lull at the peak for 15 minutes or so ******. Then the tide changes up, and I’ve seen it come in much faster than I had anticipated. I think it’s directly related to how many distractions there are around me, and what I wanted to accomplish before the tide changes. Neither of those things will change the speed of the tide, though. I found out the hard way. I have to respect the tide, and the power of the waves,  and the distance I have to cover to get to safer sands.

  Then there are 2 other things to factor in. One is how to stay cool and avoid the ills of being over-heated. The other is a dedicated plan to staying hydrated. Which also means a plan for if I have to go to the bathroom! There are no public bathrooms here. If I plan it right, I sweat out what I drink, basically.

  I also have to bring the right bags. One for the water bottle, and one for all the things I’m going to take home. I have a small shell garden and a small rock garden. Update: You would not believe how many rocks I brought home. I took a lot of pictures today, I put them on Facebook. I need to go through the steps to add them to this blog too. Maybe after my sunburn feels better, since I was a maniac and talked myself out of putting on sunscreen because it always makes my eyes sting, even when I didn't put it on my face.

  The other magical thing about Costa Rica is that things change all the time. The view on the same path is different depending on if you are coming or going. If it's a rainy day, or a super dry one. For example this time of year things look different because a lot of trees lose their leaves, and gain big blossoms. The trees look bare, then colorful, then the flowers carpet the ground.