We’re now in Nicaragua. We’ve been staying at a resort on the beach, called Gran Pacifica. This is where Garry’s brother Murray and wife Teena live. What a beautiful place. You can see the ocean from their backyard. The sunsets are especially beautiful. Garry and I have taken numerous walks on the beach. Not only are we getting good exercise but I’ve been finding great sea shells.

Listening to the waves against the shore is just one of those really relaxing sounds. Its like listening to a stream in the mountains. We’ve decided that this is a great way to spend the winter!

The seafood (fish, shrimp, lobster, clams) is really good and the fresh fruit and veggies taste like they’re supposed to. I’m now totally addicted to watermelon.

At home we think that the heart of the watermelon is so delicious. In Nicaragua the whole watermelon tastes like that!

At the beginning of March, we spent 5 days on the Rio San Juan fishing for Tarpon. (Well, Garry fished and I ate.) If you look at a map of Central America the Rio San Juan is the river that delineates Nicaragua from Costa Rica. Its also the river that was once considered as a possible passageway between the Caribbean and the Pacific rather than the Panama Canal.

We travelled with Murray and Teena and some new friends from “Nica.” We stayed in an eco-­‐ lodge (synonymous with basic accommodations). The meals were great. Unfortunately the fishing wasn’t so good, wrong time of the year.

This really is the jungle. The camp we stayed at is half way between the two coasts. You can hear howler monkeys, and see iguanas, turtles, egrets, blue heron and cayman.

Interesting fact: the iguanas in Nicaragua are found up in the trees, not on the ground.

The water plants that Garry grew are naturally found everywhere. The perfume from the Water Hyacinth is really nice. We saw wild canna, orchids, bamboo and so much more.

One day we travelled down river to “El Castillo” (the castle). This was the fort that protected the Spanish interests in Nicaragua against the pirates and villagers. It was built in the 1700s.

We’re now moving on to Granada. We’ll be there for 2 months.

Our love & God’s blessings to you all… Garry & Lynn