As of 0800 this morning, Patriot State was swinging on the "hook" in the harbor at Caldera, Costa Rica--- 09 degrees 53 minutes north latitude, 084 degrees 45 minutes west longitude. Winds are offshore at 3 knots under clear skies. The air temperature is 93 degrees. The water is a pleasant, 86 degrees.

Captain's Log:

We are beginning our second full day of liberty in this ruggedly scenic port of Caldera, Costa Rica and from all indications, the Cadets are having a good time. Division 1 has the duty , divisions 2 and 3 are away. However, many of you at home are asking; " Where the H--- is Caldera? I can't find it on the map.". Well, it isn't there! So, let me help you. Find the Nicoya Peninsula; go to the south eastern end of the bay that it forms with the mainland. Caldera is located there on the coast, approximately 45 miles due west of San Jose, 15 miles south east of Puntarenas, 60 miles northwest of Puerto Quepos. It is a long way from here to anywhere! So, much of our time is spent just getting from place to place. Never fear, the resourceful Cadets are managing quite well. As our classes in basic navigation teach, distance and space are functions of speed and time.

Costa Rica is a country with an abundance of rugged terrain and mountains that reach heights of over 12,000 feet. It is often compared to the state of West Virginia in both size and rugged, scenic beauty. However, the state of the infra structure here makes the country seem much larger. Trips which you would routinely complete in 5 hours, can take 15 - 20 hours here, even on the relatively well maintained, Pan American Highway. But, isn't the real adventure getting there anyway?

The geography makes Costa Rica a truly unique place. It is the second smallest country in Central America, it lies between the Atlantic and the Pacific oceans, and between two continents, North and South America. It is immensely diverse in both plants and animals and is blessed with outstanding, albeit wet weather. That will offer excellent learning opportunities for many of our MSEP students as they are studying bio-diversity.

Caldera is located in the North Pacific Guanacaste Providence. This is a very important, well-developed, region of Costa Rica; agriculture, commerce, financial activities, and the population are growing steadily. The Cadets will appreciate the opportunity to purchase authentic hand made pottery and clothing, as well as a wide variety of local jewelry in the small, surrounding towns. Not far inland as the crow flies, but several hours away via ground transport, lies the Guanacaste, Cordilleras. These mountains rise up 11,322 feet and boast active volcanoes. The Cadets are also taking advantage of the rivers and waterways to enjoy white water rafting, kayaking, and boating.

Costa Rica has two coastlines; one borders the Caribbean Sea, the other, the Pacific Ocean. The Pacific Coast where Caldera is located, is over 630 miles long. It is rugged and rocky but there are several small beaches near by. It is a fair bet that each sandy spot is populated by at least two Cadets diligently soaking up the sun.

The Cadets are doing an absolutely splendid job running the "Patriot State Water Taxi" that we pressed into service at the last minute. Their impressive small boat handling skills are key. I expected to struggle through a variety of minor start up problems but, not so. Senior cadet leadership anticipated every difficulty and have become old pros, already. Their skill and foresight greatly facilitates moving 450 people to and from the beach and eases my safety concerns significantly.