As of 0800 this morning, the Patriot State was riding easily at anchor in the Harbor of Caldera, Costa Rica... 4 shots of chain on deck ...35 feet of water. We were enjoying clear skies, light offshore breezes, and 88 degrees.

Captain's Log:

Yesterday, I wrote of Costa Rica's geography and of attractions that our Cadets are enjoying. Let me continue. Caldera is a small port. It's docks can hold two large vessels or three small ones but the little village is growing to meet the demand of the passenger service and tourist industries. But, it is not there yet. It is a somewhat surprising to know that last year, 150 cruise ships called on Caldera.

Shopping always figures prominently in every liberty plan. Each person wants to buy special souvenirs and personal gifts for those at home. So, it's off to the mall! The nearest "mall" happens to be the central market place or town-park where local people gather to trade wares and to offer their crafts to tourists. The park also serves as the primary entertainment center. The local "rock" band plays traditional music that adds a special flavor to the pleasant atmosphere created by the rich smells of food, herbs, and fresh produce and flowers. One may also sit quietly and enjoy a cool vino de coyol, a potent fermented beverage distilled from the sap of palm trees and famous for the enduring sensorial responses that follow the day after.

Guaitil is a small town just to the north west of Puntarenas. It fits the description perfectly. The main industry is production of clay pottery and the entire town takes part in it. Pitchers, vases, pots, and jars, fashioned following the ancient traditions of Chorotegan ancestors, are sold in the central park.. Many are embellished with very attractive pre-Columbian designs. All raw materials are obtained locally and given the high quality of the finished product, much of the process is held as an "industrial secret". Although I understand that the pottery was once used extensively to store party beverages and food it seems far better suited for decorations today.

Two of the nicest white sand beaches in Costa Rica are located just a few miles "down" the coast from Caldera. Espadilla Sur and Manuel Antonio are near Puerto (town) Quepos in Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is home to a wide variety of birds and other animals and it contains beautiful forests, lagoons, small islands, and mangrove swamps that are home to large colonies of birds. Diving, swimming, and sun tanning are the main attractions. The beaches are frequented by a large international contingent that includes Australians, Germans, and Swedes who enjoy the sand and the surf. But, the ecosystems also attracts a great deal of attention as well. The park advertises an interesting variety of nightlife, including first class restaurants, casinos, and discos. I feel certain that our disciplined Cadets will want to bypass this particular venue in favor of more traditional sight seeing excursions.

One such distraction is Lake Arenal, supposedly populated by South American Indians in 2,000 BC. It is within sight of a one of the most active volcanoes within the Western Hemisphere. As you might imagine, the chance to see fire and molten rock blasting high into the sky attracts many, many tourists to the area. Additionally, the pleasant climate and the water are bewitching to fisherman, wind surfers, kayakers and water skiers. The months of January and February are windy and dryer which makes life even more pleasant.

All of Costa Rica is not small town. A three dollar bus ticket takes you to the Capital city with a trip through mangrove fields, mountains, and rain forests. The city of San Jose mixes the old and the new. Hotels and casinos speckle Avenidas Central, amongst shops offering genuine Costa Rican Tico crafts and high tech electronics. The Central Avenue is a pedestrian boulevard that leads to Culture Square. Here Cadets will find stores of all types, restaurants, and coffee shops. Not too far away, the picturesque Mercado Centro offers everything from leather crafts to delicious traditional foods and ice cream made on the site with traditional equipment. I t just doesn't get any better than this! San Jose, is a city full of culture, history, and all the first class services our Cadets might want. It is the political and economic center of the country with a population of 314,000. The city was founded around 1737 for Saint Joseph and became the Capital in 1823. The official religion is Catholicism and there are many catholic churches distributed around the city.

All of us aboard Patriot State have enjoyed another wonderful day in the sun, experiencing new cultures, seeing fresh sights, and storing memories for a lifetime. The Cadets are performing wonderfully and wish that you were here to share the adventure. I will start the pre-underway check-off later this evening and station the regular underway watch at midnight.

Do it today for tomorrow... we sail!