2 June - We get to COSTA RICA

From the Nicaraguan border into Costa Rica it was uphill for more miles than I fancied; not a nice way to enter a country by bike.
Realizing we had a over a month left to reach Panama city I decided there was no rush (was there ever?) and we could maybe laze around on the beach awhile. Well, arriving in Costa Rica at the onset of the wet season meant suddenly I imagine I am back in Devon; hills, rain and grey skies.
Cycling under grey skies is super, lying under them isn't. Not that I ever get to lie on a beach with Miss Tigerlily to play with. Sadly the one sunny day that I decided to enjoy the beach, Tigerlily decided not to enjoy the raging Pacific waves and was much happier to climb back into her trailer and just keep cycling.
Costa Rica, like its neighbours is rich in natural beauty and resourses.

ANNOYANCES
If another person cries ' povrecita' (poor little thing) at Tigerlily having to 'endure' this trip I could turn violent!. I'm not saying she doesn't have moments of boredom when I find myself saying 'we're nearly there my love' as I grumble my way up another hill before we reach town, but when she knows we are leaving she climbs into her trailer and reaches for the seatbelt. The only time I have to persuade her is if she is busy playing with her amigos.
I am so fed up with the critism I receive almost daily for cycling with Tigerlily. I am well aware of possible dangers. Living in Mexico was a perfect preparation. Knowing the risks has better equiped me for avoiding them. The bottom line is I wouldn't do this trip if it was in any way harming my child or risking her life any more than just being alive means risking death to each and every one of us.
The only time I think 'poor thing' are times spent in internet cafes trying to amuse Tigerlily without her disconnecting computors.

BAD ROAD SURFACES
Cycling long distance I become anal about road surface quality, width and warnings about climbs. (Ed: here the computer session had to finish...)