Page 2 - Surf Bag Dilemma

The Michelin Man is ready to travel.

Page 3 - Thank you Delta

In case the rule slips your mind... Don't smoke on the plane when changing your baby behind the guy in the wheelchair.

Page 4 - Fear of Flying

And off we go to find some waves.

Page 5 - We just call him Drew

First meal together in the country. - photo Drew Hayes

Gallo Pinto, breakfast of hungry guy in Costa Rica

After Gallo Pinto I am a giant among picnic tables - Photo Drew Hayes

Part of a typical day of driving in Central America.

Page 6 - We arrive at Playa Pavones

Tight squeeze on the road to Pavones. Lucky or us we were not on the school bus headed the other direction.

Sleep was more than welcome and I was awarded with the honorary Star Wars sheets.

Page 7 - The ground is alive

Pavones and Golfo Dolce from a nearby hill.

The domestic barnyard life should not go unnoticed.

Page 8 - Hermit crabs rule this land.

Page 9 - Small surf, time for some reading.

Gearing up for a session at Pavones - photo Drew Hayes

Page 10 - Bro, Vulture, same thing.

Page 11 - Go ahead, puke your money away

According to Raymond, who has lost his right shoe before in Costa Rica, there are plenty of lefts to be found on just about any beach, but no rights. According to my survey he is correct.

The guys are worn out after an attempt at paddleboarding in very windy conditions.

Page 12 - Crap in the water, watch out for king steamers!

We ate plenty of these fruits, locally referred to as Momon Chinos, and even more locally (in our car) referred to as man testicles.

Page 13 - Don't panic, Raymond is a test driver for Michelin

Drew rides a peeling left during our first session at Playa Hermosa

Page 14 - Playa Hermosa is steep

Page 15 - A little donkey commandeered the scanner while I was scanning the journal.

Page 16 - A swim and a swarm.

Iguana alongside Hermosa beah. She's a real looker.

Page 17 - Police and thieves in the street

Bottom turn in my Ninja 6'8" at Playa Hermosa

Ray pulls a camera shift while guarding the car - Photo Drew Hayes

Page 18 - The waves that made the trip

Birds of prey - We noticed three distinctly different hawks or ravens while on walks and drives between surf sessions.

Page 19 - Bug attack from hell

Birrrrd Maaaaaannnn! This was another one of the hawks.

Page 20 - Did we deserve this torture?

Black Hawk up... on a fence post

Page 21 - Gordy just bit the bag and stepped out the door.

Page 22 - Gold Bond comes highly recommended apparently

This was the size of the surf during our last couple sessions. Large.

Paddling out at Hermosa - Photo Drew Hayes

Page 23 - A theme of waxing swell

Hermosa, beautiful to some, not so much to others.

Page 24 - The Gringo Tax

Which ingredient do you want the least? - Photo Drew Hayes

Page 25 - Was a fun trip, glad I didn't hurl.

Palm lined road, Playa Hermosa - Photo Drew Hayes

Page 26 - Going home is fun too.

* Thanks to Astral Buoyancy for helping customize my surf kayak bag and for my Willis PFD * Thanks to IR for my Shorty Competition Drydeck * Thanks to Shred Ready for my Full-Cut Standard helmet * These companies make all my kayaking trips far more comfortable and successful *

(right to left) Ray, Drew, myself

From the plane ride home I saw this octopus shape on the Nicaragua landscape.

As a law abiding citizen I did not throw any blocks of cheese, pepperoni logs or unidentified squares into the airplane toilet.