Posh Pez Vala

 Just when we thought that Marina Papagayo was the nicest marina in the area we arrived at Pez Vala. This marina is filled to the brim with fish killing machines and we were one of the few cruising boats. The docks were in great shape and the marina is surrounded by restaurants, bars, clothing stores, a little market, gelato shop and beauty salon. Everything a boater would need. Not to mention an easy 5 minute walk into town. Our 80 mile run in from Isla San Lucas flew by and we even had dolphins keeping us company for some of the ride. At 4:06pm we pulled into our slip as we saw our friends boats docked down the way. Brigadoon and Summer Breeze had arrived a few days before us and we were looking forward to catching up. After scoping out the marina for a little bit and getting checked in we found a restaurant/bar on the property that offered happy hour from 11-6pm. We invited the other two boats and enjoyed 2 for 1 drink specials. For some reason we happened to be talking about astrological signs and birthdays and learned that it was Patty's (from Brigadoon) birthday today. Of course we had to keep celebrating so we ordered some food then headed back to our boat for more libations, music and dancing to mark the occasion. It was a really fun night and we were so happy with got to celebrate with Patty.

Heading into Pez Vala Marina 

Pez Vala Marina 

Happy Hour 

With Summer Breeze and Brigadoon 

Patty's Birthday Brownie 

Walking Back to Boat 

The next day we were feeling the pain from Patty's party so we just laid low on the boat and recovered. May 15th the following day we got together with the other two boats and this time it was to take a guided tour through Manual Antonio National Park. We had a wonderful guide who toured us around and showed us everything from bugs to sloths to monkeys. It was a lot of walking and the park itself was gorgeous and had well designed paths weaving though the grounds. At the end we were lead to a  private park beach where we had the option of spending the day. None of us brought suits or were too interested in laying in the sand for the day so we took a long look then went to the park cafeteria and got some cold and hot drinks while we rested a little while. Brigadoon knew of a tacaria in town that had air conditioning which is quite rare in these parts so we all jumped on that idea and had a nice big burrito lunch while we cooled down. Across the street was an excellent french bakery where we got bread and bagels and Jeff got a few pastries. By this point in the afternoon we were exhausted so we all said our goodbyes and went to our boats. 

Our Guide Explaining Trails To Us 

Following The Guide 

Ants Carrying Green Leaves 

Crab 

Sloth 

Squirrel   Monkey

Howler Monkey

Iguana 

The Park 

Tocan 

Manual Antonio Beach 

With Brigadoon and Summer Breeze 

Bus Ride Back to Town 

Pez Vala Marina At Night 

The next and final day at Pez Vala we did some provisioning and I got my nails done at the marina salon. Our friends on Splinters returned from their trip to Colorado and we were anxious to see them since we hadn't seen them in a long time. So back to happy hour we went and had a nice time catching up. 

With Splinter, Brigadoon and Summer Breeze