Nica Update #3: SJDS and the night of the Turtles!

San Juan at sunset...soccer game on the beach...

She was massive...
Brad gets up close and personal with the video camera on night shot...stay tuned for the u-tube video...
Her eggs...they are the size of golf balls with a flexible leathery shell...
This would never happen in a protected area in Canada...

Filling in her nest with sand...
Back to the sea she goes...

Unreal national geographic experience in San Juan Del Sur (SJDS)! Came from Ometepe to this beach town that is probably the most touristy that we have seen in Nica so far...but that really isn't saying much as we have not seen more than a handfull of travellers. The cruise ships stop here and wisk away cruisers to local markets so this spot is hitting the raidar with Americans. Surf town with a few surf beaches in the surrounding areas and your basic needs are met including internet, good accomodation, good food options and even a bar or two. We only stayed one night as we are not here to party or rub shoulders with yankees and we were only here for one reason...the Tortugas!! The turtles come to shore to lay their eggs each year at a protected beach area-La Flor which is about an hour on a bumpy dirt road (which road aren't bumpy). So we hired a guide with another couple-brother and sister from Colorado and made our way at night on a crazy safari truck to the park...the visit was from 8:00-12:00midnight as this is the only time to view the turtles in their natural habitat...to avoid predators. Stay tuned for a little video of the action...amazing experience and not one we will soon forget...Only this past year have the turtles been protected as they have entered the list of endangered species. But, the harvesting, selling and eating of turtle eggs has been a way of life for the Nica people for hundreds of years and there is much conflict regarding this current situation. Tough one... Here are the highlights of SJDS:

• El Puerto-good accomodation, patio view of town, clean, coffee and cookies in the morning! $25per night for private with bath...


• Tortugas for sure! Check out the pics of this amazing national geo experience...After making it all the way to shore, digging a deep nest, laying 100-150 eggs, packing it back up with sand, struggling back to the sea the eggs incubate for 45-60 days and the babies break free to the surface...only the strong survive and the lucky ones make their way to the sea for a shot at life...