Puntarenas

We loaded up everyone (20 people) and our gear yesterday afternoon for the drive to Puntarenas, about 100 km.

It was pretty crowded but when we loaded up all the gear it was even worse. Some of it had to go on the roof!

This is a photo of Dr. George Luther (in the red floral shirt) and another of the scientists. Dr Luther is one of the top rated chemical oceanographers in the world. We are lucky to have him at UD in Lewes!

He's happy because he gets to sit in the front seat on the bus!

Along the way, we got to see the landscape of Costa Rica from the bus. Most of it was formed from volcanic activity.

Of course, for my marine science students, I wanted to get a picture of how much the tides change here in Puntarenas!

The brown "land" on the left is an island exposed by the large tidal change.

After about 2 hours, we arrived at our hotel. It is a beautiful small hotel along the beach in the protected bay.

Across the street, at anchor in the bay, is our research vessel, the R/V Atlantis.

Costa Rica is a very "green" ecofriendly country. Our hotel heats its hot water by using this rooftop mechanism. We will see how well it works......................

Sunset along the bay here at Puntarenas.