In addition to all of the planning on our up-coming trip to Costa Rica with brother Don and sister-in-law Nance, John has been planning the baking as well as our transport to and return from Panajachel. Again, I am along for the ride and I rather enjoy that seat!
He told me that the first delivery of goodies for the team was to take place even before we departed from Antigua. We had located the meeting place where and when the bus would be departing on Saturday and John had the first installment ready to be delivered by 10:00. Our landlady gladly offered to transport us and the cookies to the bus. We were over at the meeting point in a matter of minutes and were met by Margaret.
We went back to our place and made ready for our departure. John had reserved a wee Kia for us to use for the week that we would be absent from Antigua. It was to be picked up at Hotel Camino Real about twelve blocks distant from our residence.
We had not eaten by then so decided to catch a coffee and tea at Cafebarista, a wonderful coffee shop situated right on the corner of Parque Central. In addition to our beverages we indulged in the sharing of a piece of carrot cake. On a scale of 10, I would assign the cake a 9.4. However, the icing would get only a 2.1. I am not a fan of cream cheese and the thick icing was enriched with that delightful commodity. I do know that most would disagree with me on the icing. But, most are not writing this blog. So there!
Then we walked to the hotel and did the paperwork for the car rental and were on our way back to our place to load our cargo. The dogs were wary and tarried very near to the vehicle. Now Chico has been known to deposit a squirt or two on bags which remain unattended so I cast my eyes about in an attempt to ward of having our things sprinkled.
We were off to see the wizard!! Our landlord had asked us what type of vehicle we had rented and I told him it was just above mini size. He suggested that we not take the route through Patzún because we would have to ford a river where the bridge had been washed away. I thought it good advice but failed to pass it on to John who had Googled our route and knew exactly where and when we were going. I was just the pilot of the vehicle.
Well, it turned out that we did indeed take the scenic route which we found came to an abrupt end at the river's edge. Oh boy, now I did it! My eyes got big as I pondered if the old Kia would ford the stream or just float away. I wondered whether or not I should roll up my jeans and wade out to the deepest spot. You must remember that I have lived in San Antonio where time after time operators of motor vehicles disregard the warnings of high water and stall. Some are even swept away. But, there were three lads with shovels on the other side who continued to egg me on and beckon to me and pointed out spots that I supposed were the most shallow at the crossing point. Mind you, the river was running and it was not calm. I eyed the river and looked at the faces of the three who were encouraging me to come forward and my mind gave an affirmative. I gunned it down into the river and the sedan lurched forward and responded without further hesitation. As we hit the riverbed, the water splashed up and we sunk down onto the bed. I revved the sedan and it responded swiftly across until we came to the other side. At that edge there was a marked incline which we hit and began to slip slide before the tires of the KIA finally got traction. My take on it was if we did stall, there were three eager lads who had enticed me initially and they would have to help push me out and up. That is if the car were not sailing down the stream. Also, the wireless companies in this country are far superior to those in the USA at least in their coverage. We do not have "dead spots" here. Or, at least I have never encountered them. And, Hertz gave me a number for any type of emergency. Additionally, I had the mobile number of the renting agent in Antigua who assured me that she would help in any situation. So, contrary to the good advice and instructions that I had received, I decided to take a chance and we made it safely to the other side.
We had about 30 kilometers on extremely rough and pot-holed roads. Hard surfaces - yes. In fair repair - no. So add the landslides which narrowed the lanes down to one on several occasions and you will get the picture.
We pulled up to the gate, rang the bell and were met by the keeper of the door who opened both doors and in we drove. We are in a three-bedroom house which has a full kitchen, two baths, a fireplace....what more could one ask for?
A final note on the fording of the river: the caretaker of the property where we are staying and his wife were making the identical run that we just made with their large Jeep SUV and plowed through the river only to become firmly implanted in its bed. Not to worry as there was a large construction vehicle nearby whose operator came to pull them out. As the operation began, the transmission of the truck gave out and they were both stuck in the middle of the river blocking traffic in both directions. They finally did get out but I am very happy that I heard this story after rather than before my crossing. Oh, we will go back on the new road!
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