Nica or bust!

Read this post from the bottom up to get the jist........Still smiling having crossed the mud-filled road to reach our awaiting taxi-our taxi driver didn't seem to mind us loading up his trunk with our mud-covered bags and stroller nor our mud-covered bodies, just another day in the Nicaraguan rainy season.

A little mud never hurt anyone!

We finally got to a point in the road that we could not pass by four wheel drive vehicle, spots were sunk in the mud 3-4 ft deep. The only way to cross was by foot thru the mud on the sides of the road. We took off our shoes, carrying our bags and with the help of many locals crossed the 3 block stretch.

McKenna and Tatum were fascinated to see this lady carrying her load on top of her head.

We crossed many fast moving rivers that washed over the road we traveled. Holding our breath across many we felt fortunate to cross safely.

Heading back to Rivas by car to catch our bus we saw many local Nicaraguan homes like this one on the way.

One of the many beautiful beachside homes on Rancho Santana

low-tide

After the storm, we explored many beautiful beaches.

McKenna takes a turn after Tatum blazed the trail!

Tatum was the first to jump aboard the horse for a ride :)

View from the Rancho Santana clubhouse

The resort had amazing grounds with lush gardens.

family photo hanging out at the clubhouse under a large open straw roof veranda

Playing at the resort playground with friends we met that had recently relocated to Nicaragua from Maryland; Ana was Tatum's age, Joe pictured was 4 and baby Jack 11mo.

McKenna and Tatum exploring the beach during low-tide, collecting treasures. The coast water was brown due to the heavy rains driving a local river to overflow into the ocean.

Tatum, Gabi and McKenna hanging out in the Casita, escaping the rain!

From Rivas, we headed to a resort on the Pacific coast, Rancho Santana. Here's the Casita we stayed in, very nice 2 bedroom bungalow with kitchenette, a five minute walk to the beach.

We ventured on a bus trip to Nicaragua in mid-October, amidst the rainy season. This was our bus, Trans Nica, which was clean, comfortable, economical and most importantly had a bathroom aboard. What was intended as a 4-5 hour trip there took 12-1/2 hours! We were heading just over the Costa Rican border to the Nicaraguan town of Rivas.