Benjamin will be headed to Taylor University next month leaving us with three launched, one child at home and me as the only male in the household. Cathi and I have each taken a child on a short trip as they move into adulthood to talk and have fun before they fly the nest. Benjamin and I chose to go to a very remote part of Costa Rica to enjoy some scuba diving and “chill” (his words). Cathi found the perfect place in Drake Bay which is on the Osa Penninsula on the Pacific side of our adopted country. We knew we were in for a very laid back week when we arrived at the airport below in a 12 passenger Caravan prop plane.
Drake Bay regional airport
A 4×4 Land Cruiser picked us up, took us through a river and we moved into a minivan that dropped us off on the beach. We then hiked several hundred yards (including wading through a stream) to get to our hotel. The manager of this five room paradise pointed to a crocodile in the ocean 20 feet away and advised us to not swim there. We decided that was a good idea.
Many go to the more accessible parks in Costa Rica to see the various wildlife. We found our own, including this little boa constrictor that some workmen picked up as they were trimming back some jungle.
Bright red and green macaws, white face monkeys, sloth, hawk, buzzard, and other creatures came across our path as we hiked for miles along the jungle coastal trails. Sharks, barracuda, stingray, manta ray, dolphins, octopus and huge numbers of fish blessed our dives along the reefs in this relatively untouched part of God’s creation.
I remember telling Cathi how cool it would be to go scuba diving with my kids when I was certified 25 years ago. It is so much fun to share the wonders of God’s creativity with my kids. And we are incredibly blessed with kids who enjoy being with us. Ben and I will remember this trip as a special time for just the two of us. Who could ask for anything better than crocs outside your room and sand between your toes?
TeamDuggan 
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