During the night the winds are so wild no-one sleeps well. I even get up at 5.30 to look out and check the world is still standing. The sun is just rising and the clouds are scudding across the sky.
We have been staying in a charming hotel surrounded by bougainvillea. However, the presence of a guard tower and an armed guard for the hotel is a little unnerving.
Today's cycle ride is nothing short of epic. The winds are so fierce people get blown off course. Riding is really really tough.
The first part of the ride is a dirt track again. Difficult riding, even when it's not windy. Stuart who is most definitely a roadie is delighted when the dirt track ends, and kisses the smooth road in appreciation.
We notice that Jane would probably be able to hold her own in a Tour de France sprint finish. She makes sure that she keeps on the wheel of Sveinn, and doesn't allow anyone else a look in. Until Sveinn punctures and she has to face the brutal headwinds like the rest of us.
There is one major climb on today's ride, which would be fine on a calm day, but in today's conditions is very difficult. The hardest part was cresting the hill and suddenly getting hit by the force of the wind. It was like riding into a brick wall. It actually brought me to a complete standstill, where I nearly fell off.
Fortunately, at the top our two Nicaraguan guides are there to meet us. Miguel and Alvarez. They have looked after us brilliantly, but sadly leave us today as we are crossing into Costa Rica later. They have been superstars, particularly when they put themselves in the middle of the road to hold up traffic for us.
After the big climb, we have an easy downhill and flat section, with pretty spectacular views of the volcano.
Unsurprisingly, we go past huge wind farms. I can't think of a more efficient place to locate a wind farm!
Around 1pm we get to the border and fortunately it's only around an hour to get across this confusing crossing. I'm sure it can take much longer sometimes. So today marks country number 64 for me, and we have arrived in Costa Rica!
We get to stay the night in a lovely hotel, with a huge swimming pool. As I go for a late evening dip, it's amazing to hear the sounds of howler monkeys in the trees. I also see an agouti wandering through the hotel grounds. Our guide tells us that there are also poisonous vipers (l hope he is kidding) and we get dive bombed by bats (probably rabid) on the way back from the restaurant to our rooms. I think we are going to see quite a bit of wildlife around here!
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