Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Up, up and away, in Quepos, Costa Rica!


I have had my luggage weighed many times, but it was certainly the first time I had been asked to hop up on a scale in front of an airport full of people! Welcome to Quepos, Costa Rica and Sansa Airlines. We has spent a fabulous week in Quepos, near the world famous Manuel Antonio National Park. Our trip down from the capital city San Jose, had been a pleasant cab ride arranged by the Tulemar Resort, but it had been a three hour journey winding through the mountains and plantations of Costa Rica. For the way home, we had planned something different - a 25 minute flight aboard a 12 seat Cessna Grand Caravan.  The airport in Quepos is open to the airstrip, and after having submitted to the embarrassment of being weighed, we settled in to watch the planes. Sansa requires passengers to check in only 30 minutes before departure, so we had little time to wait. In fact, only moments later the plane pulled up in front of the main doors. That's when we got our first really good look. In theory, 12 seats sounds adventurous - on the ground I'm thinking this looks like an amusement park ride, one where I might very well puke. But there wasn't much time for second thoughts - a smartly uniformed man had climbed out of the plane and now appeared to be beckoning. I had to look over my shoulder to make sure he was beckoning me. Yes, this was in
fact the pilot and he was indeed summoning my group of 3, and the other 7 brave souls.
You might note, 3 plus 7 is only 10 and you would be right. The 11th and 12th seats are reserved for the captain and co-pilot.  Getting in and settled was a bit of a challenge, but once seated and buckled in, we were ready for take-off. That would have a good time for liquid refreshments, but the reality was the aisle was about 8 inches in diameter and there was neither a safety spiel nor a flight attendant to deliver it. Joking aside, Sansa has an excellent safety record. Up, up and away - a smooth take-off had us high above the Quepos Marina, home  to catamarans and segways. My tailbone twinged a little at the memory of its forty-five year old self splayed on the curb, under a segway, but that my friends, is another story.
Minutes later, we were cruising high above Tulemar, their octagonal roofs visible among the trees. It was a last chance to say good bye to their beautiful, private beach, sleepy sloths and apple throwing monkeys. Tulemar lies about half way between Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park. We enjoyed a day hiking at the park. My advice is skip the over-priced guides and head to the beach. There, we were treated to the sight of backpack snooping coatis, howling howler monkeys and a troup of capuchins with attitude. Tulemar has all that and more, without ever leaving their grounds. But then, what fun would that be?
A very few minutes later, just enough time for your stomach to do a few somersaults, we were circling above San Jose.
Landing at the Sansa airport, you are literally steps from the Juan Santa Maria International airport. We grabbed our luggage, greeted fellow tourists who had journeyed five hours by bus from the Quepos area, and sailed in to the airport for our connecting flight home. Did I mention our flight cost less than our taxi fare to Quepos? Sansa also offers discounts for children and seniors. All in all, well worth the weigh-in. I may however lay off the snacks before our next trip!


Friday, June 19, 2015

Darien Lake, New York

On the road with Tour Guide Jack: With the Canadian dollar agonizingly low, we shelved plans to spend the Victoria long weekend in Orlando, in favour of Darien Lake Theme Park Resort, New York.  What a great decision! A relatively short jaunt over the border, Darien Lake is approximately 2 ½ hours from the Toronto area, about halfway between Buffalo and Rochester. With three teens in tow, my girlfriend and I crossed the border at Fort Erie, bypassing Darien Lake to stock up on groceries in Batavia. Tolls cost us $1.55 on the way down – but change is provided, if you find yourself with large bills. If you’re from Ontario, shopping in the USA is always an adventure; groceries, wine and Reeses Chocolate Peanut Butter spread all in one easy pit stop! We backtracked along regional road #5 and inside of 15 minutes we were checking in at the campground gates. Darien Lake offers rental cabins, RVs, “glamping” and a hotel, all within an easy walk of rollercoasters, kiddie rides and a ten acre waterpark. Packages range from $200-400 a night and all include park admission.
We had reserved an RV, which provided us with a fridge, stovetop, microwave, bathroom, and sleeping accommodations for 6. Darien Lake provides the site – you provide the linens, pots and dishes. While we came with food, a large and reasonably priced store is on site, selling everything you might have forgotten, as well as a large selection of beer, and Mikes Hard Lemonade in Koolaid Jammer-like pouches! Yes – portable, pouches which you can drink inside the park!! (Remember, we have three teens in tow; the adults will require liquid refreshment!)
Of course the kids came for the rides, and ride they did. Victoria weekend saw an abundance of Canadians, relatively short lines, and an open waterpark. On par with Canada’s Wonderland, Darien Lake has acquired two new rides this season – Rolling Thunder, a 360 degree coaster loop and Brain Drain, a water slide that drops you through a trapdoor to freefall into a three hundred foot slide. Those teens that laughed in the face of Rolling Thunder practically peed themselves in Brain Drain. Not for the faint of heart, or the forty year olds. I can assure you, we watched from a safe distance. 
There’s tons to do for the small fry, both wet and dry, as well as go carts, batting cages and a rock wall for additional charges. Come evening, we all gathered around the campfire. Each campsite has its own fire pit, and wood is available for purchase at the general store for around $7. On nights that the park is open until 10pm, Darien Lake hosts, “Ignite the Night”, a laser and fireworks show complete with music and pyrotechnics. We liked it so much, we went twice.

Ten Tips for Darien Lake

1.From the Canadian border, Peace Bride crossing, take I-90 East towards Albany. Stay on I-90 East to exit 48A (Pembroke/Medina). Take a right onto Route 77 South off the exit. The them park is located six miles south on the left. Or continue to next exit and shop at TOPS in Batavia. Return via Main Street (#5) or Genesee Street (#33), west to #77 (15 minutes).
2. After 48 hours or more Canadians may bring back goods duty-free valued at up to $800. Witinin this amount, you can bring back 1.5litres of wine, a total of 1.14 litres of alcoholic beverages OR a maximum of 8.5 litres of beer or ale.
3. Bring a flashlight. It's a dark walk back to your campsite at night.
4. Even if you do not splurge on a site that includes WIFI, it is pretty easy to bring in a signal standing anywhere near a deluxe cabin. That includes near the camp office and by the shower building adjacent to the RVs in "Ontario Place".
5. You must be 21 years of age or older to check into Darien Lake. As well, you must be at least 21 years of age to purchase alcohol. You will be carded. It was the highlight of my trip!
6. A wide variety of bathing suits and other water paraphernalia can be purchases adjacent to the water park. Prices are reasonable. Life jackets are available free of charge.
7. Lockers are expensive. Try to leave what you can in your rental unit.
8. Darien Lake permits small coolers containing drinks into the amusement are. Remember though, you are only a short walk fro your rental unit and can easily return for lunch.
9. Bring bottled water. Although safe to drink, the water has both a rather unpleasant taste and smell.
10. Check out their informative and user friendly website: www.darienlake.com  Have fun!