Costa Rica Paragliding 4

During our last few days of paragliding we stopped at Hacienda Baru (near Dominical) and went through their butterfly garden. I got a few decent photos of flowers while Andrew concentrated mostly on the butterflies. We also went to Reptilandia (which sounds sort of hokey but was actually really good!) I left the photography to Andrew on that one.

We flew a few more times at Dominical and Hatillo. Dominical is definitely my favourite for the beach landings and the last couple flights there I managed to catch some great thermals! Sadly, this may be one of the last years this site is available due to the land where the launch is being developed and some of the owners not really being paragliding friendly.

It's unbelievable how hot is is here! Sweating is a constant state and even immediately after having a shower it doesn't take much movement to sweat again! The past couple days my shirt and pants feel just as damp after I've rinsed them out at the end of the day as before I rinse them!

We now have another six days here and will be heading down to the Oso Peninsula for some bird watching and hiking. Will be good to relax a bit more although I'm sure we'll sweat just as much!

I really liked this flower for the design on one petal and not the others. I thought it was very unique but Andrew tells me a similar flower can be found at Innovation Place in Saskatoon. 

There are many different kinds of passion flowers in Costa Rica.

The skies at Dominical were busy a couple days with both tandem and solo pilots. Fun to take photos with more gliders in the air!

Andrew about to land on the beach.

Costa Rica Paragliding 2

We've been flying the past few days at Dominical and have had some really good flights! When the wind is right, you get great lift right off of launch and can soar along the ridge and/or thermal up. If you don't get any lift or when the wind starts to back off to a point that you get below launch, you have to head to the beach which is about 3+ km away. There's a soccer field to bail out on but luckily we haven't had to use it.

Photos are from five different flights. Andrew's had six flights here as of yesterday; I didn't do a second one in the afternoon due to cough/cold/headache. Feeling somewhat better today!

The launch site. 

Andrew taking off.

In the air, just after takeoff. 

First turn after takeoff.

Selfie!

Dominicalito Beach on the left, Domincal Beach on the right. We usually landed at Dominicalito after first flight as it's closer to get back to launch again, and then Dominical (where our hotel is) after the second flight.

Gorgeous views!

Andrew coming in for landing.

Safe on the ground!

Cows in the LZ.