Chilling out with friends on the beach at Koh Yao Yai

We had a slow morning. Even though the travel from Koh Lanta was without any surprises it still takes a bit of energy. So the plan for today was to hang out on the beach close to Katrine and Jeppe's place. Maybe a bit of lunch in the afternoon.

Apart from that it was down to reading, swimming in the ocean and relaxing. And of course playing a bit with Karl.

Weekend avisen - finally

Misty sunset

Most beautiful Somoto Canyon walk and swim. 10 months on the road

The alarm was set for 5:40 AM this morning. It's early even for us but we had to catch the bus to Somoto at 6:30 and also make it to the bus station. It turned out to be easy. Then it was just lean back and enjoy the ride as the bus took us up the hills towards the small town of the Somoto close to the border with Honduras.

We were picked up by Henry as agreed and he drove us to his place just on the edge of the Somoto Canyon National Park. We had breakfast there before changing to the proper outfit which should cater for hiking and swimming for the next 5-6 hours. A couple of guys joined us so we left with a local guide and the four of us, first in the back of a pick-up truck going a couple of kilometres down the road and the we went out on foot, down towards the canyon and the river. The following 4 hours were a combination of a beautiful hike, some sections of drifting down the river and plenty of short stops to enjoy the scenery. And a few dare devil jumps off the cliffs into the river. Our guide did the "Peter Pan" jump from around 20 meters somewhere down the river. One of the guys climbed the rocks but came down again having second thought on doing such a crazy jump. In the end we jumped into the river from around 8-10 metres which was more than enough to feel alive. We made it to the end of the canyon the last activity being rowed in a small boat down the river for about 10 minutes, then walking back to Henrys place for late lunch. We were hungry after about 5 hours of being in the water and outside the water of the river. The lunch was great and we also had a chance to change to some dry and clean clothes.

What we didn't know was that getting back to Somoto town and Esteli was on a "DIY" basis. So we waited for the local chicken bus to take us to the bus station in Somoto where we just missed the Esteli bus by 10 minutes. Se we sat there for about an hour waiting for the next bus to arrive. It was dark when we made it back to Esteli. We were dropped off on the roadside just a few blocks from the hostel and headed back for a shower. We were a bit hungry even after the big and late lunch so we went to a Mexican place next to the cathedral and had some tasty tacos and burritos before heading to a local cafe for what turned out to be the best cup of coffee in a long time. We went to bed tired but happy about our hike. What a great way to end our trip in Nicaragua.

Ohh, we've been on the road for 10 months today. Almost forgot about it since there was so much going on today. What a trip so far.

Early morning local bus (6:30 AM)

Feeling alive - in the morning

Life vest and swimming pants for a hike - normal in Nicaragua

First swim in the canyon

And then back on dry land

And back in the water

Our guide ready for the 20 meter jump

He f*cking did it

Waiting for the local bus

Chicken bus - with bananas

Cool night in Esteli

Ready for Mexican food

Best coffee and company in town

....and cake

Peyto lake - double hike

Blue sky and sunshine from the morning. Mosquito creek making a bit of background noise for our breakfast.

We headed out the Icefield parkway towards Peyto lake. Not a long drive to the parking lot and then on the trail. With the rest of Canada it seemed. The long weekend meant so many people on the trails so we made our way to the viewing point, did a few photos and enjoyed the view. The lake was down in the valley, not really accessible - that is until Malene accidentially talked to a guy who told us how to get there.

We walked a small loop on the trail, headed back to the car and drove a bit further until we came to a small parking lot - no signs. Just head into the woods and down the hill. There was a nice trail taking us down to the lake shore in 45 minutes - and we had it all to ourselves. This is what we dreamed about. It's impossible to describe it - take a look at the pictures instead.

We had lunch right next to a small creek, and then we just hung out. Still having it all to ourselves. Later we walked back to the trail and before leaving the lake we had a swim. Still staying in a wilderness hostel also means taking care of the daily shower without a shower. But on a hot day a cool lake is just so refreshing.

Walked back to the car, headed to the hostel and relaxed and had dinner. In the evening, Mikkel and Steen went for a short walk up Mosquito creek. Also impressive and nice with the sun setting and the lights fading. Still no bear around. Steen starting to get slightly disappointed. Maybe tomorrow.