Road Trip, Rocks & Rest Stops

A weekend getaway, a rock-cutting mission, and moments that made us laugh, sweat, and soften.

Jun 30, 2025

As I sit on the ferry, I notice an ease in my body that wasn’t there the first time we traveled to Santa Teresa—a booming surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula, also known as a Blue Zone.

The last time we drove there, we blindly trusted Google Maps. I’d heard the roads could be rough, so I didn’t question the route—until it led us to a raging river crossing. We turned around. That detour added three hours to the trip.

So yes, taking the ferry this time felt like a sweet relief. Not just because it shortened the journey, but because I felt more grounded. Not quite at home yet… but not a stranger either.

We stayed in the northern part of town this time—long stretches of beach, fewer people, and a hotel cat named Bombita who adopted us for the night. We were told she doesn’t like most people, so—as cats do—we felt chosen.

Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise… a bit too wild for someone like me who prefers a gentle float in calm waters, but it offers lovely walks along the long sandy beaches. As a tourist town, the food and coffee scene is vibrant, offering more than just gallo pinto, as much as we enjoy gallo pinto. This alone is a reason I want to come back!

The town only has one main road, so four-wheelers outnumber cars. With all the building and dust, it felt more like a vacation from our jungle living than a vacation into it. Honestly, it was a bit too stimulating for us — and those bumpy roads made us appreciate our own wild jungle path, which says a lot! 🤪

But this wasn’t just a getaway. The main reason we went was to borrow a rock-cutting saw from our contractor friend and to visit his remodel project in a nearby community called The Arc.

There’s a massive rock on the public road to our future home—a rock that has become one of DeWayne’s nemeses. Every time we pass it, he dreams of cutting it out so the road can be done right. There’s another one near our gate he’s had his eye on too.

So now that we have the saw, Sunday morning was spent on Rock #1. It’s a tough one. Even the sledgehammer gave out before DeWayne did. I took a few swings myself and was amazed by how much energy it takes. One thing I’m always impressed by with DeWayne is his focus and determination. And at the same time, I worry his body might pay the price for it.

At least today he’s resting… before we take on Rock #2 tomorrow.

Here are a few photos from the weekend—our journey, our unexpected blessings (like Bombita!), and the beginning of our rock-breaking saga.

These moments—gritty, funny, tender—remind me that building a dream isn’t always tranquil… but it is alive. And we’re in it, fully.