surf shack

pacific view

sunshine doors

on the road again

loco waves in Popoyo

surf mobile - two longboards at back...works so well don't even know it's there most of the time

view from hammock in Popoyo, Nicaragua - view of  me in same hammock

plenty of room to surf at Popoyo

beautiful sunset Playe Maderas, Nicaragua

surfing: six months later

surfing Salvador style

busting one off the lip at las Flores; another spectacular sunset on El Cuco beach

columbia to panama, and onto el salvador

I try not to think about how we got the moto up there, but an amazing sail through the san blas islands more than compensated for the pain (psychological only, the moto was fine) caused during loading and unloading

On arrival in Columbia it was just too hot to do any exploring, so I rode directly to the caribbean coast and spent a few days relaxing in sleepy sedate Taganga before moving to the gorgeous but roasting hot city of Cartagena, where I caught a 5-day sailing trip to Panama, visiting the glorious San Blas islands along the way. Having seen all I wanted see in the first four countries  on the way south, I drove straight through Panama, Costa Rica (except for service and new tyres at the excellent BMW in San Jose, and a quick visit to Samara for the best veggie burgers ever), Nicaragua (although I was held for one day at the border by customs, because I questioned the guy who ran up to me outside demanding my passport, dressed in a vest and with no ID. This was seemingly 'inappropriate behaviour' and I was told I would have to track back to the consulate in Costa Rica and get 'official permission' to pass the border. I am sure that this was my moment to produce dollars and come to an agreement, but I was in no rush so called their bluff, and went back to the consulate...who wrote a letter stating that this guy is from Ireland and has freedom to pass...so let him through. And they did...the very next day without any problem) and Honduras, before arriving back at one of my favorite locations during the journey south, La Tortuga Verde in El Cuco in El Salvador. I have signed up for one month...at least...and so far it has been surfing in the morning, yoga in the afternoon and delicious food at all times, fantastic beaches and friendly people. Viva El Salvador!!!

mounties in Cucuta : approaching Taganga

street scenes in Taganga...very relaxed laid-back fishing village, with lots of travelers hanging about

clock-tower entrance to the walled old city, and church scenes...all Cartagena

more views of the charming Cartagena

 strapped to the side, and it's out to open waters between Columbia and Panama

stopping at the fairytale San Blas islands along the way

making a difference at La Tortuga Verde...Tom enlists anybody-to-hand to assist in 'planting' turtle eggs that have been bought from local gatherers (eggs that would have otherwise ended up as omelettes). After 40 days the baby turtles emerge and are kept in a pool for a few hours to gain some strength, and then are 'assisted' to the ocean's edge, and away they go...mother nature at her most marvelous

the wolds best kept secret...but probably not for long. 3km of deserted beach and a 365-day wave (usually with only 2 or 3 people surfing)...me likey!

one man one board one ocean...one life. doing it! (un-touched un-photoshopped totally natural photos courtesy Harry O'Rourke)