The Bleakley's have almost recovered from our trip to Costa Rica.  We had a wonderful time.  I wanted to thank you for all the hard work, everything was great.  I also wanted to fill you in on how the trip went. The Si Como No was great as advertised.  The service was great.  The employees were great.  The food was great.  The view was great.  Very nice
accommodations!  Highly recommended. The Sea Lady and JP Sportfishing was great, on time,  friendly,
professional, all you could ask for.  The fishing was a little slow, but we managed to a few big sails and a Mahi-Mahi and a slew of small tuna. The Si Como No prepared the fish for us.  The rains came the first day, but it is Costa Rica so we relished the challenge. Rios Tropicales rafting tour was  equally good. We went with the  H2O Adventures group in Quepos. The guides were very nice and helpful.  The Río Naranjo river was beautiful.  The water was low, but swift and  fun. This trip would be suitable for all ages and abilities.  Highly recommended.

Now for the real treat:  Rudy Jr !!  I don't know his last name, but Rudy Jr was very special for us.  He is a very proud Costa Rican native and constantly reminded us how wonderful his county is.  He is also proud of his Tour Guide status.  Rudy Jr had to pass a government course to get his liscense, but he says that his dad taught him everything he knows.  Rudy took us surfing, canopy touring (flying),  and,  bird watching (his hobby).  He even spotted the the beautiful Macaw birds for us!  Rudy Jr guided us twice across the "oh my god" bridge successfully.  Rudy Jr was one of the highlights.  We also met Rudy Sr.  He was very helpful finalizing our Saturday travel and dinner plans in San Jose.  Rudy Sr's recommendation of the Rancho Macho  steak restaurant over looking the bright lights of San Jose was memorable.

Thanks again, and as my brother remarked  "I didn't know we could be treated so special".

Bob & Betty Bleakley
Pura Vida
November 2007

Thank you so much for a wonderful trip!  The ‘boss’ doesn’t usually give the attention to details as you & Fred do; it is unusual in this day and age.  I am a dinosaur; I know.

I didn’t meet your other boat’s people, but Eric & Jonathan were great.  As you & I talked about my past big game hunting, I may have mentioned that “the food” was as important as “the hunt”.  Fresh watermelon, pineapple, & even hot pork chops right off of the engine block were great.  Pete said he only smelled a hint of diesel fuel … but it must not have been much because he ate continuously, whatever was offered.  Just like a 1 shot kill in hunting is humane, it is a credit to the Sea Lady that the captain and mate took such care with a proper “release” of the fish.

Johel was great at shuttling us back & forth, but I hope the hotels’ new water line is finished to make driving a little easier.  His 3 year old sidekick, Donovan, was a real piece of work.  He is going to grow up a real ‘lady killer’.

Congratulations to you, as with your personality you do not need much marketing!  Maybe that’s why you represent the sportfishing industry.  I know exactly what you were saying about retiring from it all, being tired and for health reasons … I’ve been there and done that, but it’s not easy or fun.  As an uneducated gringo, I assume that your success in a male-dominated Latin society is rare if not unheard of.  You have a lot to be proud of throughout 18 years of building something from thin air.  And again you were right, as you said (paraphrasing you): ‘aren’t families fun?’

Thanks for sharing a meal of Dorado with Pete and me.  I think he listened to you, and he even talked!

With the exception of the heat you were also correct … Costa Rica is a paradise!  Let’s just hope the world does not continue to go crazy, with paradise lost.  Old souls like us do not need any more hassles.

I’ll try and send a few pictures.

I learned a good Ndebele phrase in Rhodesia … for friends.

Go well; be well; stay well,

Pete Stupp, March 2007