It was decided yesterday that we would get up early to catch the local bus to Ojos del Agua, a popular shady, swimming hole. That all changed though when David was struck down with a fever and had a very restless night.

Whilst David remained in bed, Maria started her day with a refreshing swim in the lake to build up an appetite for breakfast. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, there were just not enough mornings to try them all. Today, it was Banana Pancakes - two big, thick pancakes, the size of side plates, with banana slices inside them. Fried to perfection and then drizzled with honey...yum!!

The remainder of Maria's morning was spent updating the blog before David finally surfaced from bed. A swim in the lake did nothing to make David feel better, just a bit cleaner. With David having no great appetite and Maria still quite full from breakfast, lunch was a Mango Smoothie. How they were made and what with, still remains a bit of a mystery but two huge bowls of mango coloured smoothies thick enough to stand a spoon in were placed in front of us. They were absolutely amazing - thick enough to eat with a spoon, cold enough to refresh but warm enough to avoid 'brain freeze' and deliciously fresh and tasty.

Maria and Sarah took the kayak out again to paddle to Monkey Island, a short way down the coast, where some Cappuchino Monkeys had been released to live a more natural life. The girls didn't look at the water or weather before making their decision and as soon as they paddled past the sheltered leeward side of the jetty, they realised what they were facing. The wind was howling round the side of the volcano down onto the lake, it was going to be a good workout against the headwind and the white topped swell. It took two attempts to get close to the island and the monkeys gave them a break by coming over to them. It was an easier paddle back and as they cruised by the shore of the main island they saw five howler monkeys jumping their way through the trees.

After another nice sunset over the lake, Brian joined Sarah and us for a beer and dinner. 'Having a beer' was interesting tonight though because David was still feeling a bit unwell and was drinking water but Maria (who doesn't even like beer) was actually having a beer...that has to be a first and sure will be a last too!!

Brian was from Virginia, USA, and was going to move to Panama. He was driving his motorcycle down as a bit of a holiday before getting down to the serious work of setting up home and a business in Panama.