Taking a day off of boat work, I joined 14 abaord a Panga to tour up the Rio Lempa and Mangroves. We departed at 9 am this morning.. crossing the entrace to the other side of the bar where we had entered. We learned from out guide it was not always there the entrance.. 1937 i beleveive was when a earthquake from Chili created a natural happening that the river.. out flow created a small opening to the sea and over the years grew to what we have today.. there were two other openings that closed.. thus the Bar we travel over to get into the Estero and passages up river in the mangoves..

we travel further in paraleling the coast.. and inland we cross the Rio Lempa, can see the sand of the ocean side and no opening.. deep we go to islands and villages that access only by water. Small villages and then out of no where a restaraunt hangs out over the water.. lots of bird life and something in the water.. we ended up calling mud puppies as our poor spanish and limited english with the guide .. we think that the creature will be a close similar..

We come to Isla Montecristo and chose a walking tour.. rather than swim.. here we learn the history of the war.. even that they were bombed and from a ship off shore and then shot.. down.. most villager had go deeper into the mangroves.. to hide.. our guide grew up here, his family durning the war.. left for another area.. he still has relatives whom came back after the war.. from what we say today .. so clean.. happy busy little comunity you would never had known... they harvest Cashews.. mangos to sell.. and of course fish..
we travel back and into a family restarant to enjoy the local fish .. what a meal.. and such memories.. of wonderful.. happy .. welcoming people..
for all they have been through you would never ever know.. from life here..

Family is number one.. they move forward and do not live in the past..

so many places and to see here.. and all has so much to say.. about life..

I hope to do one more inland tour before i head back north to the sea.. next month.. May..