Nicaragua

This is Julia writing on Steve's behalf. I'm pretty much just going to sum up what I wrote in my latest email update, but in case that was too long for you, here's the shorter version. Nicaragua has been our favorite place in Central America so far. We challenged ourselves and hiked to the summit of a 1600m high active volcano, an endeavor that took us just over 4 hours to climb to the top, and a little more to stumble back down. The view of the 400m wide crater was worth the effort (we think), but we're still feeling the effects a day and a half later - walking is difficult and we curse under our breath every time we have to go up or down stairs.

We've managed to survive off of fried rice with beans mixed into it, greasy chicken, and cabbage salad. Occasionally a piece of fried cheese is laying on our plates, waiting for us to eat it so it can get to work clogging our arteries. Thank goodness there's a ready supply of fresh fruit juice to wash it all down!

At the moment, we're in a very cozy town called Granada, which we're finding out is the place to be in Nicaragua. Once our leg muscles are functioning more than at 20% we'll be on our way to Honduras.

Although our time in Nicaragua has been surprisingly wonderful, we've also had to deal with some terrible news. Steve's very active and energetic grandfather has been killed in a hit and run accident while he was out walking his dog. We are both still in shock, and have arranged to fly home early in order to attend the funeral in Vernon and be with his family. It doesn't seem real.

We will be flying to Canada from El Salvador.

Life works in mysterious ways. I believe in angels, and know that his grandfather will be watching over us as we complete our year-long journey. We are extremely fortunate and blessed to have had the time we had with him. A retired bush pilot who once built his own plane in a barn next to his house, Steve's grandfather led a very interesting life and made his dreams a reality. He has been an inspiration to us and is another example that anything is possible. He will be missed.