I am currently in Sopoa, Nicaragua.

I get up quite early to explore the sleeping streets. The tourists are asleep, but the Nicaraguans are busy. The beach is beautiful this morning.

I'm going to take a trip to the market to see some fresh meat from that day.

I'd like to try fresh meat someday. In Canada, everything is sanitized, and who can know where the meat comes from? I'm having a nice lunch at the market.

I set off around 8:00 am. I decided to take a small road that runs along the sea, but the route was very difficult. The hills were constant.

At first, the road is beautiful and paved. The situation becomes complicated a few kilometers further on.

Workers are repairing the road. The large rocks make it impossible to use my bicycle. I fall once! I really wonder what I'm doing here. Why am I looking for trouble? I could have taken an easier route, but no! I like trouble!!! When I arrive at Playa Ositional, I see a small fishing village.

I continue on my way, it's difficult, but I'll make it! I arrive at a checkpoint and I am in an area protected by soldiers.

The soldiers told me I couldn't go through, that it was too dangerous. They said the path was too dangerous and I had to turn back! What?! I'd just trekked for two and a half hours to cover 30 kilometers and now I had to go all the way back to where I started. I tried to explain the situation, but it was no use... I retraced my steps; it was hot and incredibly difficult. After 10 kilometers, I finally came across a van and asked if I could get in... Thank goodness.

Good Samaritans give me a lift 20km further...phew. I'm back to square one. I take the road I should have taken in the first place. I have to cover 16km with the wind in my face. I'm exhausted. I finally arrive in Las Virgen. I take a short break to see my little Derek, but he's not there. I continue on for another 24km; life is tough. The wind is still there, but it's a little less bad. I pass through a wind farm...it's windy. I finally reach the Costa Rican border, but I stop beforehand in a small village called Sapoa. I try to find a room, but there are no hotels! I ask a few people if I can stay with them. After three attempts, I finally find refuge at Manuel's sister Isabel's house. I'm going to spend the night in the general store surrounded by party supplies.

The place is truly incredible! It's next to the great Lake Nicaragua. I can see the volcanoes in the distance.

I took the opportunity to swim in the lake; it was very warm. It's the village's water source. The lake also supplies the town I visited yesterday: San Juan del Sur. Here's a picture of the house.

I'm so lucky. I'm spending time with my family. Yet another example of generosity. Thank you! Tomorrow is another day! I cycled 80 km today; I was on the bike almost all day.

David Beauchesne