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09/20/97

We have for several years planned to visit Costa Rica in
the winter of 97-98. We are, however, reluctant to repeat
our El Nino experience of 1982-83 when we went for our
first (and still, so far, only) trip to Baja California. We
were rained on for over a week, were marooned (so far as car
travel was concerned) in various places due to flooded and
washed-away roads and were about two weeks late getting
back to the U.S. I am writing to ask if anyone has knowledge of
how El Nino affected weather in different parts of Costa
Rica (or other parts of Central America) in 1982-83, or
know of a contact in Costa Rica who could obtain this
information. I would also be interested in predictions
about how the current El Nino is expected to affect
conditions in CR this winter.

Also on the subject of CR: has anyone stayed at a pension
or B&B or motel in CR (especially in a small town -- preferable)
which was of modest cost (perhaps in the less than $50 per
night range)? I just called Rancho Naturalista and Torcales --
their rates are $125 and $99 per night per person. We cannot
afford $200 to $250 per night for our room, even if it does include
deluxe meals, guide service, horse riding, etc. So, if there are
any Tweeters out there who are in the less expensive brackets,
and would have any info or sources of info, suggestions, books, etc.,
I would appreciate hearing from you, either on- or off-list.

Thanks!

Alan Richards / Ann Musche' / mrm at willapabay.org / Naselle WA
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