Arlene and I feel very fortunate to be able to take a trip this winter. Not only because we can escape a Manitoba winter for a few days, but for the opportunity to see another part of this globe we’re spinning around on.

When looking at different options, we’re both not fans of going to the same place twice, we came across a place in Nicaragua of all places. Just so happens a fella from Plum Coulee is part owner of a resort on the Pacific coast. Now, I’m from Plum Coulee originally, and I did go to school with this guy’s sister, but I’ve never met him.

His name is Patrick Hiebert. Turns out he was a bit of a computer programming wiz kid and made a splash in the software world. Rumour has it, he was once working for Dennis Kehler doing some programming on a Tandy 1000!
I don’t have a lot of details, but I’m sure we’ll get a chance to get some once we’re there. We’ve done some electronic “pen pal” connecting and it would appear we’re on the same page on a few things. We’re very much looking forward to meeting him face to face.
In fact, one of the things that attracted us to this trip is having a contact there that can show us around.

He’s part owner of this place, http://www.milagrodelmar.com/own/verde. One of the things Arlene and I were looking for on this trip was of course some down time, but more than that. We wanted to get a feel for the real Nicaragua or Nica as the locals call it.

Patrick has started a foundation called, Help Them Help Themselves. The goal being to help build clinics and schools for the locals in the area. If I’m understanding correctly, revenues from the resort will help in this endeavour.

Now being a photo bug, the area is also teaming with opportunities for photography. The resort is on a surfing beach, so there’s bound to be some big waves coming in. There are something like 7 active volcanoes in the area. Ruins in Granada. Markets, jungle and miles of beaches.

So, flights were booked through redtag.ca. It’s going to be a long trip so we ponied up for the premium economy fare. It’s supposed to give us just a little more leg room. At my size, that can make a huge difference.

Leave Monday at 8:30 am and arrive at 8:30 pm. Stops in Minni and Atlanta on the way down and back up. My biggest fear is not making a connection. We have in our mind, pictures of us scrambling through airports trying to reach the next gate on time LOL.

We land in Managua, Nicaragua. Pat has arranged for us to be picked up for the approx 90 min drive to the resort. The last 8 kms along a dirt road pounded by the recent rainy season which ended just now. Should be an interesting ride!  He figures we’ll be dodging the odd stray cow or goat along the way.

If you get a chance, check out his website. You can also find him on Facebook just by searching his name.

Well, still have some packing to do. Really trying to keep it to a minimum of some t-shirts and shorts. I think the camera gear will be heavier than our clothes! We will do our best to give an account of our travels on this blog, pictures included.

If you think of it, prayers, positive vibes or thoughts for safe travels would be appreciated.

So long for now….