I call Bull.

We woke up early feeling more exhausted than we had the whole trip.  Seems all of our adventures were catching up with us finally!  Not to worry, it did not slow us down!  We made like sloths and got ready for one of the best dives we've ever done.  Today, we were doing Bats Part 2.  We needed a do over since we didn't see any Bull Sharks the first time.  This was Marisa's brilliant idea and one we will never forget!

We made way to the beach to meet up with Rich Coast and made our way to the Stray Dog (our dive boat).  The sun was shining down on us with blue skies, which made for a very warm day.  We were ready.  We went out for our hour and a half boat ride, talking story getting to know the dive staff more.  Let me stop right here.  I cannot tell you how cool most divers are!  They all have such amazing stories to tell and are all such amazing people.  The kind of people you keep in your life for good.

The nerves began to hit as we geared up and got ready for our back roll into the water.  Our guide, J.P., was sure to make us aware that he will only be pointing out sharks and not making noise so they didn't swim off.  We descended to the bottom and after only a few minutes, the Bulls appeared.  It was incredible, to say the least.  These sharks are very big.  Much bigger than the White Tips we're so used to.  The biggest female was about 14 feet long.  That's a couple feet longer than we even knew Bull Sharks got!  we knew they were big but we thought it was just girth and not length, but WOW!  After hanging out with 8-10 Bull Sharks, we can now dive anything!  What an amazing dive!

(One of the only pictures that turned out on my camera.)

We surfaced and debriefed a bit, just in awe at these gorgeous sharks.  The nerves had turned into excitement and we now have an even greater appreciation for our most feared shark.  We enjoyed another boat ride out to Ranger's House, which is this beautiful bay-like area.  Kat and some of the crew swam to the island and hiked up the hill, checking out the view.  Jen, Marisa and I jumped in the water and lazily swam around, doing a little bit of sight seeing under water.  Just a nice lazy time in the warmest water I've ever been in.

(Risa, Jen and Kate with Tom "hiding" during our surface interval.)

(Me in a rental wetsuit.  Poor Xcel wetsuit, may it rest in peace.)

Next stop was Black Rock.  This dive was definitely more chill and just beautiful.  We could not believe how many schools of fish we swam with!  There were several different kinds just schooling and enjoying the water like ourselves.  In the midst of them, a couple of Spotted Eagle Rays hung out and we were able to take more photos and videos.  We also came across a couple of Nurse Sharks along the way!  This was our first time spotting these sharks as well!  Not bad at all!  This was a very relaxing dive and a nice way to end our week of diving.

(Risa caught some gorgeous shots of the schools of fish surrounding us.)

(Me, completely stoked after a very successful day of diving.  Look at how gorgeous Costa Rica is!)

We sunbathed on the way back and then took our daily dip in the Toro Blanco hotel Pool.  Martin, the other owner of Rich Coast Diving, stopped by and enjoyed a quick dip as well and invited us to lunch.  We obliged and went along, picking up Brenda on the way.  We had delicious food (Seafood Rice, Chicken Rice, Shrimp Rice, french fries and salad) and lovely conversation.  Martin had taken some footage with his camera during the dives and even got close enough to get smacked by a Bull Shark!  They invited us to their home so we could view the footage and continue the pool session.  It was a fantastic evening just chilling in the pool and getting to know each other.  We enjoyed a lightning storm from afar and as the lights went out, the fireflies came out.  A perfect way to end out time in Playas del Coco!  Kat and Risa are now talking about doing the Dive Master Program here in Costa Rica with Rich Coast!  Who knows?  Maybe I'll join them... ;)

(One of the amazing shots Martin from Rich Coast Diving got of a pregnant female Bull Shark.  She was about 14 feet long and all scarred up from mating.)