In 1990 the Gordon Family (Jim, Sharon, Julie, JC, & Mark) set-off to Costa Rica on a surfing safari, a time when family and friends were concerned about their safety traveling to an "island" where civil war raged between the Contras and Sandinistas. After leaving San Jose, driving numerous unmarked roads, walking into mud-filled pot-holes ensuring the vehicle wouldn't get stuck, waiting for livestock and ox carts to cross the road, they eventually arrived to Playa Grande. Don Eloy and Dona Carmen (***'s parents) happily greeted them, offering the only place to sleep, eat and drink cold beer ( ice blocks were purchased from the Tamarindo commercial ice maker). Marianela and Louis were days away from opening the Hotel Las Tortugas, Fatise's house was being rented and Brian had settled here 3 years earlier. To Be Continued.