Tombo Beach

We did it! We found our way to the beach!!

Of course, we decided on a whim and during Carnival, but still it was so much fun. 

The drive there was beautiful. Mountains, waterfalls, beautiful trees and flowers, tunnel after tunnel through the mountains, a beautiful sky and happy kids!

The tunnels were definitely a hit with the boys. A little claustrophobic at times as some were 2-3 miles long, the tunnels offered a sense of joy and amusement to us all. Questions such as, 'How were they built? How long did it take? Was it cheaper to go through than over or around?' filled the car with discussion as we ventured along. We would finally make it out of one only to enter another. But that short glimpse of daylight offered the most spectacular views. Waterfalls to the left coming down the mountain. The mountain ridge followed by the ocean on the right. There was not enough time to snap a picture, but there were places we could pull over. This may be something we take advantage of next time. 

The closer we got to the beach, the more traffic we encountered. Most divers and passengers were shirtless or in swimming suits ready for the water!

When we arrived, it was time to eat. We found a restaurant on the beach and enjoyed some food. 

Zane backed out of this photo and Alden is showing his 'Hangry' face. 

Enjoying the food. If you look closely, the boys all have toothpicks in their hand. A very traditional way of eating shared food. Reduces trash and the need for washing silverware. 

So many people! All protecting themselves from the sun. We saw so many umbrellas and tons of sunscreen!!

The water, well it was honestly the warmest water I have ever stepped into. While we have been to many islands, we have yet to see a place with large surfing waves. It was exhilarating to watch the surfers ride the waves! And the kiddos, well they enjoyed being swept away and could not stop giggling! At one point, the biggest wave we had seen was heading to shore. The boys eyes widened as they looked at me. I began to step backward, farther up the beach. I watch in utter amusement as the boys were sent up the beach. Passed the wet sand, onto the dry sand, passed the first row of umbrellas and into the second row! The beach became alive with laughter as everyone began to chase their items that were being carried out to sea. After rescuing the boys, Alden stated that it was the most fun ever!

After a few hours, the weather began to change. The clouds turned darker and the temperature dropped a little bit. We trekked back to the car, loaded up and headed home. We watched the impending fog rolling in (we had noted earlier all the fog warning signs). About 30 minutes into our drive, we could not even tell we were in the mountains anymore! The fog was thick and came in fast!