Caleta Cruz, Peru

We finally found our final oasis in Peru at Costa Blanca Camping, close to Caleta Cruz. Situated on a gorgeous stretch of beach front, we had fabulous views of the ocean from our camping spot. Plus, we were the only people there for most of the time. With electricity, access to hot water showers and internet, we decide to hang out for 4 or 5 days. And hang we did. Winston and Tom played in the water as much as possible, Winston and I ran up and down the beach and we both played ball with a very happy hound. Unfortunately the property is steadily being parceled and sold off for development with the current owners keeping just enough to build a small hostel although they assured us that they would keep camping spots open for overlanders and our larger vehicles. I have also initiated contact with some people in Ecuador, spreading the word that we are going to stay in the country for 6 months and want to rent a house. In addition we want to look at land for purchase. We booked Danny and Nicole’s airline tickets for visiting us in January. We had initially thought of Christmas but the prices were outrageous and we also realized things were quite booked. Given the fact we are flexible and really want to take them to the Galapagos Islands, January seemed like a safer bet. First, a gentleman called Gary responded, who put us in touch with Sean a realtor in the Puerto Cayo area. He has two homes for rent and one a 4 bedroom/4.5 bath really interests us. It will be large enough for us to have the kids and people visit us. So after arriving in Ecuador we will head up the coast and with luck, meet up with Sean and check out the houses. We also spent time reminiscing about Peru. We have enjoyed ourselves in the country immensely and many aspects of the country surprised us. It is much more developed than we expected, mostly due to their foreign tourist industry. With so many amazing sites to see which are spread throughout the country, the infra-structure is very well planned and thought-out. And those sights are spectacular and most of them are well documented and world renowned. The beautiful, white Spanish city of Arequipa, the breath-taking, literally and figuratively Lake Titicaca, the Condors of Colca Canyon, the extremely intriguing Nazca Lines, the spectacular Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu. From having the worlds highest navigable lake, the deepest canyon and a plethora of ruins, it’s history, its people, its sights and its cuisine, Peru seemingly has it all. We have spent 4 and a half months here and still feel as though we have only scratched the surface. Here, as in many places, we have made new friends and met up with old ones. And in this, our last stop, we found those elusive palm trees swaying in the breeze and warmer water. Our last day, we played on the beach, prepared a barbeque for our final night and sorted all our paperwork for crossing the border into Ecuador. Although we are a little sad at leaving Peru where we have had such a superb time and seen some unforgettable sights and sites, we are also looking forward to getting a house for a while and being settled.