Driving a hundred and fifty miles of twisty-turny two lane highway north from San Francisco to Mendocino, we passed water pools littered with seals, crossed the idyllic Russian River, and thrilled to giant redwood forests.  Cows and sheep grazed the rugged California coastline and enjoyed enviable views the Pacific Ocean's spectacular raw beauty.

Thinking of traveling to Costa Rica? If you've not yet made plans, get ready to.