Belize had been the last "Landy-oasis" in the vast Panamerican desert - before we hit Costa Rica! This is a real Landy-lover's country, with the scene dominated by short wheel-base Series of all colors and ages.
Some are battered and lack lights, doors or bonnets - but who needs those anyway!
Others are obviously pampered, got a new coat of paint sometime, an engine transplant occasionally, or an overdrive that helps acceleration! All have a service record of between 30 and 40 years (back when they were imported in numbers for use in the developing coffee plantations) and keep going strong!
Costa Rica has two loosely organised clubs, the Team Land-Rover and the Land-Rover Club of Costa Rica. Membership is relatively limited, given that most Landies are on duty in rural areas where their owners consider them more tools than collectibles.
Nonetheless, when the club meets, the camaraderie is the same that we encountered with all Land-Rover enthusiasts that we've met along our route, starting at home: people are friendly, openminded, fun to be around and extremely helpful!
We sometimes tend to lose patience when the 100th ignorant "pedestrian" asks us about Archie and our travels. But when we meet fellow LR owners, every detail can be discussed at length, no problem! People have seen Defenders before, but rarely one in such a customized version as our Archie.
Men wonder about the suspension, the engine or the large fuel tank. Women admire the interior set-up and the comfy bed and give their husbands the "why-do-I-have-to-sleep-in-a-tent-when-we-could-have-a-bed-like-this-one" - look - and admire Connie for being able to drive the car, including off-road!
Once again, Archie is the center of interest, but at least this time, it's among connoisseurs!
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