Bears In Costa Rica Blog Day 3

Fans often fantasize that they may or may have had what it took to be a professional athlete.  Maybe you look at a catch and think: 'I could've done that'.  Well yesterday the fans on this trip got to test themselves as the Bears players held a clinic on the beach.  Football and crashing waves;  a pretty good combo.

Caleb Hanie taught the proper technique on holding and throwing a football.  Craig Steltz illustrated some easy DB warm up drills.  D.J. Moore ran the fans through a simulated tackling drill.  Chester Taylor showed how to take a hand-off.  They took it light.  Charles Tillman did not...

Tillman ran the fans through some Combine-esque workouts and it was hilarious to watch.  When fans came over to his station, they were greeted by "Coach Tillman".  He ran them through the "Three Cone Drill" and he was timing EVERYONE.  One fan said, "the sand is hot."  To which Charles replied, "Then you should run faster then..."

A fun time was had by all with Hanie showing the fans how the Bears "breakdown" in a huddle.

Beyond the football, there's a lot to explore here.  Sea Turtles are hatching on the beach each night and the RIU-Guanacaste, has offered to call any guest in the middle of the night to see it happen.  Because Costa Rica is so eco-friendly, they take very seriously the safety of the Sea Turtles.  You're tempted to pick up these little babies and get them in the water, but that actually hurts them.  Each step they take imprints on them and acts like a GPS.  It's fascinating that these creatures will be born here, head out to sea and then 50 years later will return to the exact same spot to lay their own eggs.

Before playing a few hands of Blackjack at the resort casino, I watched the moon rise over the mountains and then spent about 20 minutes star-gazing.  We're nestled in-between mountain ranges with a dry rain forest immediately to the west.  I almost feel like my words don't do the serenity and beauty of this place justice.

Tonight, Devin Hester and Johnny Knox arrive and I'm going to host a Q&A with all 7 players.  At some point every Bears fan should have this experience.  Apple Vacations has put together a very balanced experience of fans getting to interact with the players, along with having their own time to explore, lay out in the sun, party and just relax.

Come back tomorrow and I'll clue you in on the Q&A...