Local healer and aspiring shaman Bwana Hallal Reikansa ran out of gas just past Barco Quebrada yesterday and resorted to giving tarot readings at the Black Marlin for several hours before he had enough gas money to continue towards Nosara. Black Marlin locals reported to Nosara Lately that while the tarot readings were good – with strong women and washed-up bricks of cocaine in everyone’s future – Bwana himself seemed disconsolate.

“I dunno” said bartender and local fisherman Jesús Hernández Esquivel, shaking his head.  “He seemed really down. We asked him what was up, and he said business was slow, there were too many damn healers in Nosara, the whole somatic thing is bullshit, and that Purdy was getting ready to take his truck back.  And if that happened, he would have to sell all his shit and go back to Boulder.”

As local Nosarans know, moving back to Boulder is a deeply-established rite of passage for many young local healers. Trucks are sold, relationships are ended, and –  on the last day –  the sliding white door of the Terratour airport shuttle swallows these young souls whole. Most are never seen again: but those who do emerge from the fire and return to Nosara generally don’t buy new trucks from Purdy again, opting instead for a used moto and a waterproof backpack.

Nosara Lately remained at the Black Marlin for several hours after Bwana left. The Imperials were cold, the conversation was flowing, it was a Friday evening,  and – as old school Nosarans know – anything can happen at the Black Marlin on a Friday evening.