Panama, May 2009
Finally on Friday, May 1, we set sail for Panama -- our final destination for this cruising season. We had a great sail and arrived at Knapps Hole, just outside of Bocas on Sunday afternoon. In the morning, we entered the marina and then spent the rest of the day checking in with various authorities. The following day we spent hours getting internet service to work on Damiana -- bills needed to be paid, emails to family to let them know we arrived safely and all manner of internet things were a high priority. And, of course, a quick trip to town to figure out how to get there and back. Friend Steve from Argo was our guide.
Later in the week, we joined the folks from Jupiter’s Smile and Pearl S. Buck to visit the Smithsonian Research Center on the outskirts of Bocas town. We had a great tour guide who pointed out the many different plant and animal life that is being studied by scientists and students from universities around the world who come to do their research.
As you can see in the photo on the right the grounds are sumptuous, a tropical paradise.
Look at the photo with Roy’s fingers --- and see the tiny spotted red frog -- on of the important studies currently underway.
Each terrarium houses only one specimen of many different species, and each one is taken care of by a specific researcher.
The next photos illustrate more of the lush tropical vegetation throughout the entire campus.
Our friends Bob and Cathy flew in from California to explore Bocas del Toro with us. We sailed to several close-by destinations, spent one night in Porras Lagoon and when the squalls kicked up the next day headed back to the marina for a few days. Luckily we were able to once again set out for a 2-night cruise to visit Starfish Beach, Perez Cay and Zapatillo Alas, time was getting short so we headed back to the marina and started the arduous work of getting Damiana ready to be “put away” for 6 months while we return to California.
The photos below show Bob and Cathy upon arrival, Cathy reading underway, one of our pet gekkos, starfish underwater at Starfish Beach. There’s Roy, studying them! Oh, and I guess the book got a little boring.... or maybe it’s just the warm sea air that makes napping in the cockpit so enjoyable.
There’s Bob, pulling in a line and another shot of Bob, doing (in his words) what he likes doing best...nothing! The next photo of Bob and Cathy was taken at the Marina Cantina, most likely on the night we won the Trivia game.
And finally there’s a nice shot, taken by Bob of the three of us at our last supper hosted by Bob and Cathy at one of Bocas’ most elegant restaurants. We had a wonderful time in Bocas and are looking back to our return to explore more of Panama.
Traveling down the ICW and Key West 2007
Photo Albums, Guatemala & Honduras 2007
After we left Bocas we spent a few days in Panama City. Watching ships transit the canal was a big treat and was a good tutorial for when we cross back to the Pacific.
We enjoyed a few meals at restaurants along the causeway and, of course, checked out the shopping areas to visit upon our return.
Tune in again next year to learn about our 2009-10 Cruising Season.
