We are back in Panama. Although from this picture we could be in the Pacific Northwest in the USA or in some lake in Switzerland. We are, however, in Bocas del Toro Panama.
Bocas del Toro is beautiful. It is surrounded by mountains, jungle, mangrove islands and lots of water.
It took us 26 hours to motorsail here from Colon, Panama. We had plenty of tropical weather to keep us busy for the entire 26 hours: lightning, thunder, rain, wind, waves....whew, we were sure happy to finally arrive and see our really good friends, Liz and Craig on Salida.
Steve quickly got our new dinghy launched and went over to say hello.
The main town in Bocas del Toro is know as "Bocas Town". Simple! It is a very popular tourist destination. There are lots of small hostels, hotels, restaurants and bars. It has alot of charm.
Of course, the whole town has some growing pains and there are some eyesores around.
Catching up with friends is always the highlight for us. Here we are celebrating a birthday with Steve, Roxanne, Kenny and Tana. We have not seen Kenny and Tana since Annapolis 2007.
The Calypso Cantina is a happening place for boaters. The managers, Dillon and Darren (standing on each end) will definantly entertain you. Seated are Bill from Bamboo, Liz and Craig from Salida and Russ from Jacana. In the foreground is "you-know-who".
And of course, Steve is very happy to be here....maybe because they have one of his favorite Rums...
Entertainment by Darren at Calypso Cantina
Firedancing by the South African boaters
Bocas del Toro has many great places to take your boat. We are lucky that our friends Liz and Craig have been here for a year and are great tour guides. "Just follow us". OK!
Along the way we see lots of interesting sights. We are amazed at all the small and large homes tucked into the emerald green country side. And some are on stilts. Small outhouse in the back.
A hidden treasure about 1 1/2 hours out of Bocas Town is the Rana Azul. It is a beautiful little restaurant tucked into the jungle. Owners Joseph and Maria from Austria serve a fantastic Sunday lunch. You anchor your boat out in the bay and take the little dinghy ashore. Gorgeous!
Next to the restaurant is Joseph and Maria's house and boat.
Everything grows here.
So far from home we meet with Alex and Lisa Poff. Alex and Steve worked together at Encinitas Fire Department. Alex is still there but Steve is not. Alex and his family are here on vacation. We found out from our cruising friends he was here. What a small world.
The Poff kids: Riley standing on the left (she is 9) and Cole (4 years old) sitting down. Very cute kids.
Joseph and Maria prepare some outstanding European dishes. People come from everywhere to enjoy the feast.
Not too far from the restaurant is a farm owned by friends of Tana and Kenny. There are great walking paths where you can get up close and personal with the jungle. I know everyone expects to see big dangerous animals in the jungle but mostly you see the small inhabitants.
Here is a Blue Poison-dart Frog. He is very afraid of people so no worries. Named so because it was believed Indians used to dip the tips of their arrows in the toxin secreted by the frog. The reality is, they were rarely used for this and their toxins are hardly toxic.
Green Poison-dart Frog. Unlike most frogs, these frogs are out and about during the day. They like to hide in the roots of big trees.
There are some great looking spiders to look at. Just be careful where you walk because walking into one of these webs is downright creepy.
Beautiful insects that blend into the foilage.
Hibiscus grow wild and beautiful in a variety of colors.
Each time we walk in the jungle we see different things.
Stay tuned for more jungle exploration.
Anne and Steve
S/V Fine Line
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