According to the local fishermen the sea was flat so we were offered a day trip by boat (1 hour) to a deserted beach. Most of us decided we would go so we set off early in the morning. The boat was just big enough for the 14 of us and I must say was much sturdier looking than some of the boats I’ve been on in my travels! As usual I was loaded on first and at the back, with a warning that I might get wet! We were soon on our way but once we left the bay the flat water didn’t look flat to me and I clung on for dear life. Once I was able to open my eyes and stop praying I saw a beautiful rugged coastline. Even saw flying fish – they certainly flew quite a way before entering the water again.
Rounding the last bay we were greeted by a beautiful scene – a beach worthy of Oz! We laid our towels under the shade of some trees – don’t eat the apples you see as they are poisonous said the guide. We all plunged into the fairly warm water and enjoyed a swim. Walked around the bay, which was about 2km. Made sure we didn’t enter the lagoon of sweet water as caymen lurked there. It was a lovely way to unwind for the day.
start of boat trip
Time to return and our leader Mark told me I was first in the boat. He stretched out to le me stand on his knee to get onto the boat but as I did so I fell off and landed in deep water! He was concerned that I had hurt myself but I was just laughing and with that said I think well pull the boat up a bit!! So much easier to get on then. Yes I did get wet on the way back too but this time we were surfing the waves so the return was quicker!
Had the best steak ever that night – which for a little place was amazing.
The next day was a walk – an easy one we were told. If Valda and I kept up with the guide all would be well. No one told the guide that we were not used to galloping up rocks and steep steps and we were soon dripping with sweat and well behind. Even though we were in the shade the humidity was high. It was not pleasant. After 2.5 hours we arrived at our destination – a rather crowded beach with little to no shade. Lunch was in a shaded area but unfortunately we could not sit there for the duration. Valda and I decided that we were going to set off an hour before the others so that we might get back at the same time – a return journey by horse was offered but with no helmets and our slight dislike of the beasts we felt foot was better!
Three of the Swiss girls offered to walk back with us. We did try to put them off but they said they’d had enough and they were wonderful – there were certainly spots where we really needed their help! We did get back to the start just before the others and I can tell you that the beer we bought went down very well.
That night was spent at an eco-lodge. We are with a great group of people and the evening was spent telling anecdotes of our trip. The night wasn't so good as it seemed to be spent wrestling with the mosquito net!
Next day was a chance to go tubing if we were interested. I decided to go but there were a number of times early on when I wondered if I’d been sensible! There was a 45 minute drive to a specific spot where you took off any thing that you didn’t want to get wet! Getting onto a motorbike with a tube on your shoulder and holding on to the back of the bike was another interesting experience!! I asked Mark to tell my ‘driver’ that he should drive as if he had his grandmother on the back! He was very good but it was terrifying. I made sure that my thighs were firmly clasped around him! There were times when he was talking to me in Spanish and he would occasionally tap me on the leg – I think he was telling me that all would be okay and that I could open my eyes! That 15 minutes was like a life time! But the worst was not yet over! Were then had to climb up and down some hills before we reached the river and even though it was early it was very hot and humid. Mark our leader had promised to carry my tube if I went and so he did. Even so it was a very hard trek and within minutes I couldn’t see because of the sweat dripping in my eyes! The relief on seeing the water and being able to get cool more than made up for the traumas beforehand! It was great fun and thankfully we didn’t have to get back on a bike!
Heat rash on ankles!
Last Colombian sunset!
Yesterday we left Colombia and arrived in Panama City. It was rather difficult to find our accommodation as we are in the old French Quarter – narrow one way streets. Our accommodation (found on Airbnb) is brilliant – so good to have some space and good air-conditioning.
We had a short walk around trying to remember some of the spots from 2 years ago. Panama hats are on display everywhere. There seems to be quite a lot of building going on and it looks like some of the old buildings are being renovated. It’s extremely hot and humid here.
Rounding the last bay we were greeted by a beautiful scene – a beach worthy of Oz! We laid our towels under the shade of some trees – don’t eat the apples you see as they are poisonous said the guide. We all plunged into the fairly warm water and enjoyed a swim. Walked around the bay, which was about 2km. Made sure we didn’t enter the lagoon of sweet water as caymen lurked there. It was a lovely way to unwind for the day.
start of boat trip
Time to return and our leader Mark told me I was first in the boat. He stretched out to le me stand on his knee to get onto the boat but as I did so I fell off and landed in deep water! He was concerned that I had hurt myself but I was just laughing and with that said I think well pull the boat up a bit!! So much easier to get on then. Yes I did get wet on the way back too but this time we were surfing the waves so the return was quicker!
Had the best steak ever that night – which for a little place was amazing.
The next day was a walk – an easy one we were told. If Valda and I kept up with the guide all would be well. No one told the guide that we were not used to galloping up rocks and steep steps and we were soon dripping with sweat and well behind. Even though we were in the shade the humidity was high. It was not pleasant. After 2.5 hours we arrived at our destination – a rather crowded beach with little to no shade. Lunch was in a shaded area but unfortunately we could not sit there for the duration. Valda and I decided that we were going to set off an hour before the others so that we might get back at the same time – a return journey by horse was offered but with no helmets and our slight dislike of the beasts we felt foot was better!
Three of the Swiss girls offered to walk back with us. We did try to put them off but they said they’d had enough and they were wonderful – there were certainly spots where we really needed their help! We did get back to the start just before the others and I can tell you that the beer we bought went down very well.
That night was spent at an eco-lodge. We are with a great group of people and the evening was spent telling anecdotes of our trip. The night wasn't so good as it seemed to be spent wrestling with the mosquito net!
Next day was a chance to go tubing if we were interested. I decided to go but there were a number of times early on when I wondered if I’d been sensible! There was a 45 minute drive to a specific spot where you took off any thing that you didn’t want to get wet! Getting onto a motorbike with a tube on your shoulder and holding on to the back of the bike was another interesting experience!! I asked Mark to tell my ‘driver’ that he should drive as if he had his grandmother on the back! He was very good but it was terrifying. I made sure that my thighs were firmly clasped around him! There were times when he was talking to me in Spanish and he would occasionally tap me on the leg – I think he was telling me that all would be okay and that I could open my eyes! That 15 minutes was like a life time! But the worst was not yet over! Were then had to climb up and down some hills before we reached the river and even though it was early it was very hot and humid. Mark our leader had promised to carry my tube if I went and so he did. Even so it was a very hard trek and within minutes I couldn’t see because of the sweat dripping in my eyes! The relief on seeing the water and being able to get cool more than made up for the traumas beforehand! It was great fun and thankfully we didn’t have to get back on a bike!
Heat rash on ankles!
Last Colombian sunset!Yesterday we left Colombia and arrived in Panama City. It was rather difficult to find our accommodation as we are in the old French Quarter – narrow one way streets. Our accommodation (found on Airbnb) is brilliant – so good to have some space and good air-conditioning.
We had a short walk around trying to remember some of the spots from 2 years ago. Panama hats are on display everywhere. There seems to be quite a lot of building going on and it looks like some of the old buildings are being renovated. It’s extremely hot and humid here.
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