Panama, we have been here … in this country longer than any other - thus far.
A lot of time to think …
So … first let me share this with you - reconnecting with Companion and Dale …
Re-acquainting myself with boat life … for I was the late arrival this time and needed to get back in the groove that “this is my life” for the next 6 months … it is a little bit of a shock to the system but then I pinch myself and say “Who does this stuff?” “Can I believe it? No not really!” “Remind myself of Dale’s dream and goals.” “Remember that it the time of our lives and getting Companion up to our home will be great! But on the other hand - don’t miss out and rush to fast - this world has a lot to offer and I need to just be!” - Then I say a prayer or two - one for the safety of Companion and crew and the other for me to just enjoy and let go …
Ahhh … Panama. has offered so much …
(only a few times were we frustrated but mainly that was with the boat issues).
The San Blas Islands and it’s Kuna People - experiencing for a short time the culture and beauty of the Kuna Indians was a rare treat - remote but yet attainable - these folks may have found a good balance with their society and needs - they seem to love their place on this earth and yet know that they need to make a living and care for their families … yet they graciously sharing their place. As we sailed, swam and relaxed, we think we were good stewards and just took away good memories and mola’s ….
From the first anchoring in the Isla Grande … I wish you could hear this .. It sounds so much better than the written word - but for those of you who have actually witnessed the words heralded “Welcome to P-A-N-A-M-A” (actually it sounds like a song!) from the fishermen on their little skiffs … the world takes on a whole new meaning. Welcome … It’s Refreshing … Enjoy! … Love it like we do! …. Just BE!
Crossing The Canal - humbling and grateful - the process went so smooth - from the time we arrived in Colon - the provisioning, the perfect timing of all of our agents, immigration and Port Captain, “our crew” and their attitude, the wonderful weather - we had no issues and could really take in the whole experience … thank you to all of the workers of so long ago that made it possible for us to make this crossing with safety and joy. (If you really want to talk to Dale about this - he has a great monologue of the making of the Canal - it is not even boring as I have listened to it a few times! Actually entertaining and informative!)
Panama City, I guess it is what we expected … a big city.. a place for us to say goodbye to our crew and wait for our Emily, Kyle and Bryce to arrive … a place for us to get lost in a few times, a place where Companion could get “fixed”, a place for us to make new friends, the place where we reconnected with Our Dutch friends, a place for Tina to get to, … this place that connects the two oceans … it was the place to ready our ship for the rest of her journey.
Las Perlas Islands - beautiful and remote - (Two seasons of The Survivor were filmed here) - the beaches called our names when the tide was out, snorkeling, hiking and just enjoying hanging out with our kids - that was what mattered. I needed and also Dale - just to be with family … it is good to be loved! We treasured our time and the sail to and from those little islands - memories are for keeping and that is what we have from this Christmas holiday. Thanks Em, Kyle and Bryce …. You made it extraordinary!
The Voyage first to the south, then west, and now north - heading towards Costa Rica - this is the Panama that I never knew existed - beauty beyond … Isla Parida you hold a special memory for us. We just couldn’t believe our eyes - first of all the magnificent bay, water animals - dolphins, sting rays, jumping fish of all sizes … showing off for us … every day and then … the peace … there are no words for that kind of quiet -
Just peace-filled is what we were … tranquil.
No comments:
Post a Comment