Even though the 0400 alarm was harsh we woke up excited to be crossing into Panama for the very first time on our journey. We have had the idea of Panama and what it would be like in our minds for so long and today we would see first hand for ourselves. At 0454 I was tossing lines and we made our way out of Golfito. The day was hot per the usual and the transition from being plugged in at a marina and having a.c. running 24/7 to cruising with no ac is rough but with fans blowing directly on our faces and a slight breeze we managed. Underway we were graced with dolphins, pelicans and turtles all welcoming us to their country. The 94 miles while hot and long went by quickly between naps, meals, and watching our good friends Dan & Marla on Long Windid transit the Panama Canal via the canal's website. We were so excited for them and felt lucky that we could follow along as they accomplished what we are all here to do. At 1630 we dropped the hook at Isla Gamez, Panama and were ecstatic to be there. Per the usual we quickly got into our suits, threw ourselves into the water and popped a bottle of Prosecco to celebrate both our arrival in Panama and our friend's successful transit of the canal. A memorable day indeed.
Leaving Golfito
Sunrise
Long Windid In The Panama Canal
Isla Gamez
Crossing Into Panama
Anchored In Isla Gamez
Cheers
Evening
We woke up feeling rested and refreshed and took our time enjoying coffee and the view and just being anchored in Panama. At some point we threw on our suits and plunged into the water. Our friends on Summer Breeze were anchored along the island as well. Later that afternoon we lowered the dingy and went and said hello and took a tour of the island.
Sunrise Isla Gamez
Isla Gamez
Tidings of Joy From the Dink
Summer Breeze At Anchor Nearby
Beautiful Sunset
After two days at Gamez it was time to head into Boca Chica so we could check in with customs and immigration and become official. The day started with our last Panama Posse weekly call of the season. We got an updated weather report and talked about our plans for the offseason which was rapidly approaching. The short hop to Boca Chica only took an hour and a half and by 1446 we had the hook down just in time for the rain and lightning to start. Being Memorial Day we settled in and played some festive music, drank some beer and made burgers. It felt kinda like being in the states.
The next morning Jeff picked up Kurtis from Summer Breeze and they went to check in with customs and immigration. I stayed behind in pjs enjoying the view and the quiet. Later on that evening us and Summer Breeze went to dinner on shore at a place called Boca Del Mar that Kurtis had discovered. We were all pleasantly surprised. The restaurant was very pretty with views of the water and the anchorage and we had the entire place to ourselves. The food and company were good and we were happy to be together.
Boca Chica Anchorage
Tidings of Joy Anchored at Boca Chica
Checking In With Kurtis
Customs & Immigration
Picking Up Summer Breeze for Dinner
Dingy Dock For Dinner
Dinner at Boca Del Mar With Summer Breeze
With all of our business handled and full bellies from the night before, on May 29th at 10:00 we pulled anchor and headed back out to the islands. Today's destination - Isla Cavada was only a short 22.6miles. We saw dolphins and a couple other boats. When we got to the anchorage we had the place to ourselves which was lovely. Of course we swam and relaxed in the aft deck then around 1530 Summer Breeze pulled up. Later that afternoon in the distance we spotted a rain squall and wondered if it was heading our way. Luckily all it gave us was a beautiful double rainbow.
Leaving Boca Chica
Double Rainbow
Sunset
Island time is slow. We tend to operate according to the sun. At some point we wake up and have coffee while staring at the water then a slow leisurely breakfast followed by reading and relaxing and then later on we'll get into our bathing suits and move outside. This morning it rained which really added to our leisurely movement. When the rain stopped we went into the water and snorkeled around the reef and saw a ton of fish and Jeff spotted a couple of turtles. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading and swimming until it was time to make dinner and move inside for the night.
Plane Flying Over Summer Breeze
The next morning we said goodbye to Summer Breeze as we headed our separate ways. A change of wind and wave direction forced us to head to Isla Brincanco, a little relatively unknown and infrequently visited island. Little did we know that this would be our favorite anchorage of the entire trip down Central America. When we arrived to the horseshoe shaped lushly treelined anchorage we knew right away it was a good spot. The peace and quiet let us hear birds in the trees and nothing much else except the water. Due to the positioning of the island the water was like glass which enabled me to use my SUP. We snorkeled and sat on the aft deck taking in our gorgeous scenery and loved being the only boat there.
Adios Summer Breeze
Approaching Isla Brincanco
Inside Isla Brincanco
My SUPing
The next two days that followed were absolutely ideal anchoring. We remained the only boat in the anchorage. We continued getting good wind and wave protection nestled inside our horseshoe anchorage and the water remained calm. We felt like we had hit the anchorage jackpot. Everyday we woke up to no-one, we swam, snorkeled and SUP'd, read and relaxed and basked in the beautiful scenery and listened to the bird sing. This is the reason boaters boat.
Swimming Behind the Boat
Stern View
More SUPing
Sunset
