His dad is doing o.k. but is failing fast, so it was a good trip. They had a very good day on Sunday so they had some quality time to share. Marilyn is working hard and is doing everything she can to keep him comfortable and well cared for. We couldn't ask for a better person to provide support.
Michael has received lots and lots of very thoughtful and meaningful wishes from friends and he really appreciates all the kind thoughts. It was a tough visit, but it was something that he really needed to as well as wanted to do.
Tom and Jan were great. They put him up (and put up with him!), lent him cell phones and the use of their computer, ran lots of errands he couldn't get to before things closed, bought many meals and gifts and were very supportive. We don't want to say that the best part was the gift of some new lures, but I guess we just did!
He was a little worried about the hotel in Panama City on the way back. Turns out the Hotel Costa Inn has it all together. He made the reservation on the way out of Panama and was hoping it would work out. They have a courtesy shuttle from Tocumen Airport, the big one, to the hotel. Customs was a breeze. Especially because you can bring in up to $2000 worth of goods without paying duty. He brought in hard cheese, vitamins, roach traps (preventative - not curative!), propane fittings, canvas waterproofing, fishing lures, nuts, and new "not rusty" clothes pins.
He came out of the customs area and was greeted by a very nice man with a big sign with "Michael Hewkins" (so a bit misspelled) on it. He called to Michael (no matter what you do, we look like tourists) and we had a very quick drive to the hotel. It felt like a rock star arriving and being met by a limo! He was in the room before 11p after landing at 8:30.
The next morning the shuttle took him to the small airport where Air Panama flies out of. This one cost $10 but again, was on time and went as planned. The hotel includes a free breakfast, but at 4:30am the kitchen was not open, so they made him a great cup of coffee and toast. All in all, a great experience for the travel home.
We had a big rain day on Thursday. The tanks are full and Barbara is a clothes washing fool. We didn't move, but did move on Friday to the West Lemmons (two "Ms"). They reportedly have lots of bugs, but none so far today, Saturday (probably speaking way too soon). After our projects, we went over to Tumshi and Michael cleaned the carburetor of Freidl's 5hp Yamaha outboard. It actually helped and it runs much better.
Today will be snorkeling and not too many boat projects (some more laundry and maybe a bit of sewing). Michael's glad to be home. Tomorrow back to Porvenir to meet Kathryn and Mark. They arrive on Monday morning bright and early. Sunday we'll empty the "attic" (that would be the V-berth so they have a place to sleep) and the garage (that would be forward head - so they can …). We'll find temporary homes for all that "stuff." With the nor'easter in the DC area - we hope they make it here.
One last note, thanks to Tom and Jan and their computer and internet, NEW PICTURES, no captions.
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