Boatloads of Stuff

From Rene. The SUV trip on Monday, literally across the country, was a highlight for Richard and me. We were so loaded with provisions and our duffle bags that we were afraid to open the back door. Cases of beer, wine and milk were strapped on top and we could only hope that the heat wouldn't cause any explosions. The countryside was beautiful and lush. Initially the road was great. We went from two-lane hardtop to one-lane gravel and then to clay which at points was slick and wet. One two occasions we came face-to-face with road graders. Hills became steeper requiring 4-wheel drive, and turns, tighter raising our adrenaline and fun. And then we arrived at the river, a surprise to me, and we drove right in heading a bit to the right and then turning left to tackle a steep hill, very slick with red clay. Don't need the movies for this adventure. Oh, and along the way we have passed wrecked and now stripped cars that had taken the tumble down one of the ravines! Arriving at the water's edge, Michael was bobbing in the dinghy just off the concrete docks and we began to offload the many boxes and bags. It took three trips to get everything to Astarte and Barbara had the unenviable task of putting everything away. And then she graciously prepared a delicious dinner and we relaxed in the in the cockpit enjoying a wonderful reunion with our friends.
Boatloads of Stuff!

Rene will submit another post soon - but you're back with Barbara for this entry!

It was a Panama City adventure this past Sunday and Monday. The ride in was a trip - I was one of 14 people in a van going over muddy steep, curvy roads and through (yes through) a river. It's amazing. We did get stopped by the National Police twice - once they unloaded everyone and checked all the baggage thoroughly - that is all the bags except my backpack. Interesting. I did see a ROUS crossing the road on the trip out! (Sorry Kathryn and Mark)

Got to PC and started the shopping rounds. It was hectic and Richard and Rene were really good sports about helping. The return was in a small SUV with the three of us, a Kuna and the driver and cases of beer, wine, milk, bags of veggies, giant boxes stuffed with meat (including a frozen turkey to keep the cold stuff chilled), frozen meat (that was an adventure communicating how I wanted to buy the meat, have them vacuum seal it and freeze it overnight!) and lots of staples like flour, sugar, pastas etc. I was amazed it all fit in this car. And I was even more amazed that the car made it through the river which was a bit higher and the car a bit lower.

Upon arrival in back in Carti we offloaded the car with the help of several Kuna and a wheelbarrow. IT took three dinghy trips back and forth from the boat to load it all up. Storing it - that's another whole story - especially with guests and their luggage and all the stuff they brought for us etc. We are piled high on board and sitting yet lower in the water.

It's been great having R&R on board and we're enjoying going to new islands and snorkeling, visiting and eating! We've hit a town in Carti and went to a Kuna museum that shared more info about the Kuna culture. But I'll let Rene share more.

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