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The prop plane we flew to the IslandsThursday was a good day with some bad mixed in the middle :) We awoke at 4 am and left for the airport - hoping we were going to find a spot on one of the 6:30 am planes that was leaving for the Island Archipaelgo of Bocas del Toro - on the western Atlantic/Caribbean side of Panama.  When we got to the airport, we found out that both airlines were sold out!  So we waited for 1.5 hours while people checked in, and got lucky - some people didn't show up for the flight - so we were on!

The 1 hour flight was in a small prop plane.  You have to wonder about safety in the Panama skys - but don't worry - we checked the airlines history, and there hasn't been an airline accident involving Panamanian airlines for 6 years, when the airline industry regulations in Panama were reformed (fhew! - go Panama Gov!).  Just after takeoff, we had some gorgeous views of the Panama City skyline at dawn, and a pretty cool view of the locks and the Panama Canal (couldn't grab the lock picture, but got a great one over the canals themselves :).

A view of the islands from our planeOnce we landed, we were attacked by the usual "taxi/do you need a hotel" crowd.  But, I do have to say that this crowd looked actually pleasant, and we almost considered going with them.  However, from our endless hours of research, I knew the hotels of the Island - so instead, I bought a map of the Island, and we took off hunting.  From reviews, I knew of a B&B, Cocomo by the Sea, 2 blocks away from the airport (the island is small!!) :).   We walked over, and incredibly, they had a room for 1 night.  After surveying the other hotels on the street, this was def. the best priced for the room type ($70 for the night).    The hotel staff invited us in for breakfast, which obviously was a huge bonus, as we were getting 2 mornings of all you can eat fantastic B&B food!  The B&B itself was ocean front, and had a lovely deck in the front - this is why you come to the islands!

At our B&B Cocomo by the Sea in Bocas del ToroAfter breakfast, we walked through town, stopping at a Scuba shack to schedule a dive for the next morning.   We had read about Island tours which hop from Island to Island (3-4 stops all together) .. so we figured it would be a good way to start our time here (a little orientation).   We first went to dolphin bay - and watched a few dolphins hop out of the water.   I'd like to sound more enthusiastic about this, but after being to Hawaii, and given the so few dolphins compared to there, this was not as exciting as it was for our Costa Rican ship mates (they seemed very excited about the dolphins, so I think we spent a little more time watching then we would have liked).  

So the bad part about the day - I was leaning over the side of the boat checking out jelly fish, trying to use my polarizer to cut some of the glare out of the water - and yikes - there goes my polarizer and filter holder!!!  Jaimie almost got me to jump in after it, but I had my camera in my hands - so better to not risk that (the transfer to Jaimie that is), and getting bitten by the jelly fish.  It was a bit of a downer for about 30 minutes - but we got over it pretty quick (why let some silly camera thing get in the way of a great day!)

Our lunch deck in Craw CayWith the dolphin watching over, we were off to touring the islands, and down to a little restaurant on stilts just off of Bastimentos Island (Craw Cay).   There, we snorkeled in the bluegreen water of the caribbean - the water was incredibly warm and the fish were quite colorful.    The location itself was unbelievably beautiful - out of a story book.   We had lunch, and caught some sun on the dock (turned out to be a little too much, but it felt great anyways!!!!).

We hopped back in the boat for a ride on to Red Frog beach.  And, no doubt, there were red frogs right off the beach!   The frogs were very interesting - we had imagined a dull dark red frog - but these tiny frogs were brilliantly colored red - they were a beautiful sight.   One girl had told us that the frogs were poisonous, and to wash our hands off after touching them - this sent me running down to the ocean to wash my hands and arms that a frog had jumped onto while photographing.   Turns out, they may not be poisionous (at least this is what our guide told us :)), so I imagine the other tourist had a good laugh at me washing my hands and arms :). 

The tiny red frogs on Red Frog BeachThe Red Frog beach itself is the best beach I have ever been to - the sand was the softest, the water the warmest, and hardly anyone around to have to share it with!  Jaimie and I jumped in and had some fun with the waves and the water (our first real swim of the trip!).  It was phenomenal!

We went back - freshend up - and I found out online that the company I bought the polarizer from can ship to Chile - so just need an address to ship to (luckily, Jaimie's parents, Tom and Jackie, are investigating that for us :)).  Not so bad! 

We then walked into town for dinner.  The main street town was full of vendors selling hand made island items - the streets were crowded with locals and tourists - but in a great way.  You could feel the energy of the town - it felt like the island life that everyone imagines - just people having a good time, relaxing, etc.   We found a restaurant, El Pecado, that looked good, These frogs were so cool - I had to include 2 shots!- and let me tell you that it was the best food we've had so far.  For $15 each, we had a veggie vinegar starter, spinach rolls with cheese dipping sauce, peanut chicken and fileted breaded fish, with a few big fat fries and coconut rice, along with ice cream and chocolate sauce.  Oh and 2 beers included as well.  The food tasted incredible! 

Today turned out to be a fantastic day - we got lucky (other then the filter).  We're looking forward to Scuba diving tomorrow - and some well earned R&R on the beach!

 

 

 

 

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