December 31, 2009
It is a tradition in Panama to make an effigy to a well known person and either fill it with fireworks, or throw it into the fire on New Year’s eve. Through the burning or, more fun, the explosions, they release the bad feelings that the old year contained, along with the old year.
Three guesses as to who this is… and the first two don’t count…
That’s alot of bad spirits… At first, I thought it was a family waiting for the bus…
These seemed to be more popular in the province of Chame along the Pan-American Highway.
Definitely an interesting tradition and one that you won’t see in any other country…
Capn Scott
December 30, 2009
I woke at 5am, and the full moon was just blazing in the sky. I had to get the shot.
I caught it setting along the tops of the near islands. There were sooo many stars. This was a 90 second exposure on a tripod.
I’m up already, so, I waited for the sunrise and got some shots of it as well.
I tried to get several angles… hey, I had at least 15 minutes…
I ventured to the other side of the island and explored the cove. There were many howler monkeys making alot of noise, but hidden in the tree tops.
And… the original intent was a little relaxation as well… The guy who invented the hammock was a genius.
Tomorrow is another travel day back to Panama City. Then, from there, back to the great white north and… I believe the forecast is for snow…
Capn Scott
December 29, 2009
After the journey, we finally got settled in at the resort. The best part of Panama is the water!
The view from the front of the cabin was breath taking.
I went down to the beach and got some shots of the water and surf.
There were many coconuts washed up on the beach, and some driftwood.
I even ventured down to the edge of the beach and out into the rock areas. There were so many interesting pools of seawater filled with life.
And, of course, what would a great day be without a great sunset? I never tire of shooting sunsets…
Capn Scott
After several days in David, We travel back to Boca Chica…
I travel again past the waterfall Chorcha. I stopped to get a shot of this beauty…
Be carefull along the back roads. This guy was loose and just enjoying the grass along the side of the road.
And then, as we near Boca Chica, there is a herd of cattle running down the road towards us, in the middle of the road. At the back of the pack are the 2 caballeros…
Carlos from Buzos Boca Brava allowed me to park the car at his place and wait for the boat to the resort at his dock (YES! the sky is this blue!!!)…
There was a bit of a wind, but I’ve seen worse. It was an interesting ride to the resort. Sometimes the trip is as interesting as the destination…
Capn Scott
December 24, 2009
Things have changed since I’ve been to Panama, but thankfully, not too much. One of my first questions was, “How is it different with the new President?” I kept getting the same answer. And that was, “things are better now”… I rented a car in Panama City (a brand new Toyota Yaris with 45kms on the dial) and took the Pan American Highway to David.
Passing through the mountains near Tole, there were some clouds brewing in the distance.
The views here in the mountains are just stunning…
I stopped off in Boca Chica to catch up with old friends in the dive industry. They say that it is getting better. But, it’s been getting better every year anyway… Nice to catch up with old times. Also, stopped by my favorite watering hole in David (T.G.I.Fridays) and the old crew is still there. And, they remember my typical order. It was nice to see them as well… It feels so good being home, it’s been too long…
Capn Scott
April 22, 2008
There is this nice little town right on the Pacific Ocean.
There are many houses that front this beach.
That’s a serious longliner. Since when did they come with helicopters?
Looking at Costa Rica.
A dog enjoying the sand and a back scratch…
Capn Scott
April 14, 2008
I’m not wealthy… so I need to work and earn income occasionally. Found a cheap 2 bedroom house for rent ($130/mo.) and bought a cheap car. And, I’m now working with Antonio building boats. Presently I’m building a plug for a new boat design. When it is finished, we will build a mold over it and have a new design for sale.
I start out with wood.
And a set of plans.
Behind the shop is a river to launch the boats and the edge of the rainforest. This male howler monkey was pretty loud, and I got this picture of him…
Capn Scott
April 2, 2008
Buenos Aires, Argentina was nice. Though, I really miss the ocean and the incredible boating, snorkeling and diving in Panama. So, being that there really isn’t any work opportunities in Argentina for me, I moved back. Sold all of my camera gear and anything else that I could, to lighten up the load and such. Got a cheap flight on TACA. The flight flew from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Lima, Peru. Changed planes and then flew to San Salvador, El Salvador. Changed planes and then flew to San Jose, Costa Rica. Changed planes and then flew into Panama City, Panama and arrived around midnight. The next morning took care of some business and then bought a new Canon Powershot G9.
Took a ride out to Boca Chica to see the ocean. I thought that the name of this boat was appropriate (translated: The Sea is my Treasure).
Yep, lots of boats…
And the beautiful countryside… It’s good to be back.
Capn Scott
September 14, 2007
The history of Panama City is so rich. It includes Spanish Conquistadors and Pirates. Arghhhh… did someone mention pirates??? The pirate Henry Morgan is very influential here. He even seized the entire city once… And also Portobello. His name instilled fear into many men…
I´ve been in Panama for a couple of years and haven´t had a chance to visit the ruins. I guess it´s fitting on the day before I depart to do such…. Arghhhh….
The back of an old church…
One of the rooms off of the side of the church.
Looking out into the bay in front of the Panama Canal…
The church from the other side… Did I mention that I like to take pics of old churches???
An old courtyard…
One of the churches closer up…
An interesting shot… the old ruins of Panama with a picture of the future of Panama in the background…
More photos are located in the gallery here.
September 12, 2007
Okay… so everything is sold… And I just bought my plane tickets online. I´m sitting here in a local pub finishing up… And the sky opens…
That is some serious rain… No… that´s not a river… it´s the street…
Darn… looks like I´m stranded here in the bar for a while…
