My Own True Nature: Bastimento by Moonlight

Just got back from a quickie trip to Bocas where we spent 2 days with our good friends Char and Pedr. They are true boat people who divide their time between their sailboat on Isla Carenera in the winter and their sustainable fishing boat in Gustavius, Alaska in the summer. Not a bad life. Dennis got to practice his sailing skills and I managed to stay out of the way. Bocas is a little hot for me, but it was nice to sail around a bit and spend the day on Red Frog Beach at the Palmar Tent Lodge. Considering we are 5 capable adults with a lot of experience between us, it was comical that not one of us had a flashlight to maneuver the trip back down the beach, through the jungle and back to the marina to take Shannon's skiff back to their boat. This was a trust walk if ever I went on one. Focusing on not stepping on any little red frogs (dangerous to their health and mine), we followed the sound of the surf until we reached the jungle path and then had a perfectly magical walk guided by stars to the marina. How Shannon found the tiny opening through the mangroves to reach Char and Pedr's boat is a testimony to his sailing expertise.
Many people love Bocas, but for me, it's a bit hot, crowded and full of touristy shops for the younger crowd, which is a 180 from the mega trash problem and poverty that surround it. I loved watching the very eclectic mix of folks riding bicycles all around. (sure miss my Townie) I also learned 2 new skills; tying a batik parea into a dress and making paper cranes. Char, who is a woman of many skills (sailor, fisherman, artist, masseuse, world traveler, bumper car babe and parade crasher to name a few) patiently wrapped and unwrapped me until I had the perfect dress for the steamy tropics. We also had the most wonderful meal at a place called the Casbah in Bocas Town and will return there on our next visit. Fresh tuna for the boys and por las mujeres, pollo en cognac y pollo en salsa de curry enjoyed with a lovely Malbec. A visit to the Riptide boat bar while waiting for the boys to pick up boat parts and make a stop at the local surf shop was a nice way to spend the afternoon as well.
So much to explore here. Next adventure: cruise to Colombia, Aruba, Curacao, and Bonnaire next week.
Wish I had more pics to share, but as you know, my camera, only works sporadically, and didn't like the humidity of Bocas Del Toro. Love to all and see you soon.
"THOUGH WE TRAVEL THE WORLD OVER TO FIND THE BEAUTIFUL, WE MUST CARRY IT WITH US OR WE FIND IT NOT." Ralph Waldo Emerson