April 2, 2009
Had a very nice and relaxing wake up this morning at the Reyes’ house in Diablo. No scurrying around required. Rebecca and I had a leisurely walk down to the 24/7 for coffee and empanadas. We listened to the tropical birds on the slow saunter. Rebecca pointed out all the residences which previously housed family friends from her childhood in the CZ. Today is another gorgeous dry season type day. On the way back to the Reyes home, Rich and Di drive up in the rental car.
We also had seen the Policia Nacional cayuco team trailering their boat, the Commando Expresso on their way to practice for the ensuing race. Frequently these craft are viewed in the area either being trailered or parked in local driveway/garages. Apparently, the Policia team is a formidable crew every year.
This day the husbands and wives have agreed upon separate itineraries. So, we must rent another car for Reb and Di at Albrook. Once complete, Rich and I make haste towards the beach having caught word that there may be a swell. Our route takes us over the Canal on the new bridge just past Paraiso. On the trip to la playa, Richard explains the intricacies of the harbor pilot business, and gives me an explanation of the route we will be paddling over the next three days.
On each successive beach town we pass on the Autopista, our sense of excitement grows anticipating the Pacific rollers and a fresh surf swell. As we arrive in Playa Palmar, we are not disappointed! Upon our first glance, our hopes were fulfilled as a solid ground swell was hitting the Pacific shore line with the favorable high tide which Palmar requires. The onshore breeze does nothing to deter our hopefulness as this swell was generating overhead, outside point break sets.
We hastily borrow 2 boards from Richs’s friend Mike Stump who has a small beach cottage in this town. Rich takes the 7 foot something board which has two of the three fins, and I am eager to wax up the 9 foot something performance tri. This board has definitely been around the block a few times, however, since we have the chance to surf some warm Pacific point break waves, there is absolutamente no problemas!!!
Palmar is a beach rich in Grimi family history and tradition, and the site of many CZ high school parties from “back in the day.”It is a point break which produces a long right with a good swell and a high tide, luckily we are blessed with both.
Having retrieved the boards, Rich and I can barely contain ourselves to a slow jog down the beach to paddle out at the Point. We quickly deposit our flip flops, and glide out into the inviting Pacific waters. What a pleasure to have this unexpected surf opportunity. We rarely have to duck dive at this point break as we paddle out around the rolling chop. Out in the lineup we share the takeoff point with the crew of El Machete, out sister crew for cayuco racing. We also strike up friendly conversation with 2 other surfers, Americans living in Panama.
The seas are pumping us a long period swell creating exquisite form, and easily anticipated from a long way out. The takeoffs are easily makeable, and after the drop, the wave peels right, easily overhead. We are treated to many great rides this day, and as the tide drops, we realize that we must conserve some arm strength for the following day.
It is time to head back to the old Canal Zone, and a mandatory stop is made in Coronado’s El Rey to enjoy some empanadas and Crunchie bars for lunch.
With the post surf contented feeling, and sore paddling muscles, I slip into a passenger seat nap.
Arriving in Balboa, we head to Jane and Bill Huff’s home to accomplish some last minute repairs to NIC, fixing a seat back, and installing the PanamaCanalMuseum.org sticker to her stern.
We join up with the ladies, and it is off to the YMCA for massages for recuperative muscle therapy. There is only 1 masseus at thi time, so I opt out of the massage and write for this blog as I wait for the others who shop for the kids and receive manicures/pedicures, a favored activity in Panama for the girls.
As I observe the feeling of relaxation Rich demonstrates after his massage, I opt back in. First, we must stop at the Elks once again for him to pay his annual dues. We also pop into La Parada ceviche bar, and although a dive bar, it is the best ceviche we have had so far.
As per usual, I am not the greatest fan of massage. Reb has a brief “discussion” about the pricing, and a price is struck despite a formidable language hurdle.
We prepare for dinner then met the crew of El Machete, Scott, Karen, Christy, Charlie on the Causeway at the restaurant Mi Ranchito. Still eating for the race, we enjoy steaks, patacones, and yucca. The talks are ongoing as to how the crewmembers will be transported to the Atlantic side for the start of tomorrow’s race.
After a great meal, we stock up on hydration supplies at El Rey, and continue to discuss our options for tomorrow’s transportation. We are narrowing the idea down to a one way rental car and drop off in Colon.
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