Rachel, her 2 friends, and her cousin celebrate her 8th birthday at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando. Here, they are visited by Dora: l to r Lexie, Breanne, Rachel, and Bailey.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Rachel's Birthday celebration
Rachel, her 2 friends, and her cousin celebrate her 8th birthday at the Nickelodeon Hotel in Orlando. Here, they are visited by Dora: l to r Lexie, Breanne, Rachel, and Bailey.
Dad and Ry at Indian Guide campout--Oct 2009
It has been great camping with Rachel and Ryan at the Indian Guides, Ry's friend Rocco has also joined the "Lizard" familyPunta Palmar view from the beach
October 21, 2009 “Dry Season Day”It feels so god to sleep-in as the sun is shining full and the North breeze blows side-shore along the coastline. As I awake, Rebecca has already taken her post in the hammock strung between the porch pillars. With a smile, she explains this gem of a day to be “just like a dry season day!” After continuing our tradition of morning reading, we go for a walk on the beach during the low low tide. For 100 yards, bowling ball sized, rounded and smooth rocks line the shore from the mid tide line to the water line. Usually submerged, the tide has exposed this rocky span.
Rebecca wades and relaxes in a tidal pool which is comfortably warmed by the hot Central American sun. We enjoy a lazy chat, a true luxury for a busy father and mother of 3.
The climate is nearly perfect and we contemplate our relaxing vacation, and the site of our next meal. It is a pick by Rebecca, a Mexican restaurant named Cholo’s.
Cholos is owned by an American, and we finally find it open after our 3rd attempt of the week. His name is Owen, and is a personable surfer from Virginia Beach. Cholos’s hospitality trumps entrée quality, however, the homemade nachos are tasty. It is frequented by many expats.
Next, we head into Coronado for Reb’s visit to the spa for a pedicure and manicure. The tide is correct for some waves at Playa Teta, so we stop there first.
Although there is a small groundswell,, a strong North wind is killing the surf. The waves are doubling up and taking on a surface texture similar to aqua corduroy.
I catch a scant 3 waves and call it quits for my Panama surf trip.
The Rio Teta has cut a new course through the beach line, and now runs parallel to the coast before depositing its flow of river water into the Pacific. Also, careful navigation while barefoot must be practiced through the moderate current stepping over the rock covered bottom.
As Rebecca gets her spa pampering, I call the kids and check emails. As our Coronado afternoon closes, it is sadly time to pack for tomorrow’s journey home.
We arrive back at the Holland beach home to pack, and prepare for dinner at Pizza Picasso, owned by Jim and Teresa, some Zonian friends.
Although we are a day early for Pizza Picasso’s “soft opening”’ we are nevertheless treated to some brick-fired pepperoni pizza and even finer conversation.
1/22/09
Awoke at 0400 for a 0500 departure from the playa. The Inter American Highway traffic is great until we arrive at the outskirts of Panama City and the former U.S. bases west of La Puente de Las Americas. Since we left so early, time is not too much of a factor, and we arrive at the Tocumen airport in a leisurely mood. The rental return almost becomes an issue as a slight argument ensues about some pre-existing rental damage. Luckily, the records were checked, and we are held harmless.
A most pleasant and personable Copa rep checks us in and notifies us, "You will have no problem getting a seat today!" Words that are virtually unheard of in the non-revenue world. Again the surfboard is flown gratis under a current promotion.
Passing through security, I am searched after the X-ray machine, having innocently left my Swiss Army knife in my backpack. Not wanting to go through the hassle of checking it, I say goodbye to the old friend of 20 years, which accompanied me through SERE school in the U.S. Navy in 1988.
Our breakfast at the buffet line is frequented by swarms of airline/airport employees and is priced well. Up the escalator to the right past the la turista ristorante and into the buffet line. My breakfast is $3.15 total!!
Rebecca's anxiety of airplane clustrophobia is stemmed from a holic nerve tab she has discovered, but we are nevertheless last to board.
Goodbye Panama 2009.
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A stop on our road trip
Panama October 20, 2009 (Road trip day)
We woke up early for a run, then pack our belongings for a day trip to the Panamanian interior. Panama lies on an East-West reference, so anything to the West of Panama City is referred to as the “interior” It is a place Rebecca and I have never been to. Interestingly, due to the E-W reference of the country, at certain vantage points along the coast, the sun can be seen to rise along the “left” horizon, and set along the “right” horizon, which seems odd to most gringos who are used to the sun rising and falling directly out to sea from their coast.
Our ultimate destination is Playa Venal. The waves have been pretty disappointing in Pal Mar, so a road trip is in order! We have consulted the Panama tour book and are excited to chart some new territory. Our first stop is a wonderful little discovery in the tiny village of El Cano. Here is an archeological park which amazes us. The Parque Arquelogico de El Cano is the site of many burial mounds of the pre-Colombian indigenous tribes of Panama. One of the mounds is still being actively excavated, and there is also a small museum on the grounds. The museum contains artifacts from previous digs, although, many of the artifacts have been removed in the 1930s and moved to the American Indian museum in Nueva York, Norte America.
Artifacts include pottery and skeletal remains, and a Spanish speaking guide is on hand to discuss the site, park, and museum. I did not follow the Spanish too well, so Rebecca translated much of the content for me. Our guide must have been fairly amused at this gringo couple trying to pay attention to our guide while hopping and slapping, and doing the mosquito dance in the mosquito infested grounds. We are swarmed by mouskeeters, subsequently bitten badly, and forced to depart the park, happily educated on the archeology of the park.
As we continue Westward, we progress further on the Inter-American highway, we arrive at Divisa, which is the town we make a turn southbound for the Azuero Peninsula, which is the cradle of Panamanian folklore. It is the area most famously known for the annual “carnival” festivities, and the birthplace of the Panamanian dress, the polerro, widely accepted as the most beautiful dress in the world. We pass the towns of Penonome, El Chitre, and Las Tablas, and are a bit surprised at the size of their urban populace.
Outside Las Tablas, we stop at an outdoor restaurant which is favored by locals, and we enjoy a very nice, inexpensive meal while dining in a very pleasant setting. Continuing southbound, we arrive at Pedasi, a beautifully maintained seaside village, with beautiful Spanish colonial dwellings along the roadway. It looks like it would be a nice place to explore, however we are eager to continue to Venal!!
The road from Las Tablas to Pedasi, although only a 2 lane road, is a wonderful stretch of new ashphalt with little traffic, and lends itself to a fast pace in the world’s fastest car—a rental!
Close to Playa Venal, our directions become a bit muddled, so we pull off a highly rutted dirt road with signs pointing to La Playita resort. Emus and chickens walk the grounds of this eco-like resort which is nestled on the shore of a protected bay with beautiful Pacific Coast scenery all about. We walk the grounds, and are always considering possible future vacations with the kids.
We get directions to Playa Venal and get back on the road for another 1.5 km. Rounding the corner for the Venal turnoff, we are instantly aware of the large swell in the half moon bay, beach break
In seconds, I shell off my travelling clothes, and am trunk-ated and rash guarded, and paddling out into the line up.
I am in the agua enjoying the power of the Pacific swell, with overhead set waves and peeling left and right. A long period swell of 18 seconds requires patience, although the payoff is mejor.
Rebecca lays on the beach reading, and at one point urns her back to the ocean for a more comfortable relaxation, and her belongings are soaked from an incoming wave with the approaching high tide. It is mostly all of her clothing and towels, however, our camera is also lost to the salt water drowning.
The surf sesh turns into a 3 hour pursuit of indulgence, and just prior to sunset, I exit the water happy and spent. As is true to many Central American surf trips, I meet two Florida surfers in the lineup, one being a former Atlantic side Zonian named James Brown, who is familiar with the Grimison family.
Back in the car, we drive straight through to Palmar, discovering a shortcut around each of the urban centers of Las Tablas and El Chitre. It is only a 4 hour drive back to the Hollands’ in Pal Mar, so in all I drove for 9 hours, to surf for 3. I am blessed with an adventurous travel partner and wife!
Throughout the drive I contemplate, who pays the machete man who clears the roadside grasses and vegetation?
We woke up early for a run, then pack our belongings for a day trip to the Panamanian interior. Panama lies on an East-West reference, so anything to the West of Panama City is referred to as the “interior” It is a place Rebecca and I have never been to. Interestingly, due to the E-W reference of the country, at certain vantage points along the coast, the sun can be seen to rise along the “left” horizon, and set along the “right” horizon, which seems odd to most gringos who are used to the sun rising and falling directly out to sea from their coast.
Our ultimate destination is Playa Venal. The waves have been pretty disappointing in Pal Mar, so a road trip is in order! We have consulted the Panama tour book and are excited to chart some new territory. Our first stop is a wonderful little discovery in the tiny village of El Cano. Here is an archeological park which amazes us. The Parque Arquelogico de El Cano is the site of many burial mounds of the pre-Colombian indigenous tribes of Panama. One of the mounds is still being actively excavated, and there is also a small museum on the grounds. The museum contains artifacts from previous digs, although, many of the artifacts have been removed in the 1930s and moved to the American Indian museum in Nueva York, Norte America.
Artifacts include pottery and skeletal remains, and a Spanish speaking guide is on hand to discuss the site, park, and museum. I did not follow the Spanish too well, so Rebecca translated much of the content for me. Our guide must have been fairly amused at this gringo couple trying to pay attention to our guide while hopping and slapping, and doing the mosquito dance in the mosquito infested grounds. We are swarmed by mouskeeters, subsequently bitten badly, and forced to depart the park, happily educated on the archeology of the park.
As we continue Westward, we progress further on the Inter-American highway, we arrive at Divisa, which is the town we make a turn southbound for the Azuero Peninsula, which is the cradle of Panamanian folklore. It is the area most famously known for the annual “carnival” festivities, and the birthplace of the Panamanian dress, the polerro, widely accepted as the most beautiful dress in the world. We pass the towns of Penonome, El Chitre, and Las Tablas, and are a bit surprised at the size of their urban populace.
Outside Las Tablas, we stop at an outdoor restaurant which is favored by locals, and we enjoy a very nice, inexpensive meal while dining in a very pleasant setting. Continuing southbound, we arrive at Pedasi, a beautifully maintained seaside village, with beautiful Spanish colonial dwellings along the roadway. It looks like it would be a nice place to explore, however we are eager to continue to Venal!!
The road from Las Tablas to Pedasi, although only a 2 lane road, is a wonderful stretch of new ashphalt with little traffic, and lends itself to a fast pace in the world’s fastest car—a rental!
Close to Playa Venal, our directions become a bit muddled, so we pull off a highly rutted dirt road with signs pointing to La Playita resort. Emus and chickens walk the grounds of this eco-like resort which is nestled on the shore of a protected bay with beautiful Pacific Coast scenery all about. We walk the grounds, and are always considering possible future vacations with the kids.
We get directions to Playa Venal and get back on the road for another 1.5 km. Rounding the corner for the Venal turnoff, we are instantly aware of the large swell in the half moon bay, beach break
In seconds, I shell off my travelling clothes, and am trunk-ated and rash guarded, and paddling out into the line up.
I am in the agua enjoying the power of the Pacific swell, with overhead set waves and peeling left and right. A long period swell of 18 seconds requires patience, although the payoff is mejor.
Rebecca lays on the beach reading, and at one point urns her back to the ocean for a more comfortable relaxation, and her belongings are soaked from an incoming wave with the approaching high tide. It is mostly all of her clothing and towels, however, our camera is also lost to the salt water drowning.
The surf sesh turns into a 3 hour pursuit of indulgence, and just prior to sunset, I exit the water happy and spent. As is true to many Central American surf trips, I meet two Florida surfers in the lineup, one being a former Atlantic side Zonian named James Brown, who is familiar with the Grimison family.
Back in the car, we drive straight through to Palmar, discovering a shortcut around each of the urban centers of Las Tablas and El Chitre. It is only a 4 hour drive back to the Hollands’ in Pal Mar, so in all I drove for 9 hours, to surf for 3. I am blessed with an adventurous travel partner and wife!
Throughout the drive I contemplate, who pays the machete man who clears the roadside grasses and vegetation?
Rebecca's favorite Pamama activity
Panama October 19, 2009Rainy Season Day
We are awakened early this morning by the hypnotic drone of Central American rain on a metal roof. Just the perfect excuse to lay in the hammock, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, listening to the rain and waves while relaxing to a good book. This in fact is the activities which transpire as the day progresses.
As the rain subsides, however, we go for a run together, and Rebecca does some yoga/stretching exercises in a scenic Pacific backdrop fit for a yoga video. It is very nice to run together, an activity we have not shared for quite some time.
After our run, we head into Coronado, and the El Rey for supplies. Of course, this includes micha bread, empanadas, agua botela, and Crunchie bars.
Most of our day is spent reading and in full relaxation mode. However, just prior to noon, the inside front of Palmar begins to look surfable. I paddle out as the tide fills in, while Rebecca soaks up some rays on the fine black streaked sand in front of the Punta. While the waters rise with the tide, the point begins to look inviting, so I paddle outside, and am rewarded with some waist to chest high rollers. The session ends as abruptly as it begins, demonstrating the narrow swell window based on the changing tides.
For dinner, we make our way back to Coronado, and drive around until we arrive at El Carbon, located adjacent to Pizza Picasso, owned by a friend of the Grimison family.
Another early night as darkness descends so completely over Playa Palmar.
Low tide view of pristine Palmar
October 18, 2009
Woke up at 4 am for our trip to Panama. Our flight is a Copa flight from Orlando to Panama City, Panama, so we plan to arrive 2 hours prior to the flight. Things go incredibly smooth all day. When we arrive at the Copa ticket counter, the attendant determines we are non-rev passengers, so she puts us in the 1st class/premium line which moves very quickly. We are greeted by a very friendly ticket agent who hustles us through the process and does not charge me for my surfboard and tells us “we should have no problem getting on the flight today.” Those words are virtually non-existent in the non revenue travel world! Next, we get right through security and arrive at the gate to wait for our seats. While waiting for our names to be called, the Copa flight crew arrives, and I know the Captain from Southwest Airlines. She has retired just two years ago, and will be flying us to Panama. As we board the plane, I stick my head into the flight deck to greet Maggie, our Captain who is surprised we are on her flight.
Rebecca and I are seated separately, and although I am in the last seat row on the bulkhead, in the window seat, I quickly fall asleep. However, my sleep is short-lived, as I am awakened by a flight attendant who informs me the Captain would like to see me in the cockpit. As I arrive in the cockpit, Maggie tells me we are flying over Cuba, and invites me to take the cockpit jump seat for the remainder of the flight. I accept the invitation, as I am eager to view our arrival into Panama. In fact, I am served my breakfast in the cockpit, as I engage both Copa pilots in conversation. Meanwhile, Rebecca tells me later that my being hailed to the front was a bit disconcerting to her, not knowing what I was doing in the cockpit.
For most of our passage over the Caribbean, the view is obscured, and I never see the island of Cuba, however, as we near Panama, Captain Maggie makes a special request for our arrival into Tocumen airport. Instead of the usual arrival, she requests we fly direct to Toboga to join the final approach course for the landing runway. This will provide a view of the canal, and downtown Panama city. We are granted our request, and we arrive over Panama from the North paralleling the western shore of the Panama canal, providing a spectacular view of the bridges, locks, Balboa sea port, and the old Canal Zone. It is a wonderful view, and has made the cockpit jumpseat ride very worthwhile.
Upon landing in Panama, a most unusual occurrence takes place. When we make our way to the customs area, there is no one in line. We take the express route through customs, and retrieve my surfboard bag, which is available immediately. An occurrence as unusual as no line for customs.
We quickly process our rental car documents and get on the road to Albrook, to meet Rebecca’s former track coach, Mr. Holland who has graciously allowed us to rent their beach home for our vacation. We find the Holland’s home and make it to the next stop—St Mary’s Catholic Church, the cradle of Rebecca’s Catholicism. Although we arrive a bit tardy, Rebecca famously belts out a window rattling rendition of the Servant Song, happily worshipping in her childhood parish. The Reyes family is in attendance, and we spend a little time after the service catching up with Mr and Mrs as well as Alex and his family.
Before getting on the road to Playa Palmar, we make the obligatory stop at the Albrook mall, and Arrocha for bottles of vanilla from the Panamanian pharmacy. A common recipe in many of Rebecca’s baked goods. Yum Yum.
The road to Palmar is uncrowded as we are heading opposite of most of the weekend traffic this fine Sunday in Panama. In Palmar, the weekend crowd is still in force on the streets, and in the vicinity of the local ristorate—El Cangrejo.
Mrs. Holland greets us and we are let into their 3 bedroom hacienda with a most amazing view of the Point, since their home rests atop the highest elevation lot in the small beach town. We quickly settle into the vacation relaxation mode, and are off for a stroll through Palmar, observing the waning weekend crowds, as Rebecca reminisces about the memories of her childhood at this very location.
The waves are looking very disappointing, however, I remind myself that this stretch of the coastline is so very tidal dependent, and it is presently dead high tide. I consistently check the waves, and finally am able to paddle out just prior to sunset for a little surf. The waves are small and breaking pretty far inside the point. It is wonderful to be in Panama, in the warm surf experiencing fresh Pacific surf shrouded in that familiar sweet, briny aroma.
We are happily in bed early, following a long and satisfying travel day. Drifting off to sleep we hear all the sounds of this Panamanian seaside paradise, including the crashing waves as well as the consistent call of a tree frog that sounds as if someone is pounding a rock against a cinder block wall.
Woke up at 4 am for our trip to Panama. Our flight is a Copa flight from Orlando to Panama City, Panama, so we plan to arrive 2 hours prior to the flight. Things go incredibly smooth all day. When we arrive at the Copa ticket counter, the attendant determines we are non-rev passengers, so she puts us in the 1st class/premium line which moves very quickly. We are greeted by a very friendly ticket agent who hustles us through the process and does not charge me for my surfboard and tells us “we should have no problem getting on the flight today.” Those words are virtually non-existent in the non revenue travel world! Next, we get right through security and arrive at the gate to wait for our seats. While waiting for our names to be called, the Copa flight crew arrives, and I know the Captain from Southwest Airlines. She has retired just two years ago, and will be flying us to Panama. As we board the plane, I stick my head into the flight deck to greet Maggie, our Captain who is surprised we are on her flight.
Rebecca and I are seated separately, and although I am in the last seat row on the bulkhead, in the window seat, I quickly fall asleep. However, my sleep is short-lived, as I am awakened by a flight attendant who informs me the Captain would like to see me in the cockpit. As I arrive in the cockpit, Maggie tells me we are flying over Cuba, and invites me to take the cockpit jump seat for the remainder of the flight. I accept the invitation, as I am eager to view our arrival into Panama. In fact, I am served my breakfast in the cockpit, as I engage both Copa pilots in conversation. Meanwhile, Rebecca tells me later that my being hailed to the front was a bit disconcerting to her, not knowing what I was doing in the cockpit.
For most of our passage over the Caribbean, the view is obscured, and I never see the island of Cuba, however, as we near Panama, Captain Maggie makes a special request for our arrival into Tocumen airport. Instead of the usual arrival, she requests we fly direct to Toboga to join the final approach course for the landing runway. This will provide a view of the canal, and downtown Panama city. We are granted our request, and we arrive over Panama from the North paralleling the western shore of the Panama canal, providing a spectacular view of the bridges, locks, Balboa sea port, and the old Canal Zone. It is a wonderful view, and has made the cockpit jumpseat ride very worthwhile.
Upon landing in Panama, a most unusual occurrence takes place. When we make our way to the customs area, there is no one in line. We take the express route through customs, and retrieve my surfboard bag, which is available immediately. An occurrence as unusual as no line for customs.
We quickly process our rental car documents and get on the road to Albrook, to meet Rebecca’s former track coach, Mr. Holland who has graciously allowed us to rent their beach home for our vacation. We find the Holland’s home and make it to the next stop—St Mary’s Catholic Church, the cradle of Rebecca’s Catholicism. Although we arrive a bit tardy, Rebecca famously belts out a window rattling rendition of the Servant Song, happily worshipping in her childhood parish. The Reyes family is in attendance, and we spend a little time after the service catching up with Mr and Mrs as well as Alex and his family.
Before getting on the road to Playa Palmar, we make the obligatory stop at the Albrook mall, and Arrocha for bottles of vanilla from the Panamanian pharmacy. A common recipe in many of Rebecca’s baked goods. Yum Yum.
The road to Palmar is uncrowded as we are heading opposite of most of the weekend traffic this fine Sunday in Panama. In Palmar, the weekend crowd is still in force on the streets, and in the vicinity of the local ristorate—El Cangrejo.
Mrs. Holland greets us and we are let into their 3 bedroom hacienda with a most amazing view of the Point, since their home rests atop the highest elevation lot in the small beach town. We quickly settle into the vacation relaxation mode, and are off for a stroll through Palmar, observing the waning weekend crowds, as Rebecca reminisces about the memories of her childhood at this very location.
The waves are looking very disappointing, however, I remind myself that this stretch of the coastline is so very tidal dependent, and it is presently dead high tide. I consistently check the waves, and finally am able to paddle out just prior to sunset for a little surf. The waves are small and breaking pretty far inside the point. It is wonderful to be in Panama, in the warm surf experiencing fresh Pacific surf shrouded in that familiar sweet, briny aroma.
We are happily in bed early, following a long and satisfying travel day. Drifting off to sleep we hear all the sounds of this Panamanian seaside paradise, including the crashing waves as well as the consistent call of a tree frog that sounds as if someone is pounding a rock against a cinder block wall.
Dad runs in the Health First triathlon
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After a 1 1/2 year hiatus from running, Geoff is back for a sprint triathlon in Melbourne. FUN!
Ryan and Dylan after the show
Ryan and Dylan pose after their performance in Children of Eden, a Cocoa Beach Playhouse production which they auditioned for and received roles in.
A birthday bash for Dylan
Dylan has his whole class over for the giant waterslide festivities in the pletchparadise front yard amusement park
Dylan off to a camp trip
Although under duress to join Boy Scouts, Dylan proceeds to his first campout.
Summer Vacation in New Hampshire
Geoff took the kids to New Hampshire, to enjoy the shores of Lake Winnepasaukie with his two dear college friends and their families.
Summer Vacation in Panama
Rebecca and the kids flew to Panama in June to join Reb's high school freinds and their children for a beach week in the Pacific town of Coronado.
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