7/24/14 San Blas Day
Felix was ready at the gate of the Dolans house at 0530 Not surprisingly we were running a little late, but were underway without too much turmoil. The drive to San Blas is a 2 1/2 hour ride through Panama City, and past Tocumen airport. The traffic going into the city was ridiculous, again we were headed against traffic, and our congestion was minimal. Definitely not enough road infrastructure in this country for the amount of traffic. We needed a driver this morning, as our rental maxi van is not a 4 X 4, and that is a requirement on the road to San Blas. So, the road down to the San Blas turn off is pretty straight, however, as soon as we made the turn off, that feature changes drastically. The approximately 38 kilometers across the ridge is winding and steep, both ascending, descending, and quite curvy. In fact, I understand some of our crew were under the influence of Dramamine. Yes, that ride was like an E ticket ride at Disney, and pretty harrowing. About two thirds of the way through the San Blas road, there is a check point to enter the Cuna Indian Territory. There is almost a "customs/immigration" feel to this stop, and our passports were verified, but most importantly the fees for passage were paid. At long last, we finally made it down the back side of the ridge and the coast line appeared, seemingly out of nowhere. Thie landing and embarcation area was called the Marine Terminal, and panga boats were busily shuttling tourists and others between the mainland and the 365 islands of the San Blas. Our boat driver was named Erik, and he met us at the car drop off point. He loaded us into his panga boat, which Ryan excitedly pointed out had twin engines, although the Yamahas were of different horsepower. Another party joined us, but we dropped them off at their isla hotel, and continued on to a sandbar for a photo opportunity. Rachel immediately found a star fish in the knee deep water, and we were all amazed at this tropical paradise of white sands and beautiful, clear azure waters.
Our first island was Isla Perrito. A beautiful palm tree lined island with a wreck at the beach front that was loaded with snorkeling visual treasures. Schools of neon fish, anemonies, corals, and lovely reef fish populated the wreck which held our rapt attention. At this island, the Cuna women were selling their wares, and the kids took a picture with one in front of her Mola display. A mola is an embroidered wall hanging featuring Cuna designs and local animal, which has become a trademark of Panamanian culture. Being the mercantilists that they are, the picture cost us $2.00. The Cuna vendor was less than a bit upset when Melinda snapped off another photo without the $2.00 payment.
After a quick lunch fromm our cooler full of sandwiches, we went to the second and last island of the day, called Isla Perro. A few less people were about, and a reef was right off the beach. The grassy area of the swimming area was loaded with urchins, and young spiny lobster. We again observed all nature of beautiful reef fishes, and Ryan and I caught a slipper lobster, and after some photos, released it. We spent most of the afternoon basking in tropical luxury under the bountiful palm trees, with a gentle breeze and viewing the magical islands of San Blas.
At 3 sharp, our pre designated pick up time, Erik returned with the panga to bring us back to the mainland. We did a brief haggling for some lobsters, and got 6 for $30. It is tough to get a good deal when the whole family is bargaining against you, in favor of the seller.
Most of our group were asleep for most of the ride home, but the Dramamine must've worn off since there was some talk of motion sickness on the roller coaster road revisited.
Got home to a grand meal of puerco, again prepared by Brisa, and we added lobster tails to the mix culminating in a Panamanian feast! A great day indeed.
No comments:
Post a Comment