We have been back in Boquete for over six weeks, and things feel a bit different than they do when we were here last year. Just about everyone here is very diligent about wearing their masks and practicing social distancing. There is a temperature taking station at every store, bar, and restaurant we have been to. We are living in Valle Escondido and the weather here seems to be much damper and chillier than at our last house in Alto Boquete. When we got here, we had some excellent weather for a couple of weeks, but since then things have been much damper and rainier.
After our first month here, we were able to negotiate a rental in the large house below the apartment where we were originally staying. This house is certainly the largest house we have ever lived in and its very nice, with high ceilings, big rooms, beautiful floors, and a nice kitchen. It does have its quirks, however. It tends to be chilly, the furniture is not to our taste, the hot water in the showers is inconsistent, and it echoes. Sometimes we feel a bit out of place here. But it is a nice house in a quiet neighborhood.
Leaky Windshield
The windshield in our car developed a substantial leak right in the center over the dashboard during some of the heavy rain we have had. It was quite inconvenient, but we took the car down to Value Motors in Boquete and they took care of it for a whopping $15. We have had nothing but good experiences with Victor, George, and the whole crew at Value Motors.
New Family Doctor
We have been to see a local doctor for check-ups and minor medical issues, and we found a new doctor in town. Dr. Tuer speaks perfect English, she takes time to figure out what ails you, she answers her emails, and is very attentive.
Playa Barqueta
Last week we took a drive to the beach at Playa La Barqueta to visit some friends who have a condo right on the beach. The drive was an hour and a half right through heavy traffic in David to get there, but it was quite a nice place. It was our first glimpse on this trip of the ocean on the Gulf of Chiriqui, and it was beautiful. Warm weather, the beach, good friends and, best of all, no rain all day. Even though we are only seven or eight degrees from the equator here there is something to be said for living near the beach, as long as you have AC!
Three Lost Waterfalls Hike
The other day we went on a hike with a local group to The Three Lost Waterfalls in Los Naranjos. It was quite an adventure in a very Panamanian way. Just to get there the drive is up some very windy, narrow, and steep roads, and once you are there the parking situation is pretty sketchy. Then take a walk over a suspension bridge that could use a little maintenance and up a very steep rocky trail that takes you to the booth where you pay your $8 fee. I was almost worn out from the walk to the pay station, but I had not seen anything yet. The trail was very narrow, very steep, very rocky, and, because of the recent damp weather, very muddy and slippery. We made it to the first waterfall, and it was nice. We made it to the second waterfall, and it was beautiful. Then we set off for the third waterfall and the trail immediately became almost vertical, rocky, and slippery. “Trail” is probably a kind word for this obstacle course. There were some knotted ropes in seemingly random locations to help with the climb. We did eventually get to the third waterfall, and I see why it is “lost”. It is beautiful and you certainly get your exercise getting to it. The trip back, although physically easer, is far more challenging because going downhill it is very easy to lose your footing and take a serious tumble. Help would be a long way away in the event of a serious accident. After almost four hours of trekking, we did succeed in getting back to our cars, although one or two of our companions had some nicks, cuts, and bruises. What an adventure!
Saludos, Craig