Day 68 – Monday, September 2, 2013

We started the day in David, Panama. We had some errands to do before our long trip homeward. We topped off our tanks with propane. Refilling stations are much harder to find in Central America. Most of their propane appears to be delivered by truck from central depots and not available at gas stations. Julie notes “Apparently Brad’s off gasses do not keep the fridge running so I am glad the tanks are full and a big thank you to Brad and his propane station friend for making that happen. I know some sweat and gas was involved.”

We also replaced our two RV house batteries at Casa de Batterias. I was able to find heavy duty Trojan 6V batteries similar to what we had, actually better than what we had. We were then on the road to Costa Rica and another border crossing. This border crossing was much smoother and quicker than what we experienced going the other way. That was a nice surprise. Julie notes “If you want to see Brad excited just bring out your forno oven or your mega deep cycle batteries. He literally gets the giggles. Merry Christmas honey!”

We suggested to our guide that we find a spot along the beautiful Pacific coast we were following instead of a parking lot. After a few miles we found a beautiful beach where we could camp. Ahhh, it is a wonderful spot. I had a swim in the warm ocean. As we picked up shells and rocks along the beach, we were both reminded of Julie’s mom, Vera. She was a rock and shell collector extraordinaire. It is hard to believe it has been a month to the day since Vera’s death. Julie notes “I bent over to pick up my first interesting rock and went into a sentimental crying spell. Took a little time out in the camper and then went and enjoyed the beauty of the place as mom and dad would have (if it was in Canada.) Miss you!”

We had some delicious leftover paella, roast chicken, and a tomato and cheese salad. We both feel great finding this spot and just being able to relax on the beach. We opened a bottle of wine and had our supper inside listening to the evening rain. Nice, Nice, Nice! Julie notes “You’re probably thinking the same as me…’Didn’t Brad take Julie on another holiday where it rained every day?’ The answer is ‘Yes.” But who is really keeping track of these things, right?”

Even if the homes may not be to our North American standards, the plants in the tropics are amazing.

We just missed a picture of this guy holding onto the back of the truck going up a hill. If he was in a race he may be disqualified for that manoeuvre.

Julie and I tried a little Chinese food restaurant on our lunch break. The food was the Latin version of Chinese food not the Canadian version of Chinese food. J Neither of which are probably very authentic. It was very good though. Julie notes “And we toasted with our coca lights to a smooth border crossing. Good bye Panama. Hello Costa Rica.”

Palm trees on a plantation. The palm oil is harvested mainly for various cosmetic products. Julie notes “Rumour, or maybe even fact, has it that the oils are carcinogenic and only sold now to countries outside the North Americas and Europe. Someone should tell the other places that this stuff is not good for them. But the trees are pleasant looking and supposedly there are monkeys in those hills.”

Our beachside campground. This is what I think of when we talk about Costa Rica! Julie notes “I should’ve taken video of Brad trying to manoeuver around the rocks and the waves to finally submerge, but the camera was on the last ounce of battery power. You will have to just imagine it and also imagine the realization after he makes it back out that and there is a nice smooth beach just a few yards down the shoreline. Oh well. It was good amusement for me and that is what really matters right?”

Julie notes “Those clouds you see held off long enough for us to have some lovely beach time and then became another amazing rainforest meets ocean thunder storm. We ask ourselves again ‘How can the thunder and lightning always be directly over us? There may be some bible scholars out there who have the answer to that.”

…over and out for today, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Itunes and I got along very well today. My favourites, out of many a propos selections it chose to play today, were songs from one of my first cassettes way back in the day, An Evening with John Denver. I just recently purchased the album from Itunes for Mom’s funeral as she was a big John Denver fan as well. Now we won’t go into the details of how MY cassette fell into the hands of my sister, Krista. I am not one to hold grudges, for long anyway. It was probably pay back for Brad stealing her jeans. More family dirty laundry we don’t need to air here. But anyway, back to the songs…I opened the door of the already running truck this morning just as John was singing ‘Welcome to my morning’ and it did feel like an old friend welcoming me as I had listened to that cassette (before it was ‘borrowed’ right Krista?) innumerable times. Then this afternoon as we continued our backwards trek John’s ‘Sweet Surrender’ talked a lot about being on the highway, ‘Not knowing where we’re going, not knowing where we’ve been’. Which is kind of how we feel and he made it seem like a good thing. So thanks John wherever you are. I hope you are sitting around a campfire with my Mom and Dad serenading them with their favourites.”

Day 67 – Sunday, September 1, 2013

Today was a very disappointing day for us and I think it will be a let-down for our loyal blog followers. We are sorry to tell you that after a week or more of negotiations and research that we will be unable to continue on to South America. We are the only paying customer on the “Trek of the Americas”. Shipping costs to and from South America are extremely high and the terms from the tour guide that would allow us to continue on to South America were unacceptable to us. We have reached an agreement with our tour guide to return to the US over the next 30 days. We will follow a different route through Central America and Mexico visiting different locales and sites. However, we are very disappointed that it is not the trip we planned.

I can’t emphasize enough how extremely proud of Julie I am, especially her strength and determination. She really amazes me every day and all of you, her friends, know what I am talking about. I am truly one lucky guy. And, did I mention the luxury Mediterranean and Trans-Atlantic cruise I surprised her with 6 years ago. I know I have mentioned that to her quite often lately. J

In any event, it is still an adventure, just not one we had planned. Julie notes “Well I had plans to wallow in my own misery but he has stymied that plan with his highfalutin praise now hasn’t he? It has been 6 months of loss and now this disappointment and I did not accept this change of plans in quite the good grace he is suggesting. But the alternative of moving forward on our quest at this time would have meant sending out a plea for funds to our loyal bloggees and let’s face it, we know all of your money has gone to TV evangelists in hopes of being saved. So backwards we go. Brad was a tiger getting an agreement struck. His many years of contract negotiating came in handy and was surprising to our guide and we are hopeful that the agreement will be honoured. We have lots more to say on that subject but will see what transpires. And we aren’t saying never to the final destination but we are now much wiser if we do proceed in the future. One thing we will do whether we go to South America or not is to learn Spanish more gooder just like you’all seen our English is. For instance today I asked Brad to interpret the road sign Playo de Sol and he figured it meant it meant ‘Sun of a beach’. Close…but other drivers were looking at him funny when he was shaking a fist and yelling Playo de Sol after them as they cut him off.”

Today we travelled back on the Pan-American highway to David. We are once again back in the Price Smart parking lot, er, I mean campground. Julie notes “Actually now being a connoisseur of sorts of camping in parking lots, this one ranks higher than most. Mostly frogs and cricket noise once the store shuts down. And not one mango has fallen on the roof. Brad had to go buy a mango from a road side stand.”

Before leaving Panama City though I captured this picture of a pristine original Volkswagen beetle for Uncle Herb. He is and old Volkswagen aficionado and may be able to tell me what year this one happens to be?

Also, prior to leaving Panama, we counted 18 cats outside our camper. Not too bad in daylight but I must say it is a little freaky at night to step out and see this pack. Julie notes “I’m thinking given the current change of events, a couple of them may have been black cats crossing our path.”

We crossed back over the Bridge of the Americas on our northbound journey. Julie notes “Déjà vu all over again.”

Which house is mine? Julie notes “One of the envious things about Central America is the wonderful variety of colours most of the buildings are painted. Not the beige world we live in, for the most part. I am not sure what this subdivision was but I hope it’s not a sign of their future .”

Somebody went to a lot of work on this hillside.

We were able to give away some of our baby clothes and blankets to a couple of very appreciative mothers at our lunch stop.

Rhythm and drum music from a group of young musicians flooded out from this church while we ate our lunch.

This guy slept through it on his hammock next door while his horse grazed outside.

A northbound view on the Pan-American highway.

…over and out for today, the muleskinner and his amazing sidekick

Julie notes “I hope you’ll all continue on this adventure with us as we shove some regrets in our back pocket and pack up our troubles in our old kit bag and drive, drive, drive…. And for Quent who was humming this the other day (and for us after this trip is tallied) ‘I’m a man of means by no means, bump, bump, king of the road’. And that’s the truth. See you all at the next camp ground er parking lot, um parking camp, camping lot, grounding park…”

Day 66 – Saturday, August 31, 2013

Today is the last day of August. It’s hard to believe we left Grande Prairie eight and a half weeks ago.

We were up early, made fresh coffee, and took our lawn chairs over to the banks of the canal. We spent a few hours just enjoying the morning and our coffee. Julie notes “With no jets or air brakes to try to ignore we were roused fairly early by the beginnings of the work day for nearby construction workers. People came in bits and spurts all morning and we gave up trying to figure out what their scheduled start time might have been. A boisterous and jovial crew they were though considering it was already almost 30 C on an early Saturday morning.”

We took a long walk along the causeway to the end where most of the developments and restaurants are located. It is an active area, especially on a Saturday, with bikers, joggers, families, and fisherman. We ended up having some drinks and food at one of the outdoor restaurants. We then made the 3 km walk back in the heat of the day. Julie notes “Okay so I thought my flip flop between the toe callus had been sufficiently built up over these past many weeks. You know the one I mean. This 6 kms today proved that I was sorely mistaken. Sorely being the operative word. Sorry about that tootsies.”

An empty ship exiting the canal.

Canal, coffee, and contemplation. Julie notes “I bet he is thinking ‘How did I manage to land such a wonderful wife? It makes me smile just thinking of her. I am the luckiest guy to be stuck in Panama with her!’ He does go on and on like that sometimes but it’s hard to argue the truth eh?”

Another iguana came by to visit.

My iguana impression even includes the correct colour.

The pedestrian walkway past the new museum following the banks of the causeway.

A loaded freighter exiting the canal.

Julie’s refreshing sangria after a long walk with our ever present English/Spanish dictionary. Julie notes “Tools of the trade. And the more sangria I drink the better (I think) my Spanish gets. I should maybe just carry around a drink in my purse instead of the dictionary.”

And finally, a shot of our new side street campsite. Julie notes “There is that iguana impersonator again!”

…over and out for today, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Ah me aching flip flop feet. Rookie mistake.”

Day 65 – Friday, August 30, 2013

We met with our tour operator this morning over breakfast and discussed some of the issues we’re facing and possible options. We have not yet reached an agreement on the next leg of the journey and will be in Panama a few more days at least.

We spent the day puttering around and visiting the Albrook mall once again. Julie notes “Still haven’t caught the mall fever, but many others had. It was a busy Friday afternoon and we soaked up some A/C while we people watched. We would’ve taken in another movie but the pickin’s were slim. Pretty sad summer for movies, dubbed or subtitled.” We had a late lunch at TGI Friday’s and then made are way back to the campsite for a siesta.

Our guide scouted out a new location for us to move. It is on a side street on the causeway near the new Gerhy Museum. The causeway is about a block wide with the bay of Panama and the city skyline one side and the Panama Canal and Pacific ocean on the other. The Bridge of the Americas is nearby and also the Balboa yacht club. Much more scenic for us and has a constant breeze which makes it much more comfortable in the heat and humidity. We were able to sit out in our lawn chairs and watch the sunset over the bridge. Julie notes “The new spot, in front of the former US military officer club, comes with 18 cats or more so we did hear some Toms as we were going to bed. But that is my only noise violation, besides another amazing middle of the night thunderstorm, to report. The question ‘Why oh why did we stay in a hot, noisy fire hall parking for 7 days has been batted around in. We don’t have the answer to that, other than it made for good blog entries.” We tried out another new restaurant with great food and live music on their outdoor patio. It was good to move to this new location.

The Bridge of the Americas at sunset.

Enjoying the Bridge of the Americas at sunset.

My dinner of a filete of corvina (local fish), roast potatoes and a really good citrus reduction.

Julie’s seafood salad.

That’s all for today folks, carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Day 64 – Thursday, August 29, 2013

We were very sad today to have to leave the luxury of the Trump Hotel in Panama and head back to our camper. We had another great breakfast in the hotel this morning and then relaxed until our noon checkout. We took it easy all afternoon once back at the camper so not much to report today. We are getting anxious to get on the road again but have hit some snags in our travel plans that we are trying to resolve. Julie notes “We did walk to a different restaurant for supper, The Grand Canal Café. The food was great. The servers all wore Panama hats. We were a little worried as we were the only customers at first. But being the trendsetters that we are, people followed suit and the place started filling up.

This is our sadness showing leaving the Trump. Julie notes “Good bye bathtub! Remember to Facebook me.”

That’s all for today folks, carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “We were greeted back at the Estacion de Bomberos with a chorus of car alarms as there were several cars parked close to the ship yard transport route that were particularly sensitive to the transport air brakes. Music to our ears. And while Brad was off getting more gas for the generator I was interrupted during my siesta by a loud crash on our roof. Being in a military zone my first assumption was we were under attack or the bomberos were subtly hinting we should move on. After a quick outside inspection I realized we were under a mango tree. So now we have some fruit stored roof top for later. Bonus!”

Day 63 – Wednesday, August 28, 2013

We spent the whole day relaxing at the Trump, mostly around the outdoor pools. We started the day off with the buffet breakfast, complete with omelet and waffle stations, and freshly squeezed orange juice. It was then on to the outdoor pool area with all of our electronics. We surfed the net, blogged, ate and drank; met some interesting people and I had a swim or two. Julie notes “Ahhhhhhh… I discovered a new delicious drink called a kiwi caipirinha. I am not the only one who likes it as it is Brazil’s national drink. While we sat there a room full of conventioneers came out to get their picture taken wearing their souvenir Panama hats. Trivia question time: the Panama hat was made famous by Pres. Roosevelt but what country actually is responsible for the hat and is still the main manufacturer to this day? Winner gets a tip of the Panama hat from us!”

We were able to have a great Skype session with our daughter-in-law, Alison, and granddaughter, Melodie. Melodie has really changed in the last 6 weeks or so. She is amazing! Julie notes “And that is a fact, not just the proud grandparents bragging .”

We then visited the tapas restaurant in the hotel for an easy but delicious dinner. All in all, it was a relaxing lazy day. Julie notes “Plus another soak in the best tub ever. Aaaaahhh…”

A military helicopter flying low past the Trump to check on us.

Relaxing in one of the infinity pools with some kind of fire happening near the international airport. We’re not really sure what was happening.

And, our leftover lunch to go.

…that’s all folks, carry on, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Back to our real world tomorrow. This was a great escape as we ‘pretended to be rich’ as one of our hotel acquaintances claimed they were doing as well. The place was lovely, the staff wonderful, the outgoing Spanish gal that came to turn down our room handed us a little handwritten note to explain that she was there to ‘milk’ our bed. She did leave milk chocolates on the pillow so perhaps that is what they call it here. One thing we concluded in the elevators and poolside was that it must be ‘bring your niece to the Trump’ week as there seemed to be an unusual number of men of a certain age accompanied by young women. That was the only explanation we could come up with. Wink wink”

Day 62 – Tuesday, August 27, 2013

We started the day out in the parking lot at the Estacion de Bomberos with fresh El Salvadorian coffee, yogurt and strawberries. Julie notes “We laid in until 8 o’clock this morning or in Estacion de Bomberos time that is ‘quarter after 3 low flying jets plus 4 car alarms and half past 5 exceptional transport engine brakes, multiple taxi horn honks and several overhead fire station announcements’.

I then booked us into the five star Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower for 2 nights of pampered living. Watch for Happy Julie in the following pictures. J Julie notes “Ahhhhh.” We also booked a Panama City tour. Our driver picked us up at 1:00 PM for the 2.5 hour tour. We first visited Mi Pueblito, a recreated Spanish village. It was then on to old historic Panama (Casco Viejo also known as San Felipe) to tour an area that is undergoing a significant rehabilitation. Many of the buildings have been restored and many are currently undergoing renovations. Julie notes “Again our camera trigger fingers were itchy and we took about 150 pictures. Brad had the difficult job of sifting through them to give you a sampling.”

After the tour, the driver dropped us off at the Trump. He recommended the local restaurant, Jimmy’s, for their seafood. After relaxing around the pool with drinks and avocado “fries” with a delicious dip we headed over to Jimmy’s for dinner. We topped the evening off in the Trump lounge with a cheese plate for dessert.

Mi Pueblito courtyard

An original piece of the old stone fortress wall built to protect Panama from attack.

A little graffiti with a message.

They take a very creative approach to recycling old tires all through Central America.

From our balcony on the 20^th floor of the 70 story Trump Hotel. Julie notes “This is my happy face for sure!”

Two bloody Mary’s around the pool with avocado fries. Oh yeah baby! Good stuff.

Infinity pool time. One of 5 pools on the 14^th floor terrace. Julie notes “Ahhhh! He’s being swept overboard. I’ll save you. Just let me get your picture first.”

Jimmy’s tinto vino media. (half bottle of red wine)

My grilled garlic octopus. Delicious. Julie notes “My dad Jimmy wouldn’t not have likely ordered this world renowned specialty but he would’ve been missing out. Mmmmm yummy.”

Julie’s butter lobster – 3 half lobsters in one order.

And last but not least, HAPPY Julie! A REAL BATHTUB! Julie notes “This is actually where I slept. Best bath I can remember! Thanks Brad and Donald!”

…over and out from the Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Aunt Lynne and Uncle Herb commented that traveling the Panama Canal was on their bucket list and were happy to travel it virtually with us. We thank you for being our travel mentors. We often say in sticky situations ‘What would Herb do? Love you guys! Now my bucket list wasn’t as worldly and after many weeks on the road I added a glorious soak in a 5 star Trump Hotel tub to my bucket list. Mission accomplished. Brad you are NOT fired!”

Day 61 – Monday, August 26, 2013

Today was a scheduled and much needed laundry day. We had already scouted out the Laundromat on our walk yesterday. We first had our coffee with yogurt and fresh strawberries for breakfast. Then it was off to the Laundromat in a cab with our bags of dirty laundry. It was a small place with only a few machines so it took us until about 2:00 PM to get everything finished and dry. It was then off to Niko’s for lunch where we ordered in broken Spanish and charades and actually got what we wanted!

I practiced my Espanol with my two new amigos from the Dominican while they practiced their English.

Julie, meanwhile, followed along from inside the Laundromat with her English/Spanish dictionary. Julie notes “I was really starting to get hooked on the soaps that were playing on the TV. The laundry was actually done an hour earlier but don’t tell Brad.”

There was a constant parade of aero/naval personnel up and down the street between all of the official buildings in the canal area. Julie notes “I am thinking if there is ever a ‘who has the best looking, fittest armed forces’ war, Panama is definitely in the running. A fine representation of their young women and men, smartly dressed, friendly, walking with a purpose, it was a pleasure to observe.”

…not too much else to report on today, take care all, the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “I guess Brad is too modest to mention the near riot he caused at the Estacion de Bamberos this morning by sitting shirtless outside. So that the distracted women and jealous men could carry on with their work, the shift captain asked Brad to put his shirt on. Luckily we got the heads up before I joined him shirtless!”

Day 60 – Sunday, August 25, 2013

Today started out with breakfast at the local restaurant, Niko’s, and then a walk around the old Balboa neighbourhood. We then hopped in a cab and went to the old Panama centro area. It is mostly for locals and is filled with discount stores, many of which were closed on Sunday. We were warned a few times not to venture off the main street onto a side street or into the old town square. Those were considered “red” zones meaning they were too dangerous for tourists. After a visit to the old Panama centro area we headed to the Albrook Mall. A very trendy large upscale mall filled with name brand stores. It is on the same scale as West Edmonton mall. Julie notes “Yes, this is probably more mall visits this past 2 months than in my total lifetime. Still not a fan, but there was A/C.”

A couple of kids checking out the bags of garlic at one of the stands in old Panama.

Pigeons on an old building. A nearby vendor sells bags of corn kernels for feed.

A side street we were warned not to enter.

…and the nearby square with the same warning.

It was then on to the new mall where we were attacked by King Kong! Julie notes “No one warned us about this red zone. The family that took our picture had a good chuckle anyway.”

Julie spied the display of hanging butterflies that always remind her of her mom. Vera was forever making paper butterfly decorations for anyone who wanted them, as one of her many crafts. Julie notes “Love you Mom. Quent does this remind you of your wooden butterfly story?”

There is a paper butterfly prize for the first person who correctly identifies the movie. Julie notes “Dumb and Dumber is NOT the correct answer, but maybe should be.”

We then headed to TGI Fridays for lunch. A cold Heineken and a bloody mary were called for after a tough day of shopping. Julie notes “That is NOT a halo around Brad’s head. He’s no angel although he does drink beer ‘religiously’.”

Julie notes “And I was kissing the sacred celery stick. This was a very yummy drink on a hot day.”

We spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing around the RV and then headed off for supper with our guide and his traveling partner. We first went to “Mi Pueblito” in Panama in a torrential downpour to find a restaurant for dinner but they were closed on Sundays. Our young cab driver played loud reggae Christiano music and sang along while driving like Mario Andretti. Our first clue should have been the full driver’s side damage to his cab. It was an experience we will not soon forget. Julie notes “I too was praising the Lord when we climbed out the cab, white knuckled but in once piece. He zoomed around corners in on coming lanes, in and out of traffic, through tunnels and traffic circles, the windshield wipers barely keeping up with the rain, thunder crashing and lightening flashing, phone in one hand, rapping praises to God and driving like a bat out of hell. This was really the first time I could identify with the Carrie Underwood song ‘Jesus take the wheel’ and her lesser known song ‘l almost peed my pants.’ My fingerprints will be hard to lift from the armrest I was clinging to. Don’t tell my Mom and Dad about that one, okay?”

The singing cabby recommended an Italian restaurant in downtown Panama called Napoli, between songs. It was a family style Italian restaurant. The food was good and it seemed like a popular place.

…over and out the muleskinner and his sidekick

Julie notes “Well you’re probably wondering if anything exciting, besides the usual loud and crazy goings on, happened in our little Estacion de Bamberos camping lot today. Well, the street we look out on suddenly filled with cars, many police and a couple flatbed trucks. Cars were being pulled over, vehicle papers checked and if you weren’t compliant your vehicle was being hauled away on the flatbed. We saw at least one date ending badly as the car was loaded and the boy pleaded and the gal, after trying her hand at pleading, stomped off angry. Moral of the story, having a car is nice but check your boyfriend’s vehicle papers before heading off on a date.”

Day 59 – Saturday, August 24, 2013

We booked a Panama Canal Transit Tour for today through our guides travel agent contact in Panama. The canal transit tour only runs on Saturdays. A driver picked us up at our “campsite” at 7:30 AM and drove us to the marina. After getting our tickets we boarded a bus for Gamboa. We boarded our tour boat and began the trip back towards the Pacific Ocean and Panama. We arrived back at the marina around 3:00 PM to our awaiting driver and Lincoln. We felt like important people with a car service waiting right at the top of the gang plank for us. J All the other tour members were waiting to board buses or hailing cabs as we got into our air conditioned limo. Julie notes “There was also an impressive entourage of armed policemen on motorcycles, all decked out in black uniforms and mandatory machine guns. We thought they were there to escort us back to our parking lot, but there must’ve been other more important celebrities arriving after us, or our decoys, as they just let us pass on by without even a nod.”

The pictures below tell the tale of our Panama Canal excursion. Julie notes “There was an excellent guide on the ship telling us the tale of the Panama Canal during the excursion.”

Panama skyline from our bus at the beginning of our trek out to Gamboa.

Some of the inner city of Panama. Maybe not so affluent after all. Julie notes “Trust me folks, those blue jeans are never going to dry in this rain forest.”

Our tour boat.

We started off with coffees on the tour. There is no such thing as a grande here. The Panamanians would faint if they ever saw a Tim Horton’s extra-large. Haha. The tour provided us a small snack for breakfast and a nice buffet lunch. Julie notes “Barb if you are reading this, this does NOT count as a ‘nice’ restaurant.”

Meeting our first freighter on the canal.

Important tour members with the Centennial Bridge in the background. The bridge opened in 2004 and is the 2^nd permanent crossing of the canal. Julie notes “We look happy there. Little did we know that it is tradition to kiss while passing under that upcoming bridge. Ewwww”

Entering our first lift lock of the trip. One of 3 locks we will go through lowering us 85′ in total from interior Panama Canal freshwater level to sea level.

We had to wait in the lock for this freighter to join us. The freighters are guided on both sides by electric trains attached to the ships with winches and cables. Julie notes “Possible historical fact (keep in mind I can never really remember any of this stuff but love hearing and reading about it.) These are called mules, named for the fact that actual mules were used years ago on the Erie Canal. Also, as I understand it, the locks work using magical water powers. Probably some kind of deal was struck with King Neptune. It’s the only plausible explanation.”

Preparing to exit the first lift lock.

Crane #1

Crane #2

In lift lock #2 with lock #3 right ahead of us.

Our freighter friend joined us again in the locks.

The Bridge of the Americas that we crossed in our RV the previous day.

The let us across the bridge! And under it!

Nearing the end of our tour Julie realized we would be heading back the Estacion de Bomberos’ parking lot in Balboa and was tempted to jump ship. Julie notes “Okay since he brought it up again… Who would’ve thought that in the frame of mind I was in yesterday, being stuck in yet another parking lot, with the aforementioned bonus items, that there would be fireworks happening later on? Oh ya! In the middle of the night, having finally accepted the fact that the humidity was not going to dip below 80% and the fire hall was blocking any breeze we might have had, lying very still so as not to break a sweat, trying to tune out the bomberos’ jocularity as they stepped out to get some air, revelers noisily leaving the community centre right at our back door, hoping they would not back into our rig parked very closely to them and a restless sticky slumber was upon us, all of sudden it happens just like in the movies, Brad and I look at each other and…CRACK, BANG, BOOM, whistlewhistlewhistle,splatterspatter… someone began setting fireworks off right beside us. (The splatter, splatter was stuff from the fireworks hitting our roof.) The only thing missing was the crowd yelling ‘ohhhhh, ahhhhh’. This went on in random spurts (pun intended) for an hour or so. (Yes please feel free to wisecrack about the length of time.) This happens right outside the fire station no less. And someone tied balloons to our bumper Honestly, who could make this stuff up?”

The Biodiversity Museum: Panama Bridge of Life designed by the Canadian born architect, Frank Gehry with the city of Panama skyline in the background.

Ships waiting in the Pacific to transit the canal. The average cost per ship to transit the canal is $85,000 US and it must be wired to the Canal Authority in cash 48 hours prior to entering.

We ended the day back at the RV and each had a much needed shower. Someone had the camera plus the water was cold! Julie notes “He mentions the cold water in case that shower curtain falls down and there is some shrinkage to explain. He doesn’t want another George Costanza incident. And yes I showered in the estacion de bombaros’ parking lot in the middle of the afternoon and yes it felt amazing!”

…over and out, the muleskinner and his sidekick