From Golfito to Panama City

By Nicole

Panama City! The Bridge of the Americas (spanning the Panama Canal) is to the left, and the city skyline is to the right.

Here were are, anchored near the glittery skyscrapers, giant cargo ships and noisy bustle of Panama City. It’s certainly a departure from the remote cruising grounds we found on our way down rom Costa Rica. Without a doubt, Western Panama is an amazing place to cruise—you can day-hop from one secluded anchorage to the next, getting your fill of tropical beaches, lush mountains and warm water. We spent three fantastic weeks poking our way to the big city, and if you were so inclined, you could easily spend twice that. Gorgeous.

While we settle in to city life for a bit, here are a few pictures to give you a little taste of the trip …

Arriving in Panamanian waters! Up goes the courtesy flag.

Wish you were here.

 As you can see, Aaron had no trouble getting back into the swing of cruising after two months at the dock. He spent the better part of two days just chilling and napping between two palm trees.

That’s the anchor chain sitting on the sand in 25’ of turquoise water. Cool!

Bella Star anchored off the sand spit on Isla Carvada.

My fun, new shorts (thanks, Andrea!).

A lone palm tree

The poor dodger and bimini are self-destructing in the sun. I do what I can to ease their suffering
with a few stitches (in between beach walks and snorkel outings, of course).

Hiking the trails at Ensenada Naranjo, mainland Panama … just watch out for cow pies!
The free-range cows roam the hills and take naps on the beach.

Dad, this one’s for you.

Looking down at Bella Star and Ensenada Naranjo—our last stop before rounding Punta Mala (the Bad Point) and entering Bahia de Panama.

 Back at sea level. The beach may look like mud, but its fine, sparkly, dark brown sand (very soft on your toes!)

Vancouver Island-style rocks (minus the starfish, mussels and seaweed—and 42 degree water)

 We wanted to collect water from the falls for a shower, but we couldn’t get close enough with the swell and rocks.

So we settled for a more accessible stream to fill the jugs for our showers.

Three things I love: the Sun Shower, free water and deserted anchorages!

Relaxing at sunset in Ensenada Naranjo after having the Panamanian military escort us in, watch
us anchor (hovering on their jet boat not 15’ away) and then board us. They just wanted to check
our paperwork and have a look around. They approved of our Christmas decorations.

Good morning, sunshine! On the way to Punta Mala.

 Goodnight, sunshine. Rounding Punta Mala.

The tiny, protected anchorage on Isla Bona was the just the ticket after sailing close-hauled in 20 knots of wind and bashing into steep seas all night. Phew. Rusted out remnants of an old manufacturing operation litter the beach …

We heard there were wild bananas on Isla Bona, but (drat!) someone beat us to them.

Nothing classes up an arm shot like a machete strapped to your back.

More on Panama City to come, including a visit to the Panama Canal and a reunion with s/v Knee Deep!