MOUSE-OVER PHOTOS
			Entering into pueblo of Bisira, Comarca Kankintu.  When the rio is low (as it was on  this day) we must walk about 1Km to reach this neat little pueblo.  3 days later when we returned to pick up this exploring party, we actually passed the pueblo on the rio, as it was more than 1 m higher water!
			In this Nov '98 trip the Snyder Banana Canal was almost tunnel-like in some of its stretches.  7 Km from Rio Changuinola to Boca del Drago, gravity flowing waters from Rio Changuinola provided the barges ladened with bananas the propulsion needed.  In some areas, this canal is barely 200 m from the sea waters of the often rough Caribbean.
			On this our second exploratory trip up the Rio Manati, we spent a great deal of time with the local inhabitants, to learn their ways, obtain their permission and to solicit their participation for our tours into their areas.  Ramon Sanchez, the elder of this small group was our local coordinator, and he introduced his grandson to us - the initial visit of "outsiders" or us Gringos to this group.
			Alongside this initial group some 5 Km up Rio Manati from Laguna Chiriqui, Alberto is the master craftsman of cayucos in the area.  His lovely wife Sefarina assists, as well as tending other wifely duties and caring for their 2 children of 4 and 6 years.   The quality of workmanship was quite evident; but, was even more surprising given the simple tool in his hands that is his primary means of hewing this 7 m craft in about 5 days!
			This Bisira photo was taken 3 days after our initial trip with the rafting explorers.   The waters had risen more than 1 m, and were flowing swiftly.  Of little concern, these youngsters happily played in the swift waters and showed off to us.
	As we are primarily focusing on the Indigenous experience, we don't offer SCUBA as part of our tours (except private charters).  The waters of both oceans lapping at Panama's shores are teaming with unique experiences.  Snorkeling is an excellent option in the Bocas area, with  numerous unique locales.  We do offer this as a part of our tours originating out of Bocas del Toro, for those interested.
	This lone casa along el Rio Guariviara shows some of the settler characteristics of the inhabitants along these jungle rivers.  Raised about potential high waters and of course the various critters that prowl the grounds, keep the inhabitants dry and secure.  Small cayucos are as common as are bicycles in many other areas and countries in the World.
	A vacation time in Panama trip for our family members here showed them some of the many sights and sounds of Bocas we have come to love and enjoy so much.  It was their first visit to this area, just so close; and, yet, so far.  The Bocas Marina is as good as any modern marina in the US or Mexico.
	Dressed in their finest for the Xmas event we held for them; the kids all wanted their picture taken with Yari and her "La Panga Grande".  Born and raised Panamanian, they call Yari "La Gringa de la Panga Grande" arising from her attitudes they see, as being more Worldly than what they have experienced locally.