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!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.