Rifiki lodge was amazing. Toucans in the wild, monkeys, parrots, snakes incredible jungle trees and vines. All of that topped off with some horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Oh did I mention the world’s fastest waterslide, yup. I’m not sure it was engineered to be, but lack of engineering and the lack of a litigious society like in the USA, resulted in a waterslide that will downright scare you.. Lots of fun! The whole place is powered by hydro electric from a stream, super cool..! We stayed in room that was a South African made tent, like a giant version of our roof top tent on the truck.
Next we crossed the border to Panama. We heard this border was a bit crazy. It lived up to its reputation. Dirty, nasty looking dogs, lots of confusion and a few bribes later and we were in Panama. So far Panama has been excellent. We started in Boquete a mountain volcano city of Coffee plantations, the weather was cool and the area was very clean and nice. I think we will come back here one day, it was hard not to love it.
Heading further down the coast we stopped at two beach camps and enjoyed fabulous beaches wide and clean with luke warm Pacific Ocean water. The roads were in the best of condition compared to the other countries we’ve visited; eventually we made it to Panama City. Panama City is big and busy with lots of high rises, doesn’t seem like Central America. There is a lot of leftover history here related to the locks and US military presence. We have a local guide showing us the city and locks and assisting in the customs, police and shipping process to get our trucks home. The process has been difficult and we are concerned well run out of time before our flight this coming Sunday., basically if we can’t get all the paperwork and approvals done they customs dept will not allow me to leave because my passport has a stamp showing my vehicle is here. I must have a second stamp releasing me that guarantees my vehicle is on a ship. It’s all a bit complex and most of all a real hassle. But this is the part that makes most people not do these types of trips, so well push thru it. I’m hoping to drive to the Darien Gap Friday and Saturday, but it will depend on how the process with exportation goes.
We are missing everyone, we can’t say though we are ready to come home. We are more ready to drive around the world! It’s an incredible planet we were given.
J y S
Hey guys,
It was good to get back on the blog and to read about your further adventures – to say the least. We are back home now, and are looking forward to your safe return. Nice of you to miss us, but now that it’s coming to an end, all and all, it went fast!! lol NOT!!!!! Love ya
Cold Beer & Martini’s waiting for bro.
Can you say Pizza..yes you can!
As David and Jonathan were true friends, I look forward to renew our bond of friendship
Hey James! Great trip, enjoying the blog!
Sounds like your writing is improving and we are getting the feeling that this may have been your plan all along. Get home its my turn.