At the end of the Panama Leg

surfing at Playa Estero at sunset.

Well it is time to move on, i have decided to Fly out to Belize From San Jose, Costa Rica instead of heading south again to Panama City to fly out. This saves time for Ian Who needs to head North any way, and also lets me explore a bit more of Costa Rica (the flights are cheaper also).

Playa Estero

I had a spectacular night, last night, surfing by myself at sunset, my choice of waves, left or right, no other surfer out, a sky on fire, off shore breeze, and a warm embracing sea, a sweet sweet way to leave Santa Catalina. I want more i want to stay there are more people to meet, and more challenging surf breaks i want to conquer.

I tried surfing La Punta in Santa Catalina ( a reef point break) i got a three OK rides, though mostly ate it in a big green lip that proceeded to send me through a spin cycle. I never touched the reef however and getting back out through the waves on the inside wasn't too challenging, all and all a forgiving point break to get your fitness and steal honed on for bigger days or tougher breaks. however not just the surf is addictive, the sheer beauty and accessibility to remote wonders in this land calls you to stay.

The Point on an average day. La Punta, Santa Catalina, Panama.

I don't want to leave, i want to stay in panama, to buy a little house, become a fisherman or some other Romantic notion of a simple life profession. I desire to surf the waves and kayak the islands, climb the trees and journey the rivers of this wonderful land called Panama, it hits a chord some where deep in me, a primordial calling drawing me into its beauty and wildness, all my senses are excited yet also at ease.

I must concede to the reality that I will have to thankfully return again to panama, and see more of what I have not seen and enjoy again some of what I have, this land has earned a spot in my soul and I hope it doesn't change to quickly that it loses the magic that has captured, despite the fact I have seen only a portion of what it has to offer.


Playa Estero
For those of you looking for the gaps in the story so far, I will post it all ASAP now that again I have easy access to the net.

Thanks for your enjoyment J.



Note: thanks to other surfers and tourists for the shots with no watermarks.