We have had a wonderful time in Boquete but it is time to say goodbye for now to Vic and Nanci and move on to Bocas del Toro.
Daniel the taxi driver arrives at 7:15 am as we pre-arranged. We toss our bags into the bed of his 4-door truck (taxi) and before 7:30 am we are standing in Mamallena Hostel checking in for the Carribe Shuttle to Bocas del Toro. The small bus is parked out front and looks like it might hold 18-20 people. Soon others people are arriving for the shuttle. Most are under 30 years old and are carrying hiking packs; our suitcases look terribly out of place. A small crowd gathers and the driver's assistants begin loading the packs and few suitcases onto the top of the bus. We board and find that the seats are very tight with a very narrow aisle. Because we do not want to put our case containing the camera gear and laptop on the top of the bus I have to put it on the floor and put my feet on top of it - at about seat height. Oh well, it's just a 3 1/2 to 5 hour trip! We have a full bus, 29 people including the driver.
Daniel the taxi driver arrives at 7:15 am as we pre-arranged. We toss our bags into the bed of his 4-door truck (taxi) and before 7:30 am we are standing in Mamallena Hostel checking in for the Carribe Shuttle to Bocas del Toro. The small bus is parked out front and looks like it might hold 18-20 people. Soon others people are arriving for the shuttle. Most are under 30 years old and are carrying hiking packs; our suitcases look terribly out of place. A small crowd gathers and the driver's assistants begin loading the packs and few suitcases onto the top of the bus. We board and find that the seats are very tight with a very narrow aisle. Because we do not want to put our case containing the camera gear and laptop on the top of the bus I have to put it on the floor and put my feet on top of it - at about seat height. Oh well, it's just a 3 1/2 to 5 hour trip! We have a full bus, 29 people including the driver.
The driver heads south toward David then east near Alto Boquete on Route 10. Eventually 10 joins up with 21 and it becomes a better road. We climb through highland ranches, curve around two reservoirs, drive through the Fortuna Forest Preserve, and see a cloud forest. The scenery is beautiful. After 2 1/2 hours on the road the bus pulls into a gas station with a restaurant for a 20 minute break. The amenities are not impressive, but an ice cream bar sounds good. Then we are back on the road for another 1 1/2 hours until we reach the small town of Almirante. The portion of the town we see on our way to the port is quite poor, with ramshackle houses and unkept streets.
The driver's assistants unload the packs and suitcases then 24 of us make our way to the water taxi, the others are transferring to another shuttle headed to Costa Rica. We are amazed as the crew loads all the packs and suitcases and then all of us into a water taxi. The boat appears safe, but we are definitely seated close to each other.
The driver's assistants unload the packs and suitcases then 24 of us make our way to the water taxi, the others are transferring to another shuttle headed to Costa Rica. We are amazed as the crew loads all the packs and suitcases and then all of us into a water taxi. The boat appears safe, but we are definitely seated close to each other.
After about 30 minutes on the water we pull into the dock in Bocas Town. A first impression of the town is that it is similar to Montañita, Ecuador. There are many hostels, restaurants and outdoor adventure shops. A $3 cab ride through town and beyond brings us to Cabana Beach Condo where we have rented Unit #2 for the next four weeks.
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