The Hike that almost wasn't....or shouldn't have been?

              I, Dan, last posted on a grand hike that I was going to take the four of us on- the Pipeline trail. It was suppose to be one of the easiest and best hike in Boquete. The owner of the gym we go to work out even commented on how great it was and it is her favorite hike- the whole family was excited and were going on the hike! We all were dropped off at the designated drop off point so we could carpool up the start of the fun, easy hike; there was about 12 people including us who wanted to participate in this particular hike The bajareque that developed while we waited should have been a foreshadowing of what was to come! Bajareque is the fine rain that feels like a light breeze and is a word which is, from what I have heard, has its origin in Boquete.
             Did you catch the word 'suppose'? As we ventured up in the caravan of 3 vehicles, with the hike leader in the front and us in the middle, the driver commented- "I know we haven't been on the pipeline hike in 3 months, but I don't think this is the way there?" We finally stopped in Palo Alto, Boquete- after we drove up steep, wavy inclines just below the Boquete Tree Trek mountain resort where they have ziplining for the start of our hike. The leader of the hike admitted that he had a senior moment and did get lost and were going to do a different hike. After the news two ladies said they have already done this hike, were looking forward to the pipeline hike and were going to hike back down and catch a taxi back to town.

The start of our hike! All up hill and wet!

Notice the steep terrain.

        We stopped at the office for those who needed to use the washroom before our hike. The leader then said the hike was all up hill! Just like we hiked to get to the offices of the Boquete Tree Trek!

Ian pacing, wondering 'I am not sure about this hike?!'

We then hesitantly started the incline hike when we were stopped by an employee who pointed to the sign in Spanish and English that we not 'authorized' beyond the point we crossed. I wanted to give her a big hug!

After much discussion on what to do next, we four joined a group that decided to hike back down and take a taxi as well. It sounded great, and was great for 10 minutes when Ahna informed us that she had to use the bathroom and many unsuccessful attempts, was not willing to go to the bathroom anywhere but a bathroom. 

We were not sure how long the hike was down the mountain and where the nearest facility was and where to catch a taxi back home.... We were so glad when a people transporter from the Boquete Tree Trek stopped and asked if we needed a ride back to downtown Boquete. I wonder if the driver sensed our need and went through the same thing I did. Or, picked up many gringos like us.

All in all, it was a very picturesque hike, but one not to be repeated. The next day Shelley was in pain from the downhill hiking. 

       I hope, someday, the whole family will accompany me on a hike again in Panama.

Caldera Hike

I (Dan) have joined a group that hikes throughout Boquete, Panama- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The Caldera hike was the second hike I was able to attend with them- and I am proud and overjoyed that Ian went with me. Ahna wanted to but, not knowing the hike, and not knowing how she would do, had to say 'no'.  We met at a Ferretería and carpooled 30 minutes to the starting point of the hike. I talked Ian into going on the hike because we were going to pass a gigantic mango tree that we can collect mangoes to take them home with us and we were going to go to a swimming beach, and a natural hot springs. So the email said.

The start of our hike

The first bridge we crossed.

The view from the bridge

We passed over three bridges and passed through four gates.

Did we cross this bridge? No.........

Got close to many horses and cows. 

Yes, she is wearing a McDonalds uniform

Experienced what a torrential down pour does to dirt paths.

And saw petroglyphs 

It was a great hike, we got to see more of the true Panama- but there wasn't really a swimming beach- by American standards.

"Is this what you called a beach, Dad?!"

The mangoes were not ripe yet and the hot springs???

It looked nice, but nobody went in- not even the dogs.

So... being a good dad to a great son and Shelley away getting a massage... I did what any dad would do to make their son happy. And yes, I let someone bigger then me go first. And then I went before Ian.

I can't wait for the next hike- we are hiking the Pipeline Trail- and I think the whole family will be going on Friday. Even Ahna. 

Búsqueda del Tesoro

Salir de nuestra zona de confort. Which means, getting out of our comfort zone. We four Seavey took the bus to go to Downtown Boquete to practice our limited Spanish and to buy some items. It is best to prepare yourself before you leave the house so you know what you are looking for in Spanish. We knew the basics like huevos, naranjas, manzanas, and jugo de naranja. But, we did not know how to ask for a chess set. We went to 5 tiendas speaking spanglish and doing some creative pantomimes to get across what we needed. We made it to one tienda where the owner was somewhat bilingual and know what a chess set was (juego de ajedrez), and unfortunately did not have one. We did find a few shops that had some, but also found out that there is a toy store in David that may have more selections and better price. A scavenger hunt or búsqueda del tesoro is a great way to learn your Spanish. I also found out that Shelley and the kids grasp Spanish a lot better then I. Our last venture was to Romeros, which is the local grocery store. And yes, we did buy huevos, naranjas, manzanas, jugo de naranja, and cebollas. 
Usually after we venture out of our comfort zone, we are exhausted and need a siesta.

We did stop before we went to Los Establos Plaza for ice cream for the kids and ice coffee for me and my esposa.

We can't wait for our next adventure..... Which is tomorrow when we go back to BCP for the Tuesday Morning Market at BCP, bank, more shopping, meet with the directors of Center for Teacher Development to get the materials for our TESOL class that starts next Monday. 

Ian's First Painting Lesson

Boquete is a great place to find people with many different talents. It is a haven for people from around the world to retire and who have much experience. Carol has a friend named Sally who has lived in Boquete for six years and she is a painter- oil, acrylic, and watercolor. What she chooses to paint depends on what season it is. During the dry season she will primarily use oil, in between dry and raining she will primarily use watercolor and in the raining season when there is a lot of moisture in the air she will do primarily acrylic.

Sally helping Ian preparing his paper

Sally's dogs and Ian's  models.

Artist at work.

Ian's painting after the first lesson.

      Because of the moisture in the air, Ian needed to be careful how much water he used with water coloring and had to use a hair dryer during the different stages. His next lesson is next Saturday and I can't wait to what happens next.

Palmira Arriba Hike

I (Dan) have discovered a great Boquete blog site for expats from around the globe to find shared interests.  Boquete is known for its great folage and mountain hillsides. Boquete is compared to Fort Collins with the elevation. One group that I became a member from the Boquete blog is a hiking group. Friday morning I met a group and went for a 3 hour hike- hiked for 1 1/2 hours and then turned back. Most of the hike was on asphalted road, and some on rock and dirt road. I discovered that there are hikes Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I think the Monday hike is in town and not as challenging. I am glad I have been working out on the treadmill for the past week!

There was probably a dozen people on the hike- there was people from Trinidad(and not in Colorado) Switzerland, England, Canada, and even from the Republic of Texas!



 Great views!

Our turn off from asphalt to gravel

On the way back. When we hit the halfway point, I felt  that I need to get my heart rate up and I jogged and went by myself to take more pictures. I think I was the youngest one in the group.

Towards the end when we climbed and climbed more hills I thought next time it is best to keep a steady pace.

You can see the long and winding road

It was a great hike, and I can't wait to see where the hike club goes next! 



Cómo Empezamos el Día

We typically start our day by the adults meeting out on the veranda drinking coffee while Ian and Ahna are still asleep. Then after coffee and a nibble....

Dan gets on the treadmill and exercises for 30 minutes. Today Shelley and Nana walked to Curva Bonita to see about a gym membership.

Ahna has taken over planning and preparing breakfast. Last Ahna and Dan made berry scones. Note to self-when it calls for fresh berries, don't use frozen. Had to make some adjustments, but it still tasted great. Thank you Ahna. When the kids are up and we had breakfast we spend some time with family devotions.

 



 

 

Ian wanted to try the treadmill as well, and seems to enjoy it very much. After his first time on it he said it is just like 'pacing'; which he does when he gets antsy or bored.

Not sure what the rest of the day has in store, but I am sure it will involve a siesta or two!