
Jacaranda Journey


We explored western Panama before leaving for Ecuador

Photo: amble.com

The beach town of Benao is a popular surfing spot; it has been badly deforested.

A fuel supply vessel aka floating fishing lodge

On the deck of the supply vessel aka floating fishing lodge

Large rooster fish that Chuck caught and released

So flat and calm that Chuck could climb the mast to do some maintenance

We bought fruit from Kennedy; our omni-directional wind scoop keeping us cool below and solar shower bag hanging from the rigging

Pineapple, limes, and bananas

Kennedy's sister and her family paid us a visit in the beautiful panga owned by "the rich Italian" on Isla Simca (her husband worked for him)


What we call a "flower pot" island - great snorkeling at the entrance to our anchorage

Jean Pigozzi's James Bond hilltop villa and his yacht, Amazon Express

Pigozzi's yacht, Amazon Express

Deer on the beach every sundown

Linda has been looking for this fish for years and finally saw it at Isla Simca (photo from the internet)

Panama fishing boat from Pedregal

Gorgeous beaches in the Marine Park of Golfo de Chiriqui

Enjoying the evening on deck

We anchored in Boca Chica for 7 weeks, provisioned in the city of David, visited Boquete in the mountains, and departed from Puerto Armuelles for Ecuador.

Small village

Fishing Lodge

Fishermen sorting our their nets


Jacaranda anchored

The entrance to the anchorage

Hotel Boca Brava

Jacaranda's blue anchor light

Tiki Bar

Tiki Bar with Jacaranda anchored on the right. Barbeque specials every Saturday night.


Bocas del Mar resort

Jim and Kendall's "Little House on the Water"

Howler monkeys chorusing in the background

Squatters houses

Squatters houses

In traditional dress

Small village between Boca Chica and David

Large city with lots of services and several great supermarkets

Kendall's bon voyage gift, a bottle of La Linda vino blanco


Lots of activities, specializing in quetzal-watching

Coffee plantation in Boquete

Unfortunately, two Dutch girls disappeared and it brought a black cloud to the town

The Haven where we stayed

Beautiful new facility

A defunct rail line that used to transport coffee beans to the town of David

Basalt climbing wall

Pipeline Trail - the best place to see quetzals. Jason (our guide) and Chuck.

Immature male Quetzal - he has a white tuft on his breast and no long tail feathers yet.