Bocas day 2

The original plan today was to walk to a beach for snorkeling, although when we asked at breakfast about the possibility for a longer snorkel trip by boat, they said there wouldn't be one tomorrow, but there was a longer cruise running today that they would making som snorkeling stops on. $65 for the day.

In a spur of the moment decision, we went for it. Didn't even have time to think about packing the camera. The boat was actually a catamaran/(sailboat?). It was owned by this guy that was evidently a third generation sailor and had spent most of his life savings on it only 6 months ago. He was dating the yoga instructor and the two of them were starting to charter tours and even some overnights on their boat (where they also lived).

This ended up being a fantastic decision. We were with 9 others from our lodge and just hung out cruising the islands. Jamie, the girlfriend made lunch, snacks, and drinks throughout the day. We stopped at a couple spots to snorkel too. The first one as a bit of a swim to get to the reef and not super amazing, though any snorkeling is really awesome when you think about it. The second stop though was really cool. Tons of fish, really cool coral all over the place. The sun barely poked out, lots of rain throughout the day, but this was probably the best way to spend it. In the water snorkeling, it's not really a big deal if it's raining or not.

The crew we were with was awesome too. Very interesting to talk to. Mainly couples in their 20s and 30s, but also a mom and her son.

Palmer tent lodge has been an awesome place to stay. They are completely off the grid meaning the only electricity they get is from solar panels and they have some batteries that can power limited amounts of appliances at night. All the water they use comes from rain water (which isn't hard to get here) but needless to say, showers and sinks are fairly limited.

The beach out front is great. Huge breaking waves, but a little farther out making for a decent area to swim. Body surfing is a little so so as the breaking waves are huge and thereafter they are smaller with less energy.

Palmer is owned by a couple guys that can't be much older than me. Both U.S. Natives, I believe, but one was born in Venezuela or so I've heard and speaks great Spanish. One more relaxing in the sun on the beach today, then we'll be reaching the beginning of the end. I think I'm ready to head home though. It's been a good trip.

Sunday update: we spent our last day on the beach just that: on the beach. Another morning run on the limited roads of the island, breakfast, then some good old beach lounging. The sun poked out around 11 and it ended up being a beautiful day. Lots of swimming and body surfing, or just chilling underneath the umbrella watching the Caribbean waves roll in. We found a couple days ago a happy hour spot with $3.50 cocktails and are patrons of that again. Wifi and a fine view down hurt either.