Changuinola Canal Excursion # 5

Jean and Bob were with us on this trip. We passed by Bird Island on our return to Tranquilo Bay to check out what we might see there as well. It was a fabulous day. Come try it with us some time!

Changuinola Canal Excursion # 4

Changuinola Canal Excursion # 3

Changuinola Canal Excursion # 2

Changuinola Canal Excursion # 1

This week we are focusing on a specific excursion we have been doing recently - a slow trip down the Changuinola Canal. According to Clyde Stephen's Outline of History of the Province of Bocas del Toro, Panama, this canal was dug from Almirante Bay to the Changuinola River sometime between 1899 and 1903 as part of an agreement between the Snyder Banana Company and Colombia.

This canal has served many different purposes over the years. It was originally created in order to move bananas grown in different locations throughout Bocas del Toro. In the recent past, it served as a water route for many tourists coming into Panama from Costa Rica. The tourists would catch a water taxi outside of Changuinola which delivered them to Isla Colon. About four years ago during one of the big November rains, many trees from up river and large amounts of sand ended up in the canal, making it impassable for the water taxis. It is navigable again by small boats, but the water taxi service has not returned.

It is a gorgeous trip. Taking it slowly down the canal allows one to take in all of the wildlife and nature alongside both edges of the canal. At one point along the canal, we stop and walk along the beach to check out other areas. This week's photos give you a glimpse into taking this excursion. We have developed the excursion for birders, but it is an excursion that any naturalist would enjoy.

Oreba Chocolate Community

We went with a family over to Oreba Chocolate's tour in March. The family was so taken with the experience they wanted to send something back for the community. We asked the Peace Corp representative what would be a good gift for the community. He told us that the kids were really into playing baseball. The family sent a set of gloves for this community and for another community where they kayaked here in Bocas del Toro. This video is from Adam, the peace corp representative, showing a few of the kids playing catch with the gloves. It was perfect timing - we brought the gloves back in our container in early July just in time for the children to begin their baseball season. The village in conjunction with several other indigenous villages has a league for the children.

For more information about Oreba Chocolate and its tours, check them out on Facebook.

Meet Gabe

Meet Gabe. Gabe’s parents came down with him at the beginning of July. This photo is from their last night here.

Gabe is spending about 6 weeks with us as an intern this summer. He is interested in learning a bit about what it takes to physically run an eco lodge. So far he has helped us finish organizing the contents of the container, he has gone on excursions with guests, hauled supplies up the hill, and entertained the children in one form or another. His big assignment is related to the big pile of steel you saw last week.

Gabe likes to take photographs. This week we are sharing a few of his photos with you.

Second time around.

Over the holidays in 2007 we had several families come visit us for the first time. Ironically, of the guests that visited during that time frame, we have had more repeat guests than those that have visited at other times. Last week one of these families came for a second visit. We all had a wonderful time. You can read what they had to say about their stay here.

Here are a few of the photos taken by Robyn. Their son Gabe liked our place so much he has decided to stick around as an intern for a few months. Alexandra, in the top photo, is our new teacher for the children. She and her husband arrived at the same time as this family.

Panama Eco Adventure - 2011 Episode 3

Here is the third episode of Panama Eco Adventure for 2011. Never mind that Episode 4 previewed before Episode 3. This episode focuses on the great kayak, hike and cave tour near Bahia Honda and part of Bastimentos National Marine Park. This excursion is one of our guest favorites. Check it out.

Happy Valentines Day!

We are thankful for all of our faithful readers and fans! We have a special treat for those of you who follow us on Facebook this Valentine's Day. We are beginning a monthly series on Facebook entitled Save the Rainforest. Each month we will focus on something that you can do to help save the rainforest. The series will be available only to our fans on Facebook each month. Once we begin the next month's program, we will place the information on our regular Facebook page and on Flickr. So what are you waiting for? Click here to see it.

What a way to enjoy your first anniversary!

We had a lovely couple stay with us at the beginning of the month. They have been traveling extensively over the past year, however they chose to spend their first anniversary with us here at Tranquilo Bay. We were of course thrilled at being their selected location so we did what we could to make the stay extra special for them. Here are a few snapshots from a snorkeling session during their stay.

Bocas Town

Zapatilla Cayes

Tranquilo Bay Grounds

Scenes from Punta Valiente

Family @ Punta Valiente

Women @ Punta Valiente

Children @ Punta Valiente

Some of the family @ Tranquilo Bay

Chocolate Farm