Photo Slideshow

 

A slideshow of our trip photos is now available on the Menlo Photobank. Have a look!

Delayed in Houston

Parents: your kids probably have called you to let you know that we are delayed one hour. We will keep you posted but keep an eye on United's flight status-

Waiting, waiting

We're at the airport in Panama. Sad to leave but ready to go home.

Huts

While in Cocobolo, we had a guys hut and a gals hut for sleeping. Each of us had a small tent for our air mattress and personal stuff. Most mornings we were woken by "monkey alarm" -- Howler monkeys in the forest behind our huts.

Bird Survey

One of our activities at Cocobolo was netting and surveying wild birds. We banded them and recorded quite a bit of data about each bird. Here's one of our specimens just before his release.

We're baaaack!

It was a wonderful, awe-inspiring four days in the rainforest - very hard to put into words. I think everyone is happy to be back to the land of cold drinks and warm showers, but it's hard to leave the beauty of Cocobolo.

An afternoon with the Embera Tribe

After riding in a dugout canoe up the Chagres River, we spent the afternoon with the indigenous Embera people. We enjoyed a fish-and-plantain lunch, got (temporary) tattoos, and joined in on a communal dance.

On the Chagres with the Embera

Traveling upriver to visit the native Embera village people.

A man, a plan, ...

a canal, Panama!

The travelers at the Miraflores Locks on the Panama Canal.

A place to rest

Our first night's lodging after a long journey.

Arrived!

We're on the bus - on the way to our hotel. Smooth trip so far!

Ready to flap wings and go!

We're on the plane at LAX and ready to fly to Panama!

Departure, finally!

Well we all made it to the airport. Our first big milestone. Headed to LAX and Panama City.

Size matters

I'd better get packing....

Early Departure

Saturday's departure from San Francisco airport is brutally early. I worry that all of our travelers will be there on time to check in, go through security and make it to the departure gate. Please come to the airport a little earlier if you can, so we are not rushed for time.

Packing!

Here are just some of the things we'll be trying to stuff into our luggage. Don't forget your passport, medications and water bottle!

We're looking forward to the trip!

Panama Trip Overview

Here's a map showing our week's itinerary in Panama. We'll be spending a few days in and around Panama City, and then heading to CREA's Cocobolo Nature Preserve for 4 days of exploration in the rainforest.

The objectives for our trip are to learn about:

• Panama, its people, culture and history
• The rainforest, its plants and animals 
• CREA's Cocobolo Preserve and their efforts to conserve rainforest habitat