San Jose, CA to Panama Motorcycle Trip

Here are photos from our trip through Panama

Day 37


This day is all about getting across the Costa Rica-Panama border.  Here is a shot of the thriving
no-man's land between the two borders.


Randal is signaling the end of 3 hours of lines and forms at the border.  We didn't finish for another half hour.


At every border the bikes were "fugmiated", meaning the wheels and undercarriage were sprayed with
something undoubtedly deleterious.


Enjoying a well-deserved bottle of wine on the deck overlooking the river in Boquete, on our last evening with Fred.

Day 38


Our hotel for what turned out to be our first night in Boquete.


A view of Volcán Barú, the only volcano and highest point in Panama, from our hotel.


The river through Boquete from behind the hotel.  The river is inclined to flood, hence the rock levee.


A good-bye photo of Fred, as he heads for Panama City to arrange for shipment of his bike to Bogotá.


Randal next to a lovely waterfall in the hills above Boquete.


A farmer using oxen and a plow to till his land.


We decided to spend another night in Boquete, and tour a coffee planation and factory. 
David is next to a coffee tree, though there are many shade plants also in the photo.


Spreading coffee to dry in the sun.


Bags of coffee bound for Peet's in Oakland.


Our hotel for what turned out to be our second night in Boquete.  (Our first hotel was filled up with
a bus-load of  bridge players.)

Day 39


After a long ride from Boquete, we arrived at the homes owned by Randal's cousin Anna and her
husband Patrick.  We were given the yellow house for the night.


The view of the ocean from our upper deck.


Randal and his "first cousin once removed" Madison (Maddie) in the pool


The pool is right above a lovely beach.


A view of the beach.


Anna, Maddie, Randal, and Patrick.  They made us feel very much at home.

Day 40


Another view of the beach, from Randal's morning birdwatching walk.


Our "lunch" stop on the highway to Panama City.


Slightly lost in Panama City (we know our hotel is really close!).  


Randal has "the look" as he registers at the hotel we finally found.  David especially likes the shorts
and motorcycle boots combo.


This is the last real day of the trip; we have reached Panama city, the end of the journey.  David has ridden
a little less than 6,000 miles in 6 weeks (at least 1,000 more than he expected). 


Our hotel turns out to be a few blocks from Panama City's only brewpub.  We meet up with Fred there to
celebrate our arrival.

Day 41


Our task today is to arrange for shipping the bikes back to the U.S.  Our first stop (Girag) only ships to Bogotá.


The other shippers in the "Termina Carga" didn't look so promising.


Amazing, we finally met "Dr. Jimmy" who could do what we needed.  Our bikes were stored in the
warehouse in the center of the photo awaiting shipping.


David leaving the cargo terminal after arranging for shipment of the bikes.  He is looking very relieved to
have found a shipper, and not too much the worse for wear.  This marks the official end of the trip.