Experienced four-wheelers after renting one on Ometepe Island in Nicaragua, we thought we were ready for this, but we had no idea what was ahead. With a group rate we finagled the price down to a reasonable rate and we met the other two couples at the Flying Pirate. After some instruction on how to use the quads the real one-legged Pirate owner showed us a map. With some 15 kilometers of trails we knew we were in for a long ride that would offer stops at a natural pool, the blue lagoon, a monkey trail and a hike to a lonely beach. We saddled up with six quads lined up and headed out for another adventure. Clyde drove and I hung onto him for dear life (literally) as we made our way over sand, deep mud puddles, river beds, tree trunks and more. Thankfully we had our other new friends to follow along with trail markers, although not nearly enough. The trails were narrow, covered with brush, tree limbs and fallen trunks. The whole day was a series of, "oh crap," moments and wondering if and when we'd turn the quad over, crash into a tree, sink it in the ocean or kill ourselves.
Our first stop was called, "The Piscina" a natural swimming pool of crystal clear water. Surrounded by tropical jungle it was a lovely setting to enjoy our picnic lunch and cool off from our ride. Back on the trail the next stop was my favorite, the gorgeous setting of The Blue Lagoon. A series of coves, hidden corners, rock formations and fallen trees gave this place its ambiance. The gentle current moved us around, the water was clear, blue and cool and the waves of the Caribbean broke over rocks in the distance. What a peaceful way to while away the hours!
Back to reality we still had more exploring to do so back on the quads we went. We followed the trails as far as we could before taking the next part by foot. Our attempt was to hike to Christians beach which some said was the loveliest beach on the trail. The trail seemed to begin with a muddy bog, through thigh high water, up into the jungle to walk over hard stones of barnacles. Next we made our way through grass as tall as me (no exaggeration either) where the bugs feasted on our bodies before we came out the other side. Eventually we did manage to find the beach and stopped for a while to enjoy the view. But since it was getting late (around 3pm) we did need to make our way back along the trails with more things to see. The final trail was called, "the monkey trail," and while we always enjoy seeing monkeys in the wild Clyde was tired, hurting and just wanted to get back. We drove through a series of jungle heavily covered in tall, green ferns that hung over the trail making it hard to maneuver. Clyde and I did get stuck in a ditch having to get off the quad and literally lift the back up and out of the hole. Eventually we did make our way out of the jungle trails and back onto the sand covered road.
The group of us all made it back alive with merely a few burns from the hot motor being doused with cool water, stings from tropical bugs, scrapes and other bruises. Covered in mud, sweaty, filthy with achy muscles we ended our day back at Flying Pirates for a well needed shower, some free beers and bought burgers for dinner. Although other companies rent quads in Bocas we thought Flying Pirates really had their act together. They picked us up from town and took us to their other location to pick up the four wheelers. There was adequate training given on the vehicles and a long explanation of the trails and what to expect, or so we thought. Once again we were pushed way beyond our comfort zone as we got down and dirty mud boggin and four wheeling through Bocas del Toro, Panama......along the gringo trail.
Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting" and so can you! We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting. Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.
the New Website --> CLICK HERE
How to Get Your First House Sit --> CLICK HERE
How to find a house sitter ----> CLICK HERE
http://flyingpiratesbocas.com/
First check out this little video of the trails.
Look Closely As The Trails Were Much Rougher That They Appear
Quads Ready To Go And Still Clean
Flying Pirates Bocas Del Toro
The Box On The Back Of The Quad Had A Detailed Map
And Was Great To Hold Our Supplies And Lunch
Looks Smooth So Far
The Blue Lagoon
Cool, Clear, Salty Water With A Gentle Currant....Great For Floating
Our first stop was called, "The Piscina" a natural swimming pool of crystal clear water. Surrounded by tropical jungle it was a lovely setting to enjoy our picnic lunch and cool off from our ride. Back on the trail the next stop was my favorite, the gorgeous setting of The Blue Lagoon. A series of coves, hidden corners, rock formations and fallen trees gave this place its ambiance. The gentle current moved us around, the water was clear, blue and cool and the waves of the Caribbean broke over rocks in the distance. What a peaceful way to while away the hours!
Back to reality we still had more exploring to do so back on the quads we went. We followed the trails as far as we could before taking the next part by foot. Our attempt was to hike to Christians beach which some said was the loveliest beach on the trail. The trail seemed to begin with a muddy bog, through thigh high water, up into the jungle to walk over hard stones of barnacles. Next we made our way through grass as tall as me (no exaggeration either) where the bugs feasted on our bodies before we came out the other side. Eventually we did manage to find the beach and stopped for a while to enjoy the view. But since it was getting late (around 3pm) we did need to make our way back along the trails with more things to see. The final trail was called, "the monkey trail," and while we always enjoy seeing monkeys in the wild Clyde was tired, hurting and just wanted to get back. We drove through a series of jungle heavily covered in tall, green ferns that hung over the trail making it hard to maneuver. Clyde and I did get stuck in a ditch having to get off the quad and literally lift the back up and out of the hole. Eventually we did make our way out of the jungle trails and back onto the sand covered road.
This Is The Trail?
Take The Photo Fast So I Can Get Out Of Here!
Tiny Crabs Everywhere
At Least We Didn't Have To Go Up There
We Found Christians Beach
A Mural At Flying Pirates Bar, Grill And Quad Rental
You Know I'm Drunk When I'm Willing To Put A Parrot On My Head
Too Many Free Beers After A Long Hard Day Of Fun
The group of us all made it back alive with merely a few burns from the hot motor being doused with cool water, stings from tropical bugs, scrapes and other bruises. Covered in mud, sweaty, filthy with achy muscles we ended our day back at Flying Pirates for a well needed shower, some free beers and bought burgers for dinner. Although other companies rent quads in Bocas we thought Flying Pirates really had their act together. They picked us up from town and took us to their other location to pick up the four wheelers. There was adequate training given on the vehicles and a long explanation of the trails and what to expect, or so we thought. Once again we were pushed way beyond our comfort zone as we got down and dirty mud boggin and four wheeling through Bocas del Toro, Panama......along the gringo trail.
Terry and Clyde are able to "Travel The World House Sitting" and so can you! We have created a website to help people who want to learn about house sitting. Information for both the prospective house sitter and for someone who needs a house sitter.
the New Website --> CLICK HERE
How to Get Your First House Sit --> CLICK HERE
How to find a house sitter ----> CLICK HERE
No comments:
Post a Comment