Monday, March 14, 2016 Our Personal Rainforest Adventure
Happy Pi
Day!
Our day
began with breakfast (no pie though) in the hotel dining room. We saw some
people from our tour and shared the table with lively conversation. We said
farewell again and headed on our way.
Our
destination was a return trip to Gamboa Rainforest Resort. We had enjoyed being
in the rainforest during our tour and decided this was the best place to relax
and take in the beauty of Panama during our extended stay.
Our taxi
was right on time. It was a beautiful day and we had pleasant drive to Gamboa
Resort. Interestingly, we could see different things along the road from the
car windows than we had from the bus windows, perhaps because the bus windows
were higher. We had travelled along some of the roads before and we began to
see familiar things. It was exciting to retrace our steps and recall all the
activities that had occurred during the last eight days. Our tour really had
packed a lot into its itinerary!
We settled
into our room and organized some activities for our days here.
Jim
relaxed on hammock on our deck, I had a nap on the bed. Later, we wandered down
to the swimming pool and immediately located the swim up bar. Margaritas were in our future! Indeed the swim up bar was largely unoccupied and had a
wonderful awning that provided protection from the sun. I found it to be a very
pleasant way to enjoy the pool, sip a beverage and read a book.
Late in
the afternoon, some staff from the nearby Animal Rescue Facility came to talk
to a group about sloths. I have to admit that I knew almost nothing about
sloths and the presentation was very informative. Did you know there are
two-toes and three-toes sloths? They all have three toes on their back feet but
their front feet are different. They also eat different types of food. The
three-toed sloth lives primarily at the top of trees and eats only fresh
leaves. The two-toed sloth is much less particular about its food although it
is also a vegetarian.
We
enjoyed our dinner. The food at this resort has always been well prepared and
tasty. In spite of that I have to admit that buffet meals are getting a little
tiresome. For that reason, we have booked into an a la carte restaurant for
our final night here.
After
dinner, we went on a Night Safari ride. A sharp-eyed guide assisted us in
finding several cayman, their red eyes in bright in the water and a baby
swimming along shore. We also saw a sloth, an agouti, and a Southern Lapwing
and a Blackbellied Whistling Duck.
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Jim
began his day with 4 hour extravaganza birdwatching adventure. With the help of
Jose, Jim spotted approximately 40 species of birds and a three toed sloth. He
got some amazing photos! But the bird he most wants to see still eluded him. He
really wants to spot a Toucan.
I spent
the morning working on this blog and swimming/reading/relaxing by the pool. We
were both doing things we love to do, a great way to spend some time after the
very busy schedule we kept on our tour last week.
After lunch,
we both went on a Rainforest Canopy Gondola Ride. It was magnificent to be high
above the ground, viewing the tops of trees, flowering plants, vines like
Tarzan and Jane would have used and a myriad of colours that appear in the
rainforest. At the end of the gondola ride was a look-out tower nine stories
high. Those who made it to the top report that the view was incredible. They
could see the canal, the Chagras River which provides all the water for the canal (no salt water at all), the Embera Indian village. On our return
gondola trip we saw a two toed sloth, monkeys, and tropical wild flowers in
bloom. We heard a toucan but could not find him. Poor Jim.
We
enjoyed a drink at Monkey Bar back at the resort and watched more parrots fly
in and out of the nearby trees. After a short time of relaxing in our room, it
was time for dinner. Tonight’s theme was Asian and there were some interesting
dishes on the buffet.
More CNN
back in our room as we watched the US Presidential Primary results with
interest.
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
We both
got up early this morning to go out in search of birds. We borrowed two deck
chairs and settled in near the resort birdfeeders. I was in awe of what we saw.
Birds of all colours and sizes – red, green, light blue, dark blue, black and
white, orange and pink. Sadly, we cannot name all the species although Jim is
working with his birdwatching guide to name as many as possible.
We sat
quietly sipping our coffee and clicking the camera, trying to get the perfect
shot. An agouti and a beautiful squirrel also came by. Then Jim went for coffee
refills and three Jefferies tamarind monkeys appeared in the trees. It took a
while for them to actually drop down onto the birdfeeders but the scent of the
bananas finally convinced them to approach. It was fun to watch them frolic
about, such little bodies and long tails and so agile! Too bad Jim missed the show.
Later in
the morning, we paid a visit to a nearby wildlife rescue centre where we were
able to see sloths, an anteater, a porcupine, caymen, turtles, a jaguar, and a
newly rescued monkey (he remained hidden). It was interesting to hear the
stories of the rescues, the efforts to reintroduce the animals to the wild, the
medical care required and the challenges of having too many animals for the
space available. The jaguar was very special and will be used as a part of a breeding
program as soon as she is old enough, hopefully within the next four months.
She will be shipped to the USA once all the regulations have been satisfied and
the paperwork done. This really is a labour of love for the people who operate
this centre.
Today we
had lunch at a riverside restaurant from which it is possible to watch the
ships in the canal sail past on their journey from one ocean to the other. Our
resort is beautifully located with visual and physical access to the canal but
also situated deep in the rainforest and surrounded by birds, plants and
animals that are unique to Panama.
Panama
is a haven for birds of all kinds, more than any other location in the world.
We are so lucky to be here and able to enjoy the beauty of so many species.
After
lunch, we returned to the resort and visited the Gamboa Gift Shop. We purchased
only one item – a bird identification chart. There really is a theme at this
stage of our adventure.
Our
early morning necessitated a short nap which we followed up with some wonderful
pool time. Once again, the swim up bar proved to be a great source of beverages
as well as a protected place for reading. Some swimming, some reading, a
margarita at the ready …. What a great way to while away an afternoon.
We
enjoyed a lovely meal in an a la carte restaurant at the resort with our food
served by the delightful Elia. The balance of the evening was spent packing as we
leave this amazing place tomorrow.
Thursday, March 17, 2016
In
search of the elusive toucan, Jim went out once more this morning with a
birdwatching guide to see if he could find the bird he most wants to see. This
time, they walked along an old pipeline trail and within 5 minutes had found a
toucan. The next challenge was to get close enough to get a great photo. Jim
also accomplished this goal so he felt very good about this outing. He and his
guide spent about 4 hours on the trail and found over 50 species of birds. A
great day out, for sure.
As it
was an overcast day, the pool was not calling my name. It was a good day for
me to remain in our room and work on this diary and our photo collection.
About
mid-afternoon we reluctantly left Gamboa and taxied to an airport hotel where we had
dinner and settled in for the evening. Morning would come early with a 6 am
flight.
Friday, March 18, 2016
We
started today with an early morning flight to Dallas, followed by a connecting
flight to New Orleans. We found our car right where we had left it in the hotel
parking lot. It was in good working order and started immediately. We drove a
short distance and stayed overnight slightly west of New Orleans. We could see
huge thunderstorms in the distance but we were safely in our hotel by the time
they reached us. The downpour of rain gave us some sense of the amount of water
that has fallen on this region in recent days and weeks. No wonder there is so
much water all around. We were tired from a day of travel that had begun at 4
am so we fell into bed early, happy to be on the final leg of this year’s
winter adventure.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
The Final Chapter of Our Winter Adventure
Laundry
was the first order of the day. We had to reorganize our suitcases to reduce
the hot weather clothing and reluctantly add in warmer clothes that we might
wear as we drove closer and closer to home.
We
established our route: a leisurely drive north through Hot Springs, Arkansas;
Memphis, Tennessee; St Louis, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Ann Arbor,
Michigan. We were looking forward to being on the road toward home.
We
enjoyed an ample but very late breakfast at the Huddle House, an odd little
restaurant with great food, including biscuits and gravy. You can only get
them in the southern states.
This was
the first day of our last week on the road, the last facet of our Winter
Adventure 2016. We drove north through Louisiana. It was still warm outside and
we were enjoying wearing our spring clothes. It was spring here – water, water
everywhere! The Mississippi and all its associated streams and rivers in its
delta had overflowed their banks and the land was covered with water. Most of
the roads we were on were elevated to avoid the water but there were signs
warning of road closures due to water all around us.
We crossed
briefly into the state of Mississippi and travelled along the levees that were
holding the mighty Mississippi back. The water in the river was brown with mud
and it was flowing fast. There was frequent evidence of damage to docks and
piers. Much of the land closest to the river was swamp or bayou. Once we moved
further from the river, the land transformed to fields and agriculture became
an industry.
The
northern part of Louisiana and most of Arkansas were flat, flat, flat!
Enormous
fields of crops were under cultivation. Cotton and rice are grown in this area and
huge silos were at the ready for the mature crop. At this point in the year,
the fields were just showing signs of growth and were soft green. As we
travelled further north, Arkansas changed from flat agricultural land into
gently rolling pine forest.
We stopped
for dinner and the night in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Early this
morning, we drove to Hot Springs, Arkansas (Bill Clinton’s home town). Just as
the name suggests, there are hot springs in this town. These hot springs are not
created from volcanic activity but simply bubble up from deep underground. As a
result, these warm waters do not contain any sulphur and are consequently
odour-free.
Hot
Springs is a lovely town built against the backdrop of a beautiful mountain. The
Main Street is a veritable tourist mecca, lined on one side with colourful and
appealing shops, hotels, restaurants, wax museums, mountain equipment outlets, clothing
stores and, of course, souvenir shops. On the other side of the street, there
is Bathhouse Row featuring eight original elegant bathhouses built between 1892
and 1923. Five have been retired from public use but two of the bathhouses have
been renovated and reopened to the public.
Jim and
I chose to go to the Quapaw Bath and Spa where there were four elegant pools of
varying temperatures. Of course, we tried all four. It was a wonderful and
relaxing way to spend some time.
We then
had breakfast at a local restaurant, Granny’s Kitchen, and did some shopping in
a mountain equipment shop. Uncharacteristically, I found a jacket that I liked
a lot and it fit! And the price was just right. So, it made its way into a bag
and into the car.
We
crossed the street to visit Fordyce Bathhouse, an original spa building, and now
the visitors centre for Hot Springs National Park. It is set up as it would
have been when it was first opened in the 1920’s. It features baths, dressing
rooms, treatment rooms, and a gymnasium with the latest in fitness equipment.
Outside there was access to the Grand Promenade where elegant ladies and gentlemen
would walk to capture the outdoor mountain air.
We drove
to top of mountain with its beautiful vistas and lovely roads through woodland.
Here we witnessed the coming of spring, new growth on trees, barely green,
leaves slowly unfurling; shrubs and fruit trees in blossom; redbuds cloaked in
their delicate deep pink, growing in gardens and wild along the road. It was
wonderful to see and to anticipate again soon after we arrive home.
Just
outside Hot Springs, we visited Garvan Woodland Gardens. The daffodils were almost
over but the tulips (25,000) were in full bloom. We toured the garden in a golf cart with an entertaining
driver who provided anecdotes and information. These gardens are in a beautiful
setting high on a hillside in forested landscape with gardens strategically
placed to enhance beauty and take advantage of sunlight. With the sun filtering
through the trees, it was a magical time to be there.
Then we
continued on our way. We enjoyed driving along country roads; passing through
small villages; seeing the contrasts of wealth and poverty; witnessing the
growth of crops – the fields already green with early planting; being dwarfed
by vast forests. What a grand way to experience travel.
We
stopped briefly in Little Rock, Arkansas, to see Little Rock Secondary School, one
of first American high schools to be integrated. In September, 1957, nine
courageous black students, supported by their families and a security detail
entered the school and attended classes. It was a difficult transition and took
great courage and resilience from the original nine, as they were called. There
is a striking monument featuring all nine students with quotes of reflection
about their experience at the high school and the impact it has had on their lives.
We spent
the night in Forrest City, Arkansas.
Monday, March 21, 2016
First
day of spring!! Glad to see that date on the calendar. Between the natural
rotation of the earth and daylight savings time, the days are certainly getting
longer.
We drove
from Forrest City in Arkansas to Memphis, Tennessee this morning, hoping to
reach the National Civil Rights Museum at 10 am when it opened. We almost made
it and entered the Museum soon after 10. In the courtyard of the museum, the
original parking lot of the Lorraine Motel, were video recordings of various
conversations that Martin Luther King Jr. had while he was alive. Watching and
listening to these certainly set the tone for visiting this amazing museum.
We
had a very provocative experience during the hours we spent at the National
Museum of Civil Rights, created in the very motel where Martin Luther King Jr.
was assassinated. King was assassinated on the balcony of this building in
1968. The museum opened in 1991. The exterior of the motel has been preserved
but the interior has been completely renovated and expanded to accommodate the
contents of the museum. The displays were informative and engaging. The story
was heartrending. The demonstration of courage by so many to stand up for their
rights was inspiring. The opportunity to stand in the rooms where King last
spent his time was profound. And the link to ongoing struggles where rights are
denied or disrespected reminded us not to be cavalier about how far we have
come but to be vigilant in ensuring we go further. It was indeed a call to
action ... We walked out of the museum silently. There was really nothing to
say.
And now
… quite a contrast from the museum. We travelled from the museum to Graceland
and to see two Elvis statues. A bonus was a statue of B.B. King, the King of
the Blues. Another face of Memphis.
We enjoyed
Beale Street with its many music venues and colourful pedestrian strip.
We also
drove along the Mississippi River one last time and saw a river cruise ship in
port. Hmmm …. Now there is an idea.
We
crossed the Mississippi River again and travelled on its west side in Arkansas
again on our way to Missouri. We encountered more agriculture and flat expanses
of land as we travelled along the highway. We still were on the Mississippi
flood plain. An interesting historical piece about this stretch of land is that
around 1812 there were several significant earthquakes over a period of several
months in southern Missouri. They are described as the strongest earthquakes
ever felt in North America. Scientific analysis places the strongest ones well
above 8 on the Richter Scale. These quakes changed the course of the
Mississippi River and the course of history in this part of Missouri as
villages collapsed and populations moved away. It is still possible to see some
geological features in landscape caused by those earthquakes – depressions in
land, sand dunes and, course, the new course of the Mississippi.
We
stopped for dinner at the Home of the Throwed Roll, Lambert’s Café, in Sykeston,
Missouri. It’s a busy place with good down-home food. Jim ordered chicken and
dumplings and I order a chicken pot pie. Both dishes came with two sides as
well as the fried okra, baked beans, and pan-fried potatoes that were dished
out of large bowls by servers who roamed the restaurant. And let’s not forget
about those rolls. As the large, hot rolls come out of the oven, a server
brings them into the dining room and calls out to see who would like one.
Patrons raise their hands and the server literally throws a roll to you to
catch. They are hot, they are large and they are delicious. Apple butter and
treacle are also brought around to the tables by a server to have on your roll.
There is no excuse at all to leave Lambert’s hungry. Cash or cheque only
though. There is an ATM in the lobby.
We spent
night in a nearby small town, Charleston, Missouri.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
As we
occasionally do, we made a last minute change in our plans. Instead of heading
to St. Louis, we decided to go east to the Ohio River to see the confluence of the
Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Both these rivers are large and navigable. The
Ohio River flowed brown into a much bluer Mississippi. The brown and blue waters
ran side by side for a long while before blending totally. There is substantial
shipping on the Ohio River with barges tied up all along the banks. We crossed both
rivers for no particular reason except that we could. They both had very long, high bridges and high levees. We crossed from Missouri into Illinois by crossing the
Mississippi River and we crossed from Illinois into Kentucky when we crossed
the Ohio River. Because of the high levee along the Ohio River, we had to
travel several miles before we could turn around. We needed to turn around
because we wanted to travel across Illinois and not across Kentucky to get to
Indianapolis. Always fascinated with borders, this was the intersection of the borders
of three states – Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois.
The
first community we came to in Illinois was Cairo (pronounced Karo). We spent
some time in Cairo, once a grand old town with a population of 40,000, now
almost abandoned with only 3000 people remaining. Many of the houses have
fallen into ruin, roofs caved in, windows shattered, siding rotted away. The
bricks on the cobblestone streets are broken or missing. The once beautiful
gardens are overgrown and neglected. It was a tragic sight. One of the only
active stores was the Dollar General, one piece of evidence of a destitute
economy. Our observation is that Dollar Generals seem to appear in many
economically depressed areas.
Leaving
Cairo behind, we made our way to the interstate roads once again and headed toward
Indianapolis.
Along
the way, we made only two stops – one voluntary and the other not so much so.
Our first
stop was in Illinois. Apparently, I missed the speed limit signs on a ramp from
one highway to another in the midst of changing roads and travelling through a
construction zone. But the police officer noticed. So we were pulled over and
he nicely explained that exceeding the speed limit in a construction zone led
to a $375.00 fine and a mandatory court appearance. Somehow that information
made it less painful when he told me he would issue a reduced citation for only
$120.00 (about $150.00 Canadian) and not require me to return to Illinois to go to court. Wow! That was
lucky!!
Later, we
stopped for lunch in Marshall, Illinois where Jim got a beard trim and I got a
manicure at a lovely little day spa on the main street. Our trip
was uneventful otherwise and we arrived in Indianapolis about 6 pm.
We are booked into this hotel for two nights – yes! No suitcases tomorrow. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of excellent Thai food which we ate in our well equipped hotel room and relaxed for the evening. There was enough food left for lunch tomorrow as well.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Happy
Birthday, Jim.
This has
been a quiet day. I have been trying to finish this blog and put the finally
photos into our photo book. It is always a goal to press ‘send’ on both the day
before we get home. Alas, the blog will be complete but not the photo book. It
will have to wait until we arrive in Waterloo and add all those bird photos
that Jim has taken. It will be worth the wait for sure.
We ate
our left over Thai food for lunch and we are going for dinner at the home of
Warren and Amanda McCrea and their two sons. Warren is the son of Wayne and
Linda McCrea, long time friends in Kitchener. We have known Warren since he was
just a little fellow. It will be fun to send some time with them tonight.
Tomorrow
we will get an early start in order to have lunch with friends in Ann Arbor,
Mike and Dana Kremm. It completes the circle of this adventure since I also had
lunch with them on first day of my drive to Florida on February 9. It is nice
that Jim will be with me this time.
We have
our NEXUS renewal interview in Detroit with the Canadian and American immigration
officials later tomorrow afternoon and then we will make a B-line for home,
weather permitting. The forecast at the moment is for freezing rain so we may
be spending one more night on the road.
We are
very happy to be so close to our own home. Yet, we have created memories,
enjoyed experiences and learned so much about the world during this adventure.
We have seen friends in so many places – Florida, Alabama, Mexico, Indiana and
Michigan. We have experienced a new country, Panama, and several new states for
me – Mississippi, Arkansas, and Missouri. The world is our oyster and as long
as we are able, we are going to keep exploring it.
Until
next time ….. thanks for travelling with us.
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