Pan Am Bum Rush!

[RMP&O]

This won't be to much of a trip report but should be some fun pictures and info....


I left Jackson Hole Wyoming on Tuesday December 7th at 8pm. I had so many last minute things to do I was at least 12hrs behind my schedule. As a result I had no choice but to drive 24hrs straight from Jackson to Dallas. I picked up another forum member (Matt) in Houston on the 9th. The night of the 8th was spent in Dallas with other forum members who I had the great pleasure to meet!

We cross the border into Mexico yesterday morning at 6am. We now are sitting in Tuxtla, Mexico. So we have crossed 85%+ of Mexico in 2 days! I had hoped we would be in Comitan tonight but it would have just been to late when we arrived. Tomorrow we head out at 6am and should be in Guatemala in about 4-5hrs. If we are lucky will will be in Antigua tomorrow night.

Nearly 3,000 miles logged so far. There has been 2 days of 24hr driving stints, not much more plans for more of that! Once we hit Guatemala we plan to slow down. Yet, I have to drop my co-pilot of in San Jose, Costa Rica next Saturday (the 17th) so he can fly home. I will then head for Panama on my own.

So far we have met other travelers, seen burned out cars full of bullet holes on the side of the road, passed on the Roach Motel (litterally huge cockroaches everywhere in the room), got pulled over for going to slow(!), made friends with several Federal Police (great guys to get directions from), got lost in a very poor bario on the Gulf Coast (I think it was in Tuxpan or Tampico), have street tacos 3x a day (!), I backed up into a guy this morning (that cost me $125), we have been pulled over nearly 12x so far but have paid zero bribes. Instead we have been giving the cops warm cans of coke and asking for directions, not even giving them a chance to start the bribe process. I have found this works great and plan to keep doing this! The Taco is running excellent despite me lacking the time to do a few last little things before hitting the road. The new suspension is simply awesome!

We did get pulled over in Manuel south of Tampico for going to slow! I was doing 20k in a 20k zone, the cop tried to give me a ticket (bribe) but I was not having it! No other cops have tried to bribe us because we have not given them the chance! We did make some friends with some Federals who informed me my Mexico map is old and sucks! No wonder navigating 3x through Mexico has been a challenge!

We are having a great time so far! Sorry no pictures yet, perhaps soon. That is about it for now....it is late and have to gte up at 6am and drive many miles into Guatemala.....

more soon, TBC. :sombrero:

[JerryYukon]

Good luck................will be following you trip.

[007]

Nice!

[AZchris]

Thats awesome, have fun!

[washington taco]

I do have to ask why one would leave J.H. during ski season?

[Toyotero]

I'm looking forward to your photos!

[LaOutbackTrail]

I do have to ask why one would leave J.H. during ski season?

Something about hot senoritas and cold margaritas....

[Rock-Wear]

I do have to ask why one would leave J.H. during ski season?

Are you suggesting he stay in his home town where he has lived for many years vs. taking his only vacation time he has during the year to travel the world?

[LaOutbackTrail]

Yeah, nothing to do with this:
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs430.snc3/24788_1106561002172_1771228273_195812_2794123_n.jp g

[RMP&O]

I do have to ask why one would leave J.H. during ski season?

I suppose this is a a good question depending on where you sit......


#1, I have lived in JH for 15yrs. Many winters spent snowboarding, including a number of record winters. ALL winters spent riding I logged over 100 days.

#2 this as I understand is a travel forum, paticuarly travel by vehicle. So I am posting about my travels by vehicle through Latin America.

#3 I have a bit of a bum leg, 4 broken bones and a busted ankle, the result is pain when I ride my board.

#4 Surfing. Which does not hurt my leg. I am also getting old, nearly 38yrs. So my time to learn new stuff I feel is a bit limited. Thus I am spending a lot of my winter (or summer down here) learning to do a new board sport.

#5 I really, and I mean really enjoy traveling in Latin America. I work my arse off 7 months a year so that I can take 4-5 months a year off from work to travel.

:sombrero:

[RMP&O]

So.....

we made it well into Guatemala. We did not make it to Antigua today. There is some kind of holiday in Mexico (and possibly more of Latin America) which involves people running a torch down the road. I guess I could look it up and see what this holiday is, just have not had much time for google'ing. Also with my limited Spanish have not got a clear straight answer from the locals as to what this holiday is. Any ways, it took us over 3hrs to do 75k today because of this holiday! As a result we did not make it as far as planned. No worries though, we are enjoying Gallo beers and Zacapa rum!

Tomorrow we are sleeping in a bit and then kind of planning to take it slow as we head to Antigua.

I just uploaded to my laptop some 175 pictures. So next time I have wifi will post some of the good ones!

Right now I need sleep badly.....

[Toyotero]

So.....

we made it well into Guatemala. We did not make it to Antigua today. There is some kind of holiday in Mexico (and possibly more of Latin America) which involves people running a torch down the road. I guess I could look it up and see what this holiday is, just have not had much time for google'ing. Also with my limited Spanish have not got a clear straight answer from the locals as to what this holiday is. Any ways, it took us over 3hrs to do 75k today because of this holiday! As a result we did not make it as far as planned. No worries though, we are enjoying Gallo beers and Zacapa rum!

Tomorrow we are sleeping in a bit and then kind of planning to take it slow as we head to Antigua.

I just uploaded to my laptop some 175 pictures. So next time I have wifi will post some of the good ones!

Right now I need sleep badly.....


The 12th of Dec is the day of "La Virgen de Guadalupe"... she's known as "La Patrona de las Americas". It's a pretty big deal in all the Latin American countries, but especially in MX where the 'apparition' occurred.

http://www.inside-mexico.com/guadalupe.htm

Have fun in Antigua... I spent a lot of time in Los Arcos Redes there across the street from La Merced Church. The owner is a cockney speaking Brit named Nigel.... good internet connections there too. Also, if you are going to slow your bum rush any, taking one of the organized 1/2 day trips up to Volcan Pacaya would probably be pretty cool considering how active it has been lately. The trip includes a long hike up into the mountains though...

[LaOutbackTrail]

Also, if you are going to slow your bum rush any, taking one of the organized 1/2 day trips up to Volcan Pacaya would probably be pretty cool considering how active it has been lately. The trip includes a long hike up into the mountains though...

Yeah, a friend of mine was down there recently... he was a bit tired from riding in and decided not to do the climb up Pacaya.... several people died that night.

That being said. I want to climb Pacaya.


Can't wait to see pics Ian.

[intothewild]

Man, just got done reading the Ultimate Road Trip thread...Subscribing to this one now..Best of luck, and safe travels.

[007]

I'm hungry, feed me some pics!

[ddawson]

Awesome trip, I'm jealous for sure. Have fun and good luck down there!!

[LaOutbackTrail]

I'll delete this whenever Ian shows back up.... but here are some pics he has up on facebook.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs560.ash2/148289_1247037794004_1771228273_432736_7665518_n.j pg
At a mechanics shop in Antigua.

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A cow eating trash in the city of Santa Ana, El Salvador

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sign on the wall in the room of our scum bag hotel in Santa Ana, El Salvador

For you gringos out there that sign roughly says... Sex with minors is a crime and you will go to jail. Good to know.:sombrero:

[LaOutbackTrail]

We are in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua.

Had lunch yesterday in Granada and then came down here for the night. Nice place but extremely expensive for Nicaragua. Plus a few *******s around....some guy was picking a fight with me for no reason at the bar last night so I just left and called it a night.

In a few hours we cross into Costa Rica.

Word.

[RMP&O]

Thanks Scott and no need to delete the pictures....

Just have not had much time for internet or uploading pictures.

We are in Costa Rica now. Arrived today and are spending the night in Playa Coco. 4,000 miles logged in 10 days since I left Wyoming!! It has been awesome but soon I will be at my destination in Panama and the driving will be over.

Have many pictures and video of our trip south, so when I get some down time I will upload that stuff.

Until then, laters all from south of the border!!

[RMP&O]

We are in San Jose, Costa Rica at the Galileo Hostel. My co-pilot (Matt) leaves very early in the morning tomorrow and heads home to the USA. I plan to head out between 530-630am so that I may be able to reach my destination in Panama by tomorrow night.

Once there will have more time to get some pics & videos up....

I have tracked fuel and border crossing expenses so will also post that.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Sweet! Are you crossing on the caribbean side? Isnt your destination on the carib side of Panama?

[JRhetts]

RMP&O
I'd be interested in what your objectives are for your trip?

You are blowing through real estate that is rich in diversity, culture and antiquity so fast.

We took just over 2 1/2 months to drive the same trip and felt extremely deprived of time to explore and immerse ourselves in what is there.

[LaOutbackTrail]

You are blowing through real estate that is rich in diversity, culture and antiquity so fast.


He has already completed this trip once. Then drove back. Now this is his second time to drive the length. Then he'll drive back again. :Wow1:

[JerryYukon]

Hey.............can you also comment on border crossings with your dog ? Any problems this time ? Be safe..............

[RMP&O]

So.....

The road trip is complete!! I am in Santa Catalina, Panama!! :sombrero: :wings: :victory:

I left San Jose, Costa Rica about 7am yesterday. Picked up a backpacker at the hostel I stayed at who got a ride to David, Panama and then took a bus up to Boquete. It took me about 18hrs or so to get here, arrived at 1am this morning.

Encountered the first rains on the trip south in southern Costa Rica yesterday. Seems it has been raining a lot here in Panama too but at the same time it is very hot! The rain was really coming down hard in Costa Rica and Panama yesterday, some flooding on the roads. As others have reported who are traveling down here by vehicle, the roads ahve seen a lot of damage from this years rainy season, in Guatemala and Costa Rica I saw many many many landslides. Last night 30 minutes or so out from my destination I came across a guy off the road stuck in the ditch. So out came the recovery gear and I had him pulled back up on the road in under 15 minutes!

Scott; this is where I am at....it is on the pacific side of Panama.

http://santacatalinabeach.com/

I have already heard about some sweet 4wd trails here in Panama so I hope to explore those during my time here. Although unless things dry up a bit the trails will be to much for my Taco. Also have confirmed at least one river I was looking into running, it sounds like a good one!

JRhetts; I have plans here where I am at in Panama. Also have a house rented for 3+ months. That is why the rush to get down here. As Scott mentioned and linked, I did the drive last year when I spent much more time exploring. Yet, even that trip was a bit rushed. Mexico is LARGE, Central America is small but yes many many places to explore. I am unsure at this time but I doubt this will be my last drive down this way....

JerryYukon; no problems crossing borders with my dog. I have the right docs for him, USDA-APHIS form and rabies cert and so forth. Although I think I overpaid yesterday to come into Panama, cost me $60 to get the dog in. Yet, the bank was closed (required to make a deposit into the bank) so I suppose that is what the overpayment (bribe) was for.

It did cost me way to much at the El Amitillo border but I was expecting that, it is bribe central for borders down here. It cost us around $200 to gte across that really nasty border....my least favorite of all borders I have seen in my travels.

Any ways, that is it for now.....in the next few days I will get pics and video uploaded plus info on fuel used to get here and border crossing costs.

[RMP&O]

The internet is rather slow here in Santa Catalina and it is very hot at the cafe'. On top of that I have been trying to get my house in order here. It was very filthy when I arrived and no power.

I added up my fuel for the trip south.....330gals. to do 4600 miles. Yeah, my Taco gets bad milage but it is well over 5500lbs with gear and I have the power to pass anybody I like when I like!

Here is some more pictures from the trip south.....

In Honduras along the CA-1

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A typical plate of food on our way south...

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a couple of the many beautiful and wonderful children we encountered on our way south....

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At the central plaza in Santa Ana, El Salvador

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Getting our drink on at Playa Coco in Costa Rica

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Sunset at the same beach

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Only in Latin America....Antigua, Guatemala

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Rock star parking in Santa Ana, El Salvador for $2 a night

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Welcome to Guatemala!!

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[RMP&O]

In Granada, Nicaragua having lunch & a beer....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1334.snc4/162636_1629440269114_1629817643_1443554_3119637_n. jpg

Also in Granada....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs732.ash1/162636_1629440229113_1629817643_1443553_7611904_n. jpg

roadside iguana for sale in Nicaragua

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1354.snc4/162636_1629440109110_1629817643_1443550_6158942_n. jpg

a boy in Nicaragua who was happy to get a coke we had bought to bribe the police with!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs011.snc6/166153_1629420228613_1629817643_1443532_3447436_n. jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs773.ash1/166315_1629399988107_1629817643_1443500_1089779_n. jpg

the Pan Am in Honduras....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs033.snc6/166315_1629399908105_1629817643_1443498_6325803_n. jpg

El Amitillo border....looks pretty good from this angle!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs734.ash1/162860_1629387947806_1629817643_1443472_1811226_n. jpg

[RMP&O]

more street food on our trip south....

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no words for this picture...

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs734.ash1/162860_1629387827803_1629817643_1443469_2148325_n. jpg

the SUCK

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs005.snc6/165506_1629379227588_1629817643_1443440_4198750_n. jpg

a mellow and fast crossing from Guatemala into El Salvador, very cheap too

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs005.snc6/165506_1629379187587_1629817643_1443439_2614293_n. jpg

a typical sight on the roads in CA

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check out the windshield....El Salvador

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yeah that is a gun tower at a power station....El Salvador

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs419.ash2/69713_1629372547421_1629817643_1443423_3039806_n.j pg

in Southern Mexico

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs033.snc6/166377_1629364907230_1629817643_1443414_6246568_n. jpg

the following are in Antigua, Guatemala

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs013.snc6/166377_1629364827228_1629817643_1443412_3700211_n. jpg

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Landslide in Southern Mexico

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along the Pan Am in Guatemala

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs022.snc6/165274_1629327146286_1629817643_1443337_6112366_n. jpg

roadside dump near the Mexico - Guatemala border

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1395.snc4/164787_1629316506020_1629817643_1443324_3413023_n. jpg

In Comitan Mexico

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[RMP&O]

In Tuxtlan, Mexico

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs021.snc6/165105_1629310665874_1629817643_1443315_3492470_n. jpg

down the Gulf Coast in Mexico

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs021.snc6/165105_1629310585872_1629817643_1443313_7727396_n. jpg


All these recently posted pictures come from my co-pilots FB account. I am having problems uploading pictures to FB, either the connection here is to slow or I need to resize pictures. So no more pictures fro awhile until I resize and upload to FB or my website.

Yesterday was X-Mas here in SC, Panama. I was invited to go out to a small fishing village on an island. An owner of a local dive shop takes some 150 kids presents every year and hands them out X-Mas morning. It was a very awesome experience and I have tons of pictures of that plus some of around SC here where I am staying. Plus more of the road trip south....

Until then, addios from PARADISE!

[Toyotero]

more street food on our trip south....


Mmmm, Central American tacos (similar to MX taquitos, rolled and fried) with cabbage and beet salad.

Great photos, looks like a fun trip.

[FLTLNDR]

Oye,
Subscribing - Great TR. Are you renting in Santa Catalina for the next few months? If ever you drive to Panama City you will pass right by my home in San Carlos. I'll be there after pow-season (mid-April); if you are still around stop by for a cerveza y ceviche. The surf will be going off on the Carib side for the next three months more than the Pacific; if you are making trips up there, there is a secure (paid) place to park your rig last stop before Bocas del Toro.

PS: Are you doing this repeatedly? I'd trade my San Carlos for your Jackson Hole one winter and be stoked - Buena leche!

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii28/myhouseinpanama/Images/PANAMAATLAS.jpg

[Mr. Leary]

Looking good, Ian!

:beer::lurk:

[RMP&O]

Oye,
Subscribing - Great TR. Are you renting in Santa Catalina for the next few months? If ever you drive to Panama City you will pass right by my home in San Carlos. I'll be there after pow-season (mid-April); if you are still around stop by for a cerveza y ceviche. The surf will be going off on the Carib side for the next three months more than the Pacific; if you are making trips up there, there is a secure (paid) place to park your rig last stop before Bocas del Toro.

PS: Are you doing this repeatedly? I'd trade my San Carlos for your Jackson Hole one winter and be stoked - Buena leche!

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii28/myhouseinpanama/Images/PANAMAATLAS.jpg

Hola amigo!!

Thanks for the offer, we may talk more in the future....

I was just in Panama City yesterday. Just a quick (17hr.) trip up there to pick up some guests for a friend of mine at the airport. My friend needed somebody to pick up 3 people at the airport and bring them back here to SC, I volunteered.

Yes I am renting here in SC but by April 1st will be headed north and back to JH, Wyoming.

[FLTLNDR]

Hola amigo!!

Thanks for the offer, we may talk more in the future....No doubt.
I really enjoyed Santa Catalina. You picked a nice spot to settle down for a spell. If you go to Puerto Armuelles please let me know - I'm looking for property out that way to Punta Burica. Adios!

[Christian P.]

We are in Santiago right now...I was hoping to stop by but at this point we have to keep pushing to Panama City...! I'll stop later.

bye!

[RMP&O]

You probily just past me by....

I am sitting right on the Pan Am in Santiago at a resturant having lunch and using the free wi-fi.

I sent you a pm, sorry if it was not fast enough, I have not hit up the internet in 5 days and don't hit it up all that often.

Check your pm's anyways....

PS; big jazz festival happening in Panama City right now, check it out!

[RMP&O]

unbelievably slow to upload pictures here.....so here is just a few.

We took a river trip the other day down the Rio Kate;

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[RMP&O]

so....made some progress on resizing my pictures last night which allows me to upload them much faster. As a result here are more pictures! Not in any real paticular order.....

Sunset on X-Mas day here in Santa Catalina,

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[RMP&O]

at me casa....

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my buddy Mike showing off his skills on the tube during our Rio Kate float....yes it dumped some serious rain on us!

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From Bahia Honda on X-mas day....Bahia Honda is an island north of Catalina. A local dive shop owner takes some 150 kids presents there, I got invited and it was pretty awesome to go.

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Myself & Glenn who does this event and owns Coiba Dive Center also on X-Mas day

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And more from X-Mas day on Bahia Honda....

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[RMP&O]

More from Bahia Honda and X-Mas day....

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drying laundry Bahia Honda style!

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http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs026.snc6/165611_1266763327130_1771228273_465320_2240929_n.j pg

A police man calling home on X-Mas morning at Bahia Honda village

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs032.snc6/166201_1266764447158_1771228273_465322_2179624_n.j pg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs732.ash1/162597_1266765207177_1771228273_465323_6620975_n.j pg

Bahia Honda radio flyer!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs018.snc6/166861_1266766327205_1771228273_465325_3656407_n.j pg

recycled trash....

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/hs068.snc6/167886_1266767207227_1771228273_465326_4873750_n.j pg



I just got a call from a member of the Panama4x4 Club who just came into town. So logging off to go meet him and have a beer! More pictures to come next time I am online....

[RMP&O]

Life here in Panama is going well....

We just had a big full moon party last night. Tracked down a piggie, that alone took us 2 days. Seems all the pigs were sold over the holidays. Any ways, found a pig, dug a pit and cooked it up Hawaiin style. It was a friend Peter & my first time but it turned out great. We fed lot's of people, drank tons of beers/rum and sat around a bonfire under the full moon till late....

Hard to beat this kind of lifestyle!

[nctacoma]

r.

I added up my fuel for the trip south.....330gals. to do 4600 miles. Yeah, my Taco gets bad milage but it is well over 5500lbs with gear and I have the power to pass anybody I like when I like!



How do fuel prices in Mexico and Central America compare with current US prices?

[FIELDZY]

Hello from Queensland Australia,

just joined to let you know how much I enjoy reading your Trip reports. Just finished reading this one and read your Car build up and 'The Ultimate Road Trip' thread.

Reading your reports makes me feel like i am there! It has really inspired me to one day undertake such an adventure. Being only 22 I have travelled to various countries but never travelled overland. You are truly an inspiration to people like me who one day wish to explore and travel the way you do.

Keep up the fantastic work and have a great time in Santa Catalina.

Eagerley awaiting more updates!!

Cheers,

Adam.

[exploreFL]

Dude you are making me miss Santa Catalina! I think I saw some boards on top of your truck, hit that point up for me! The pizza man there has great pizza if he is in, also the portuguese guy has awesome burgers! Enjoy it and keep posting some pics!

[RMP&O]

Thanks for the good words guys.....

It is super hot here in Catalina lately. I just been surfing, long walks on the beach and hanging out with friends. Oh and some beer drinking too. And let's not forget fishing.....

Fish ON!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/180175_1290608883254_1771228273_498114_5281902_n.j pg

My neighbor is one of the best local fisherman here in Catalina....we go out every couple of weeks. I landed a rather large Wahoo a few trips back. And the boat man speared a HUGE Red Snapper.....not to mention all the tuna we catch. No pics though because they guy with us who took them never gave them to me. :(

I got to say fresh Yellow Fin for sushi and grilled Wahoo rocks hard!!

Four friends of mine are flying in to Panama in a week. My 38th B-Day is at the end of the month and I have a bar rented for that. Should be fun!


I leave Panama on around the 12-14th of March. If anyone is interested I have a spare seat in my truck for the drive north.....

[FIELDZY]

Happy birthday for the 27th mate, Planning to visit Isla Coiba again this year??

[RMP&O]

The long road home for me begins in just a few days....

:smiley_drive:

[Toyotero]

The long road home for me begins in just a few days....

:smiley_drive:

Have a safe trip.

[LaOutbackTrail]

Of course, you are more than welcome to stop by nuestro casa aqui.

[RMP&O]

Central America done in 5 days!

Sunday was Catalina to Boquete, Panama.
Monday was Boquete to Jaco, Costa Rica
Tuesday was Jaco to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua
...Wednesday was San Juan del Sur to Nacaome, Honduras
Thursday was Nacaome to Jatipa, Guatemala
Friday (today) was Jatipa to Comitan, Mexico

Many long long days but I hardly checked the maps at all and am now just 2-3 days from the USA!!

Don't quote me on city names, very tired and don't feel like fetching the maps to check.

A few highlights of the drive so far.....

Awesome seafood while sitting on the beach & watching the sunset in San Juan del Sur. Argueing with cops in Honduras who tried to rob me! I told the last guy who was hassling me hard that either he l...ets me go or we visit his boss or I call the US embassy and he can tell them how he is trying to rob me, it worked!! Entering Guatemala was nasty, the lady (very nice) at the border made several HUGE mistakes when I left the country in December, because of this it took me 4hrs to enter Guatemala. It ended by me hitting my head on a sign (didn't see it with m hat on) and I split it open pretty good! Blood was everywhere including all over my face, all in front of about 50 people!! Lucky for me there was a doctor on the El Salvador side of the border. Very nice people on both sides of the border who took good care of me before I left. Today was super long, I drove across ALL of Guatemala and entered Mexico. Along the way I was stopped by the police in Guatemala City and my truck was search for no reason at all other than they could do it.

[RMP&O]

Oh and the most expensive fill up ever in a Tacoma!!

$152 in fuel!!!! :Wow1: If I recall right it was in Nicaragua. Nice how fuel prices went up just days before my drive north...

Good thing I can go over 500 miles on both tanks.

Calculated mpg earlier today, averaging very good milage in my Taco. 15.8mpg thus far. For those who don't know.....my Taco is supercharged, bigger fuel pump and last time it was on the scales came in at 5200lbs unloaded! So over 15mpg is excellent!!

[RMP&O]

Mexico done in 2 days!!

That beats last years time as well as my time down in December. No problems or issues driving through Mexico this time, not even one cop tried to get money out of me. I suppose they simply have to much else on their hands....

I am currently at a Toyota dealership in Texas having the oil changed, new plugs put in and going back to a cold climate mix in my radiator. I was going to have them change my fuel filter but they want well over $100 in labor to do it! It takes me 10mins to do it myself so screw that! I am paying to much for the few things being serviced but am on the road and they need to be done before I drive the next 2,000+ miles.

I may post some more pictures when I get home and go through them all but besides that.....this trip report is DONE! :victory::victory::victory:

[ddawson]

Sweet, that's definitely a record!! Good work, and can't wait to see some pics!

[RMP&O]

Since 200 miles south of the USA border (in Fort Collins, CO now) I have been driving through strong head/cross winds. So over 1600 miles now of nasty winds. My mileage has suffered bad as a result.

By the way, my truck has not missed a beat on this trip. In case you didn't know, 2nd time to Panama and back in my 04 supercharged Taco. More than one person said it couldn't be done and I would kill the truck! The Taco purs and runs excellent, still. I believe a lot of that has to do with me doing very regular maintenance and taking care of my rig. I follow the rule of take care of your truck and it will take care of you! Today I just clicked over 135k miles! :wings:

[RMP&O]

Some pictures from Santa Catalina, Panama....

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198161_1318846909187_1771228273_532060_6360825_n.j pg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190648_1318846269171_1771228273_532059_8069699_n.j pg

next to the step into the bathroom....
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200357_1306213313355_1771228273_518214_1708146_n.j pg

Tapage (the founder of the Panama4x4 Club) & myself on Playa Estero
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/181579_1290607003207_1771228273_498112_7357434_n.j pg

A Wyoming kayak on Catalina Island
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196123_1304747036699_1771228273_516265_6910635_n.j pg

[RMP&O]

Looking down at the ranger station on Isla Coiba, Panama

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/196562_1304750676790_1771228273_516292_3324284_n.j pg

Along a hiking trail on Isla Coiba

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198518_1304753596863_1771228273_516311_5488808_n.j pg

Snorkeling at Isla Coiba

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190534_1306214633388_1771228273_518221_675775_n.jp g
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190238_1306215113400_1771228273_518222_6921873_n.j pg

what happens to a white guy who goes to the tropics and forgets to put on sun block!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/183318_1304759717016_1771228273_516327_3867169_n.j pg

[Christian P.]

Bummer I missed you in Panama. I am heading back in April.

Yes indeed - now you know the secret...

the reason why we came down - www.panamapassage.com

:)

[RMP&O]

With old friends in Panama City...drinking Seco

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/190676_10150154347774402_714179401_8266986_7416518 _n.jpg

At Casco Viejo, in Panama City

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184390_10150154350849402_714179401_8267006_6422108 _n.jpg

Me coming in from a surf at Playa Estero

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/198075_10150162929724402_714179401_8359715_2023398 _n.jpg

At my 38th B-Day party in Santa Catalina

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198209_10150155029529402_714179401_8273288_732169_ n.jpg

A map of Santa Catalina at my favorite drinking hole, aka The Dive Stop

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189564_10150160070464402_714179401_8328637_6129158 _n.jpg

My house in Catalina....

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196149_10150162928599402_714179401_8359691_8294881 _n.jpg
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197278_10150160087554402_714179401_8328744_2874505 _n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199638_10150160050474402_714179401_8328471_8085841 _n.jpg

A friends pineapple garden...

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/197533_10150162987474402_714179401_8360063_2394361 _n.jpg

Milling lumber Panama style

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200407_10150160089834402_714179401_8328752_8132275 _n.jpg

The yoga deck at my friends place, aka La Buena Vida

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/188197_10150162929474402_714179401_8359710_8325356 _n.jpg

At our favorite watering hole

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/189595_10150160089844402_714179401_8328754_7594081 _n.jpg

A typical breakfast in Catalina

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196528_10150162987369402_714179401_8360061_7631988 _n.jpg


That is it for now....and I got to say posting these pictures makes me want to turn around and drive straight back to Santa Catalina!! :(

[Toyotero]

Since 200 miles south of the USA border (in Fort Collins, CO now) I have been driving through strong head/cross winds. So over 1600 miles now of nasty winds. My mileage has suffered bad as a result.


I made much of that same trip in the last few days... from Austin to Denver, where I am now. Nasty winds.



By the way, my truck has not missed a beat on this trip. More than one person said it couldn't be done and I would kill the truck!
Today I just clicked over 135k miles! :wings:

Fools :-D
I just hit 90K on my Taco this trip :victory:

Great looking photos btw, looks like you had a blast!

[RMP&O]

Bummer I missed you in Panama. I am heading back in April.

Yes indeed - now you know the secret...

the reason why we came down - www.panamapassage.com

:)

Yah....bummer indeed.

Cool website and I wish you guys well with it! If you need info or other things (contacts) feel free to pm me. As you can see I know Panama pretty well now as well as the route down and back.

The drive home over the last 9 days, I didn't use my maps more than 4xs. I only got lost a tiny bit on the way down and on the way back didn't get lost at all. Not trying to impress anyone with those statements but I am impressed by my own route finding skills considering I never used a GPS either this year or last time. I have lot's and I mean lots of border crossing experience now ALL through Mexico and Central America, my passport has over 20 pages full from the trip this year and last. I am a bit tired atm and brain dead but again if you want info to add to your website feel free to pm me.

At this time I have no plans to return anytime soon but a friend of mine may be moving to Catalina. He came down end of Feburary first of March to look into possible business ventures. If he does move down I plan to go see him sooner rather than later. Either way some day I will be back....the Darien calls my name!

[RMP&O]

I made much of that same trip in the last few days... from Austin to Denver, where I am now. Nasty winds.

crap had I known that I would have stopped in Denver and we could have met up for a few beers. I am in Fort Collins now and in the morning heading for home....




Fools :-D
I just hit 90K on my Taco this trip :victory:

if you look back to my intial posts before last years trip you will see people here on this forum telling me DO NOT take a S/C Taco to Latin America! I just did 3600 miles straight in it through Latin America over 9 days and it is running nearly perfect!


Great looking photos btw, looks like you had a blast!

yeah I did, memories that will last me the rest of my life! Unfortunately though I am missing pictures from some fishing trips like when I caught a big Wahoo or from when we did the pig roast. Oh well I won't soon forget those days.

[ddawson]

A typical breakfast in Catalina

http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196528_10150162987369402_714179401_8360061_7631988 _n.jpg



Those fruit topped pancakes look delicious.:drool:

[RMP&O]

Some more pictures from the trip....

Chiapas - Mexico
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/199883_1326681825055_1771228273_539569_3967755_n.j pg

A few flaws in this stiched picture but I like it none the less. Mexico - Guatemala border
http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200373_1326696065411_1771228273_539594_3398043_n.j pg

Antigua - Guatemala
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/199742_1326614143363_1771228273_539519_4908834_n.j pg

Guatemala - El Salvador border crossing
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196913_1326751066786_1771228273_539624_5332161_n.j pg

On the road in El Salvador
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/196229_1326752346818_1771228273_539625_4665594_n.j pg

El Amitillo
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198190_1326754226865_1771228273_539628_2993485_n.j pg

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198155_1326607343193_1771228273_539511_4938381_n.j pg

If look around once in awhile even a place like El Amitillo is beautiful!
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/190481_1326746386669_1771228273_539620_3380458_n.j pg

Honduras to Nicaragua border aka El Espino
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208097_1326608743228_1771228273_539512_8112980_n.j pg

Nicaragua

http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208343_1326735026385_1771228273_539615_8121_n.jpg
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199180_1326644264116_1771228273_539543_4276949_n.j pg

Playa CoCo - Costa Rica
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/200113_1327353481846_1771228273_540396_5417317_n.j pg
http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/200113_1327353521847_1771228273_540397_2102148_n.j pg

Panama
http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/198187_1326602223065_1771228273_539505_4387742_n.j pg

A very happy little girl on X-Mas morning
http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/207167_1326602823080_1771228273_539506_4790442_n.j pg

heavy rain on the Kate' River, Panama
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/197961_1326643144088_1771228273_539540_6842722_n.j pg

A Wyoming Taco in Panama
http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199772_1326645304142_1771228273_539546_7750297_n.j pg

These kids do not see crazy gringos very often!
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/199939_1326646344168_1771228273_539548_5749779_n.j pg

A school in the mountains of Panama
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/208031_1326648424220_1771228273_539554_2453910_n.j pg

A stiched photo
http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207027_1327357841955_1771228273_540398_1791576_n.j pg

Isla Catalina
http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/208350_1327406243165_1771228273_540466_7093275_n.j pg

On the way home in a hotel near Comitan - Mexico
http://a1.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/206467_1327409123237_1771228273_540471_5488775_n.j pg



and that folks is about all I have to share! :)

[Toyotero]

Great photos, looks like an(other) awesome trip :-D

[FLTLNDR]

This has to be the view from Luna's Castle Hostel in Casco Viejo, si?

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184390_10150154350849402_714179401_8267006_6422108 _n.jpg

[RMP&O]

This has to be the view from Luna's Castle Hostel in Casco Viejo, si?

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/184390_10150154350849402_714179401_8267006_6422108 _n.jpg


yup

[RMP&O]

Going through some of the videos from this trip recently. Man there is some pretty good ones! I wll try to put them together and upload sometime in the not so distant future.


cheers

[98dango]

Another good trip man.

[RMP&O]

Another good trip man.

Thanks!

Here are the video clips I have been mentioning. Since this was a fast trip down we didn't spend a lot of time taking video.

The video clips are not as good as the previous trip but this drive was different and much faster going down to Panama. There are some good clips in here none the less. I thought about spicing up the videos with some photos but there is plenty of pictures in this thread already. So it is just video clips and it is what it is!

*Warning* Foul Language in some of the clips!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Af3gGzglcRY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-czBQReAoY

The worst border crossing in Central America, aka El Amatillo


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_m39JuXVP8

Across Nicaragua and into Costa Rica


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tOTXRq2aMU

Here is the last video...La buena vida en Panamá


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecqflMc--h4

[Toyotero]

Across Nicaragua and into Costa Rica

<video>




I ran into those guy in filming in our hotel in Managua las Feb. I'd never heard of their comedy group, by my wife had and she was excited to meet them.
They are total payasos and friendly to their fans too.

79427 79428

They have their videos on the 'net if you wanna watch and reminisce ;-)


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7WYjq5fwmE

Their youtube channel... http://www.youtube.com/user/NNNetwork

Their rendition of "Nicaraguan Fast and Furious" is pretty funny...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLqwtjJ-vUU&list=UUAX2Lvbju82owZY9vo3sspg