Recent Guests and Latest News @ Panama Passage!

[@panamapassage]

We have only been open for a few weeks and we have already had the chance to accommodate many overlanders so I think it could be a good idea to show some pictures.

John from Colorado with his KTM990SE, our first guest ever!

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/03/Image0298-1024x768.jpg

The Reyes family, Apollo, Magellan, Darma, Cat & Paul. Sans their Defender…

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/03/Last-of-Panama-2011-186.jpg

No photos of the inmates – but Grant, Cynthia and Max’s bikes….oh and Shaun's too. The Katoom liked having company.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/03/bikes-1024x768.jpg

Marc, Sarah, Mel, Kahung and Dante from Canada. Marc and Sarah drove the Westfalia (Bella: blog (http://www.sarah-marc.blogspot.com/)) down from New Brunswick (that’s in Canada BTW) and Kahung and the gang drove their Land Cruiser from Kingston, Ontario (also Canada).

Unfortunately the LC (The Mule: blog (http://kahunglaw.blogspot.com/p/are-we-there-yet.html)) was shipped out of Costa Rica back home….

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/bella-1024x768.jpg


George with his 650GS, Dave and Ann’s Nissan Xterra (http://www.advodna.com/), and Chris and Leif’s KIA “billy goat”.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/Dave-george-aa-counter-600x450.jpg

Christian
www.panamapassage.com

[@panamapassage]

Luc from Belgium has already crossed all of Africa and South America, and he is on his way up to USA on a nice Transalp 600.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/IMG_0052600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/IMG_0053600x450.jpg

Stay tuned for more!

[viajeros4x4x4]

It's a pity we are going to the north.... already crossed thru panama a year ago...
Good luck there and lots of traveller stories!!!

[@panamapassage]

It's a pity we are going to the north.... already crossed thru panama a year ago...
Good luck there and lots of traveller stories!!!

Pablo/Anna

It was an immense pleasure to meet you - don't forget my invitation, you have a place waiting in Quebec!

Christian

[@panamapassage]

Looks like there has been some changes regarding the loading of your vehicle in Panama:

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/04/Imagen-2-600x185.png

From Shaun:

I was in Colon today to help with a friends shipment from Panama to LA in a 20′ container.

As of 3 weeks ago – the Port of Colon just changed their regulations regarding container shipping. The vehicle owner, or the freight forwarder are no longer allowed to supervise the loading of their container. Nor are they allowed to seal the container.

Essentially – I’m told by Port employees that they have disallowed any non employees to enter the port. According to them, it’s too crowded and dangerous to have non authorized personnel walking around.

So – the new procedure is: when you are ready to load, you drive to the port entrance, wait in a fenced in yard where they will photodocument your vehicle, and where a K9 comes to sniff for contraband. You also provide them with a detailed list of items that will be in the vehicle. At that point – you relinquish your key, hand them the appropriate paperwork and hope that your vehicle is a) in the same shape as when it when in and b) nothing is missing out of it.

I’m also told that if you show up with boots, a hardhat, and a bright neon vest, they may let you in. But for now – no one gets in the ship yard. The next time I go to Colon I will test this theory by bringing the appropriate gear and making myself a nuisance until I’m let into the yard.

I’ll update you on the condition of my friends vehicle when it reaches LA in 2-3 weeks.

More on the site, where we provide with the most accurate and recent information: www.panamapassage.com

[@panamapassage]

Ben from NYC on his Yamaha XT600. He rode down to Panama from NY and now headed back home.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/NY-Ben-600x450.jpg

We met on the road down to Panama...Apparently Ben is a huge fan of Expo! Here's an excerpt from his blog (http://ridingbacktocentralamerica.blogspot.com/):

The ride from the border, from the highlands to the lowlands is pretty spectacular. Nice sunny weather, green mountains, rivers, farms everywhere and most importantly, great smooth asphalt. I am 100 miles or so into Panama and I pull over to take a pic. Behind me, a KTM supermoto pulls up and I meet Shaun from Quebec, by way of the Bay Area,, who has been trying to catch up to me for the past hour. He tells me that he now lives in Panama City and has just opened a place and a company called Panama Passage which gives motorcycle and 4x4 travellers a place to stay and sort out the crossing into Colombia (only possible by air or sea from Panama with a vehicle). I had read about this place on ADVrider and was stoked at the coincidence. To make things even cooler, Shaun's partner Christian pulls up in a modifird Toyota Land Cruiser soon after, with "Expedition Portal" written on the side. Expedition Portal is a website that I have slowly become addicted to, about and for folks who modify 4x4's especially Land Cruisers and Land Rovers for expedition travel. Its probably going to be my next thing. Oh yeah, and Christian is the president of the company! I marvel for a bit at meeting these 2 guys out here on the side of the road in Panama, and we agree to meet up at the next town, Santiago, about 90 minutes away. We hit the road together and at Santiago, Christian and Shaun decide to get dinner, while I opt to keep riding in as much daylight as possible, to get to Panama City before its really late. Shaun lets us know he is going to stay the night there, and Christian will head to PC after dinner. ( They are both coming from Bocas del Toro, an archipelago near the CR border on the Carribean side, where I will be headed in a week or so). The already good road turns into a nice 4 lane highway, straight, and I am not bored at all, instead enjoying the fast, smooth ride. I stop and fuel up the bike and eat. Its dark now, and my stop has allowed Christian to catch up to me in his Toyota. We cross the Bridge of the Americas and he leads me to Luna's Castle, a large and funky hostel where I aim to save a few bucks. We agree to meet for drinks with Shaun and some others at the bar downstairs the next day and Christian heads off. I plan on staying at Panama Passage for a few days as well, especially since Shaun and Christian have offered me a nice deal for a longer term stay. As I settle into my cramped and hot dungeon-like room, I immediately wish I had just gone to Panama Passage. Oh well, for a couple of days I can deal with it, and the location in the heart of the old city is pretty sweet. The saving grace of the room is a beautiful French- Moroccan girl I'll call "A", who is leaving the next night. We have a long conversation and agree to hang out the next day in town, checking out the sights and such. I head out myself and walk around the old city at night. It is mostly restored and very nice, and the view across the bay to the modern skyline of Panama City at night is pretty stunning. Its the first metropolis I have been in since Mexico City, many months ago, and the only city like it in Central America. I hit the sack eager to explore PC and also to ride to the end of the Pan Am highway in Yaviza, a few hundred kms away and just 30 miles from the Colombian border.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr3AmKmbqTM/TakUG69iqFI/AAAAAAAAEMw/sm_BI5d67OI/s1600/IMGP5643%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fxDtkamMbik/TakSHlyjSzI/AAAAAAAAEMo/A3njktn_d2E/s1600/IMGP5642%2B%2528Medium%2529.JPG

Safe travels Ben…

[@panamapassage]

A Swiss couple just arrived with this camper combo...I think it's almost bigger than my Bigfoot. Apparently they are having some challenges with their truck, so we are trying to help them locating a Cummins mechanic in town.

Christian

[Trail Monkey]

Looks like your getting nice traffic, so soon too..! truly was a need for you guys in Panama..!

[Victorian]

Tell us about that German BMW... please :bike_rider:

[Christian P.]

Looks like your getting nice traffic, so soon too..! truly was a need for you guys in Panama..!

yep, you can say so! Apparently we have 12 overlanders tonight !

3 bikes, Africa Twin, Goldwin and a BMW R1200, a swiss couple in the Dodge Cummins/Camper and more...

:)

[@panamapassage]

more guests...

http://www.panamapassage.com/guestbook/

Simon and Panny, and their dirty trusty Trans Alps in the background. Panny was able to replace his leaky seal – which he sourced from another guest that happened to have a spare in his car?! Blog here... (http://www.krad-vagabunden.de/)

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/Panny-and-friends-600x450.jpg

The Beng Family – stayed with us for 2 weeks – lovely lovely people. Sad to see their Polo gone but glad they made it on the boat.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/04/beng-600x450.jpg

[High Center]

What a wonderful thing-
Your updates are inspiring and very accurately display the goodwill and spirit of the traveler.

Best of luck

[@panamapassage]

well, we have a problem. Our yard is full already!

Many guests from the Portal are there at the moment - can you recognize these 2 trucks?

:)

[jorgec]

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/

and

http://panamnotes.com/

[rockandroll]

http://www.adventurouspirits.com/

and

http://panamnotes.com/

Winner!

We're all inside trying to figure out how to get these hoss' to Colombia.

[RedDog]

I recognized Tom and Janet's Nissan. I saw that truck at a cookout in Calgary when it was about a week old.

[unURBAN]

We're all inside trying to figure out how to get these hoss' to Colombia.

Hey guys!
Keep in mind when checking for prices that there are a couple of more vehicles wanting to ship the next week or two or three. Maybe this could give us better quotes? We'll be in Panama City around 5- 6-7th May (we just have to try to drive up a tiny little volcano first.... ;-) )

E&M

[@panamapassage]

well, I did not think that would happen that quickly....but it looks like we have a problem already.

we have received many guests and the yard is a bit small...

So we have already started looking for a new location. Wow, I can't even believe I am typing this after only about 6-7 weeks.

We can still accommodate everyone but I just wanted to drop a note to make sure to set up the right expectations.

read our latest entries for more details: www.panamapassage.com

We are a new project designed to help overlanders with shipping headaches, parts sourcing, a place to call home for awhile, and a place for you to sleep. So far we must admit that we have been overwhelmed with the level of interest, it seems like there was a real need for such a place in Panama City.

We are located in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Panama City. It’s clean, safe, beautiful, and convenient to most things worth doing and seeing in Panama City.

But the reality of Panama City, like Miami or any other large town, is that space is tight and rent are high. And the other reality of Panama, like many other Central America country, is that things take time… read more (http://www.panamapassage.com)

[DiploStrat]

Chouette!

[Roverholic]

I want to be back on that front patio so bad! Stoked that things are working out so well for you guys. I'm sure Shaun is really excited about fixing up a new place:).
Maybe a location just north of the city...on the beach..with a nice surf break.
Cheers,
Paul

[snohobo]

I'm sure Shaun is really excited about fixing up a new place:).


I've done it once and I can do it again. Though now I know where to get good cheap labor!

[snohobo]

And a few others for our first Panama Passage Party!

http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/4-15.jpg

[@panamapassage]

some more recent guests:

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/LoganBrianna-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/janettom-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/alecmonika-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/2-auf-Motorhaube-600x450.jpg

more stories here... (http://www.panamapassage.com/guestbook/)

[@panamapassage]

by the way, I want to say thank you to everyone who have stopped by so far - it really means a lot to have your support.

It is an exciting and sometimes challenging task to start such a business and we really appreciate your visit.

I believe things are progressing extremely well and quickly but there is a lot to manage and cover, from helping to track down a seal for a Cummins to how to ship your dog with you along with your Sprinter...and everything in between.

A few news:

-we have a reliable taxi driver that will take you anywhere around town at "local" price
-we have a great connection for shipping
-we have a new Argentinian guy (Lucas) at the house helping with daily tasks
-we'll have a huge resource binder ready soon, for all relevant information in Panama City

watch this thread from more!

[Scott Brady]

So cool to see all of this unfold!

[rockandroll]

Looking to increase sales? I've got 3 words for you: Panama Passage Koozies

[RMP&O]

Looking to increase sales? I've got 3 words for you: Panama Passage Koozies

:victory:

I suggest getting them in the shape of the human body, female and male. :)

It is cool to see you guys taking off like this. Driving the Pan-Am you see/meet a fair amount of other travelers but I would not have guessed so many are shipping to S.America.

I would suggest you make a contact in the Panama 4x4 Club. Tapage (David) who is the founder and president of the club is a really good guy, speaks fluent english/spanish and lives in Panama City. He is very active in the club and also on IH8Mud.com. I am sure if nothing else he can assist with info on remote places to visit in Panama (some really extreme for those interested) and also good mechanics + second hand parts in the city. Many of the guys in the club are very nice people and also live in the city. The club is also country wide so contacts all over the country. If nothing else it is worth grabbing a beer with Tapage some time and listening to him talk about the club and what they have done/are doing in Panama. He also has 2 very sweet TLCs that are extremely :drool: worthy!

http://4x4panama.com/

[Christian P.]

:victory:

I suggest getting them in the shape of the human body, female and male. :)

It is cool to see you guys taking off like this. Driving the Pan-Am you see/meet a fair amount of other travelers but I would not have guessed so many are shipping to S.America.

I would suggest you make a contact in the Panama 4x4 Club. Tapage (David) who is the founder and president of the club is a really good guy, speaks fluent english/spanish and lives in Panama City. He is very active in the club and also on IH8Mud.com. I am sure if nothing else he can assist with info on remote places to visit in Panama (some really extreme for those interested) and also good mechanics + second hand parts in the city. Many of the guys in the club are very nice people and also live in the city. The club is also country wide so contacts all over the country. If nothing else it is worth grabbing a beer with Tapage some time and listening to him talk about the club and what they have done/are doing in Panama. He also has 2 very sweet TLCs that are extremely :drool: worthy!

http://4x4panama.com/

Thanks - we actually met David briefly when I was there. We'll get in touch again when I go back in June.

[geovalue]

And a few others for our first Panama Passage Party!


http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n426/Geovalue/Panama%20Central%20America/4-15.jpg

Sorry about reposting but the photo link was broken so reposted

[@panamapassage]

Time for some more pictures of recent guests!

George and Aandrea – all the way from Germany. They provided comic releif, really needed to received their solar panels (which they did care of UPS) and ended up using LOLO Flatrack to ship out – and almost lost their truck in the process….! Blog it up here… (http://www.toyotours.com/Weltreise/Home.html)

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/georgandrea-600x450.jpg

Pete from the UK (where is that again?) spent a week with us – mostly looking up stuff on his iPhone, eating pizza and drinking beer. He’s off to Colombia now – bt you can read about his travels here (http://2wheels2continents.tumblr.com/)...

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/Pete-450x600.jpg

[@panamapassage]

Espen and Malin – the infamous unurban folks in their Patrol got here a few days late after they snapped a brake line going up a volcano which people said they could not get up (they did not get up…). Was a pleasure having them with us for an extended period – good folks. See and read about them http://www.unurban.no/…..

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/espenmalin-600x450.jpg

Two rednecks riding 2up on a ’74 350cc dirtbike. They usually wear a poncho but went with the Mary Poppins look this time around. Mike and Tank – a force to be reckoned with – two big happy personalities – I’m sad to see them go but stoked for their koozy journey. http://www.fairtanker.blogspot.com/

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/tank-600x450.jpg

[Christian P.]

At Panama Passage, not only we provide you with the best overlander services, but we also try our best to entertain you and make you forget about all the adventures associated with shipping...

Shaun is not only a great host, but also a well known DJ in San Francisco.

Please join us for his first set in Panama City.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/deluxe-400x600.jpg

[@panamapassage]

Apparently Janet and Tom managed to finally get their truck out of the container in Colombia...check you this video they just put together


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WS6eviYYNM

[@panamapassage]

Matthieu, Charlotte, Tugdual, Agathe, Enguerrand, Octavie, Béatrix…sans oublier Doudou – fresh off the boat from Cartagena. A family of 7 traveling and camping in a Defender. 5 kids in the rooftop tent and the parents inside the cab – a sight to be seen.
See more here…
(http://pasdansunfauteuil.fr/fraccueil.html)
http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/french2-600x591.jpg

[@panamapassage]

Francesco and Isabel joined up for nearly 2 weeks – camping in their VW. We had a blast with their Swiss sense of humor. It’s there – you just have to really listen for it. They shipped the VW home and continued their travel via backpack to Peru. Read all about it here… (http://www.travelpod.com/members/seeyou2011)

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/franc-isabel-600x450.jpg

[@panamapassage]

Sprinter Life – what can be said about these 3? Funny, smart, sarcastic, American, hairy…. We were joined by Tree, Stevie, and Kiki for over a week and they were a delight to host. Their boat decided to leave 3 days early, unannounced – but that’s par for the course in Panama. Currently in Colombia awaiting their Sprinter – read more here…. (http://www.sprinterlife.com/)

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/treestevie-600x450.jpg

[RMP&O]

Matthieu, Charlotte, Tugdual, Agathe, Enguerrand, Octavie, Béatrix…sans oublier Doudou – fresh off the boat from Cartagena. A family of 7 traveling and camping in a Defender. 5 kids in the rooftop tent and the parents inside the cab – a sight to be seen.
See more here…
(http://pasdansunfauteuil.fr/fraccueil.html)
http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/05/french2-600x591.jpg


That is pretty crazy! Goes to show nothing should stop you from hitting the road if you want to travel by vehicle.

[@panamapassage]

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/06/Picture-1-600x61.png

We are very pleased to announce that we have partnered up with Seaboard Marine (http://www.seaboardmarinepanama.com/) – one of the major shipping lines here in Panama. What does this mean for you? Read more to find out.

Things have been moving swiftly here at Panama Passage. We realized early on that Overlanders need to maximize their budget and that means spending less on shipping their beloved vehicles. It also means getting them across the gap as quickly as possible.

We’ve been working hard on building up our network of connections here with shipping lines, freight forwarders and custom agents. So far we’ve been able to provide you all with good references for freight forwarders that can help you get across the gap with as little hassle as possible.

We are now the preferred agent for helping overlanders ship with Seaboard Marine. Previously – overlanders have either used shipping agents or gone directly to the shipping line. Only Seaboard Marine and Wilhelmsen allow overlanders to ship with them directly – without the use of an agent. The problem is that as an individual client – you don’t have access to preferred rates.

Seaboard Marine has authorized us to provide lower rates than you could normally get by going with them directly.

Why would they do this?

Seaboard Marine wins by lowering the amount of email and phone calls they receive from Overlanders because Panama Passage handles all the inquiries.
Overlanders win by getting access to a lower price than they could normally get.
And Panama Passage wins by potentially accommodating overlanders in our guesthouse.

This is what we call a Win-Win-Win. It’s never been done before!

But we’re not done…… There’s more!

Anyone who uses Panama Passage to ship with Seaboard Marine will receive 2 nights free camping or 1 night free in a double room*.

How awesome is that. Everyone really does win.

Fill out this form (http://www.panamapassage.com/resources/ovmatch/)to send us a quote request and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

We look forward to seeing you in Panama!

*Based on availability

[Scott Brady]

Good stuff!

[landcruising]

Very interesting! We'll see you when we eventually get there...
Adventurous greetings,
Coen

[Christian P.]

Just a quick note to say that Shaun's aunt is dying of cancer, so he must go back to Montreal for a week or so. Someone else will be at the house to welcome guests in the meantime.

[@panamapassage]

Well guys it's been a while since the last update!!!!

A few of our latest guests:

Jean-Francois et Juliet – a sweet and wonderful Belge couple heading up to Central America – traveling and educating local populations on the environmental impact our lifestyle is having. Loved there two! Check the blog (http://www.bearoundtheworld.be/)

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/jfjuliet-600x450.jpg


We just accommodated 7 riders who were all on their way to Colombia aboard the Stahlratt. Too many to name – but see if you recognize a friendly face or two….

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/random-guests-2-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/random-guests-3-600x450.jpg


George from the UK spent a few days with us – charming us with his dry wit and flaunting his amazing amounts of chest hair. He routinely walked around the house with that doo rag on his head…. Headed to Colombia and I’m hoping to meet him there!

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/random-guests-1-600x450.jpg

[@panamapassage]

So there is a lot happening these days.

First, check out this great video from Janet and Tom, celebrating her birthday at Panama Passage:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Y2mNrw11Q

Also, a couple other news:

Thanks to all these travelers passing by, Shaun got the travel bug too....so he is leaving us at the end of September.

:(

He will be heading to Columbia with his KTM690 SuperMotard - no doubt having a lot of fun adventures!

Phil (yes, this Expo Phil!) is now down at Panama Passage and will help us through out the transition. He may or may not stay after Shaun's departure, so if anyone is interested by an exciting (if not financial rewarding) position as the next Panama Passage manager, please be in touch with me.

Persephone and I will head down there around Sept 10th for a few weeks and will be there when Shaun leaves, around September 23rd.

Please expect a bit going-away party at Panama Passage on September 17th!!!

[Streakerfreak]

Martin and Dean, from Australia, have been on the road for a long time and met each other on the way up from Columbia. It was raining heavily upon their arrival, but they were still all smiles and extremely fun to host. Won’t soon forget Deans frantic search of Albrook Mall for what every Overlander needs – a video game controller.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/Random%20Pics/IMG_0308800x533640x426.jpg

[trailsurfer]

Looking forward to arriving at Panama Passage at the end of November via motorcycle. Christian, I need to get the contact info for the company that helps with motorcycle shipping and logistics. I will be shipping my bike back to Colorado.

[Christian P.]

Looking forward to arriving at Panama Passage at the end of November via motorcycle. Christian, I need to get the contact info for the company that helps with motorcycle shipping and logistics. I will be shipping my bike back to Colorado.

PM sent

[Streakerfreak]

We had the pleasure of having two great couples and a dog (who didn't want to leave) stay with us for a few nights. Flo, Alice, & Kaos from France have been on the road for several months now in their old GMC RV bought in the U.S.A. James and Dale from Montana, but with heavy southern accents, arrived into Panama in their RV and had met Flo & Alice on the road south. With their RV's loaded onto a ship bound for Columbia they were all pretty excited to head into South America. It was an interesting sight watching the local taxi driver load 4 people, 1 dog, luggage, a dog crate, and a wheel chair into a Toyota Corolla for their 30 minute drive to their airport.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/IMG_0317.jpg

Kaos, upset he has to go, yet he still called shotgun for the ride to the airport.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/IMG_0325.jpg

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/IMG_0333.jpg

[CRJeepin]

Awesome updates and great work on the guest house / shop / shipping depot / repair yard / everything else!

CR

[Streakerfreak]

Two hilarious guys, Adam from Israel, and David from Canada, have been traveling around the world for some time now and recently met up somewhere in South America and have continued to travel together. Adam delighted us with his early morning singing while cooking pancakes for everyone. Having spent many late nights on the porch chatting with these two and the rest of the house we were all sad to see them go.

Check out David's blog. http://gsguy.wordpress.com/

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/Random%20Pics/IMG_0394.jpg

Arriving at the same time as David and Adam, Sean from Canada, is nearing the end of his around the world trip on his Vespa! http://www.vespa360.com/
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/Random%20Pics/IMG_0395.jpg

[Streakerfreak]

Paul and Renee from the Netherlands started their adventure in California, by backpacking and using any other means they found. Upon reaching El Salvador, they bought a 2003 Suzuki DRZ400s and the rest is history. They were a joy to have at the house even if it was only for two nights.
http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/_MG_5434.jpg

[Streakerfreak]

Tom from Israel on his KLR650 - in and out in one night and heading North.

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w172/streakerfreak/IMG_0569.jpg

[chilliwak]

Wow:Wow1:what an excellent idea to make a home for travelers in the Panama area. It almost makes me jump the next flight to Canada, load up the old Chevy, and head south to your destination. Can I get a discount if I stay for more than half a year?:ylsmoke:

[Christian P.]

Well, I have been back here for a couple days and it's great to see the place evolved! We are pretty much full right now! We have a mix of American, German, Argentinian, Isreal, Canadians...pretty awesome group. Phil from Expo (StreakerPhil) has been doing an amazing job taking care of the place while I was away, and it's not time for him to head back to Arizona

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/P1030036_Small.jpg

watch out this space for more exciting news soon!

[MattScott]

I will be there soon to take over the reigns!

[@panamapassage]

Shaun and I started this wonderful adventure together a few months ago and it has been an amazing journey so far.

However, Shaun has been inspired by all the travelers passing through and has decided to hit the road. He is leaving tomorrow, 22 September 2011, with 12 other motorcyclists heading across the Darien Gap to Colombia. From there he will be zig-zagging through South America for at least the next 6 months.

So watch out for a crazy guy with a pony tail on a KTM SuperMotard 690.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_1274-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_1267_2-450x600.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_1265_2-450x600.jpg

It has been a great pleasure to work with Shaun and everyone here will miss him.

Panama Passage has been an awesome place so far and we are looking forward to making it even better, with even more services!

Please accept our apologies in advance if there is a lag in communication as we are transitioning to my email: christian@panamapassage.com.

Christian Pelletier
Founder, Panama Passage

[@panamapassage]

And off they are!

A bunch of riders left the house this morning, heading for new adventures in Colombia!

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/Panama121_800x533-600x399.jpg

[RMP&O]

However, Shaun has been inspired by all the travelers passing through and has decided to hit the road. He is leaving tomorrow, 22 September 2011, with 12 other motorcyclists heading across the Darien Gap to Colombia. From there he will be zig-zagging through South America for at least the next 6 months.



Wait a minute....are they planning to tackle the Darien via land?

[Christian P.]

Wait a minute....are they planning to tackle the Darien via land?

no, on a boat.

[Christian P.]

Some more happy customers – Tyler on a 2007 Ural, Arthur on a XR650L, Sarah on a XT225 and Greg on a BMW F800GS.
Tyler, Arthur and Greg are continuing their journey south, while Sarah is now heading back to Denver.

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_1277-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_1275-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2011/09/IMG_12761-600x450.jpg

[landcruising]

Great stuff!

[Christian P.]

Our first Unimog! And yes it does fit in the yard! Joerg and Ingrid are old friends we met at the Overland Expo (http://www.overlandexpo.com) last April. They are on their way to South America with this Unimog that apparently gets 30+ mpg and goes 140 km/h…or maybe even more after a few beers!

Check out their blog here: http://arminius-on-tour.com/

http://www.panamapassage.com/uploads/2010/12/IMG_1422_800x600-600x450.jpg

http://www.panamapassage.com/?attachment_id=762

[Streakerfreak]

Awesome! I knew we could fit one somewhere on the property. Are they sleeping in the Mog or in the house?

[MattScott]

For those of you curious about what there is to do around Panama Passage - Here are some images of Casco Viejo; a UNESCO World Heritage Site, less than a mile from our door.

The area is filled with small local restaurants, souvenir shops, bars and nightclubs, as well as probably the best views of the Panama City skyline you will find.



http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-cTDKKkR/0/M/MAT1880-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521560432_cTDKKkR-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-b4L4fV8/0/M/MAT1888-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521560851_b4L4fV8-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-F6ckJzr/0/M/MAT1889-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521561451_F6ckJzr-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-nsf2dh9/0/M/MAT1890-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521563424_nsf2dh9-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-HDmVQ7S/0/M/MAT1891-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521564633_HDmVQ7S-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-Rb3gWrz/0/M/MAT1892-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521565000_Rb3gWrz-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-zx6Wdvq/0/M/MAT1893-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521565560_zx6Wdvq-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-8cwwsf5/0/M/MAT1895-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521566238_8cwwsf5-A-LB)

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http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-pSC3kpj/0/M/MAT1906-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521568013_pSC3kpj-A-LB)

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http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-RTF5tQZ/0/M/MAT1930-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521569094_RTF5tQZ-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-g6kVSqg/0/M/MAT1948-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521569714_g6kVSqg-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-tq8XpXr/0/M/MAT1960-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521570801_tq8XpXr-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-DKX4Nkd/0/M/MAT1970-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521571622_DKX4Nkd-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-tFnSVCM/0/M/MAT1974-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521572198_tFnSVCM-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-tj448jP/0/M/MAT1999-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521572743_tj448jP-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-kCXpfkZ/0/M/MAT2015-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521573307_kCXpfkZ-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-CC4DzzR/0/M/MAT2017-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521573885_CC4DzzR-A-LB)

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/i-v82SKDp/0/M/MAT2024-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Travel/panama/19448101_sv8SdK#1521574913_v82SKDp-A-LB)

[MattScott]

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-qtDdTD6/0/M/i-qtDdTD6-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529773546_qtDdTD6-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-v6m6JT8/0/M/i-v6m6JT8-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529773752_v6m6JT8-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-VLc3fwX/0/M/i-VLc3fwX-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529773915_VLc3fwX-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-nbfbNGt/0/M/i-nbfbNGt-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774016_nbfbNGt-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-KSfnrr2/0/M/i-KSfnrr2-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774208_KSfnrr2-A-LB)
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http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-wwj5Gxn/0/M/i-wwj5Gxn-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774969_wwj5Gxn-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-km4GP84/0/M/i-km4GP84-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775104_km4GP84-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-DwdGVJJ/0/M/i-DwdGVJJ-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775234_DwdGVJJ-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-WPnvFF4/0/M/i-WPnvFF4-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775345_WPnvFF4-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-7pW7dX2/0/M/i-7pW7dX2-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775462_7pW7dX2-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-nbTkF86/0/M/i-nbTkF86-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775544_nbTkF86-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-HhmGNFB/0/M/i-HhmGNFB-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529775719_HhmGNFB-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-DQbdtfd/0/M/i-DQbdtfd-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774334_DQbdtfd-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-9fFMJtM/0/M/i-9fFMJtM-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774530_9fFMJtM-A-LB)
http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/photos/i-VjH5pQg/0/M/i-VjH5pQg-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1529774716_VjH5pQg-A-LB)

[MattScott]

We fit a giant Sprinter too!

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/i-j43xjsp/0/M/MAT2059-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1533680508_j43xjsp-A-LB)

and Davide Biga's round the world Super Tenere! Awesome guy!

http://static.blogo.it/motoblog/davide-biga-e-la-sua-yamaha-xt1200z-super-tenere-1200/Davide_Biga_Super_Tenere_1200_01.jpg

http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/i-GKC4hCC/0/M/MAT1861-M.jpg (http://matthewscott.smugmug.com/Other/Panama-Passage/19534853_s8sK8n#1533681918_GKC4hCC-A-LB)

[Streakerfreak]

I'm back.

[Christian P.]

Well it looks like the new location did not turn out to be a good choice. We will need to find a new house and have to suspend the operation in the meantime.

Phil will be busy...

:)

[MattScott]

I'm back.

http://t-shirtguru.com/product-images/i-m-back-by-popular-demand-t-shirt-cottonfactory-1.gif

[yellocoyote]

Best of luck finding a new location - looking forward to seeing what you find! :)

[Redline]

Well it looks like the new location did not turn out to be a good choice. We will need to find a new house and have to suspend the operation in the meantime.

Phil will be busy...

:)

Come on Phil :)

[Christian P.]

It is with extreme sadness that we had to cease our operation in Panama City.

Despite all our efforts and passion, there were just too many factors that made it impossible to operate.

I don't want to go into all the details but basically:

-impossibility to find a new suitable place
-unable to find a local manager/partner after Shaun's departure
-challenge of operating in Panama City (expenses vs overlander's budget)
-and many more

We are still hoping to find a way to restart the operations in the future
and we will keep exploring options, given all the knowledge we now have.

It has been a very interesting adventure and I really want to thank everyone who has participated in it.
I think it's pretty unanimous that it was a really cool
and needed concept - I have enough memories for another 10 years!

thank you

[Christian P.]

It is with extreme sadness that we had to cease our operation in Panama City.

Despite all our efforts and passion, there were just too many factors that made it impossible to operate.

I don't want to go into all the details but basically:

-impossibility to find a new suitable place
-unable to find a local manager/partner after Shaun's departure
-challenge of operating in Panama City (expenses vs overlander's budget)
-and many more

We are still hoping to find a way to restart the operations in the future and we will keep exploring options, given all the knowledge we now have.

It has been a very interesting adventure and I really want to thank everyone who has participated in it.
I think it's pretty unanimous that it was a really cool and needed concept - I have enough memories for another 10 years!

thank you

[dinoevo]

That's sad as I was planing to stay at the PP in a couple month.

Hope you guys are going to figure it out and you offer a place for Overlanders in the near future again.