Scout Map ReaderAfter giving up on the island surf camp I only had $8 in my wallet, but did have more than half a tank of fuel. I had no means of communicating with anybody and figured I had about an hour or two of daylight left, although I couldn’t be sure on that because the time zone had changed once more as I crossed into this latest country. I did have a map because I am still that much of a boy scout and figured I could probably figure things out, despite the government’s lack of spending on road signs in Panama.

dollarsI pushed on and cannot tell you how delighted I was to find a cash point in a town called Sona, which I will be backtracking though later this week. Dollars are used in Panama so I got a stash out because I didn’t know if I would be able to get anymore in Santa Catalina (you can’t by the way) and I would have to pay for a hotel, food, etc whilst there. Having been caught out by this in Pavones I didn’t want the same issues.

Two Lane Blacktop PosterFrom Sona it was actually quite easy to find Santa Catalina.

I also must compliment Panama on the road surfaces I have experienced so far.

They are better than most in Britain! Two lanes of smooth blacktop.

As an aside here I will recommend ‘Two Lane Blacktop’ which is a cult car movie which starred Dennis Wilson.

Dennis was The Beach Boys’ drummer who was the only one of them who could actually surf.

DoorbellI rolled into town just after the sun had set and found a café on the shore of the town’s sheltered bay to cool down with a few cold beers as well as a fish supper. I didn’t stay there long though because it was already dark and I wanted to get a place to stay. That task proved more difficult than I was expecting simply because nobody was at home or answering the door. It turned out well though because I have found a great place overlooking the best break in the area, and have secured a private room for three days.

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