Panama Investor Blog

Fishing dispute reported

This photo is of my son Travis holding this 50 lb Amber-jack  caught while we were fishing this weekend off the island of Ladronas. I thought this would be a good lead in for my post of a reported conflict between the indigenous of the Darian and the commercial fishing fleets that are plundering their waters just off the Pacific coast southeast of us.

During our fishing trip this Saturday we noticed the number of shrimp boats dragging their nets near the shore and then the number of long line boats about an hour off shore. The long liners are local fishermen out of Pedregal and Boca Chica. I am not sure where the shrimp boats are out of, but there is no doubt that they are aggressively working the waters up and down the coasts of Panama.

Thealarm bells are ringing all over about the oceans being quickly depleted in an exponential fashion and if our experience this weekend is any indication, it is happening off the coasts of Panama at the same pace. As the article in LA Prensa states "sea patrols have been sent to the region to follow up on the complaints, but that the agency lacks the funds to cover the entire coast."  I have been fishing these waters for the past 7 years and I have not seen a single patrol boat of any kind. I have spoken to the authorities in David who have the boats, but not the fuel to do the patrols.

Lets go fishing!

One of the many benefits of living in Chiriqui is the proximity to the ocean. Either of them. Last weekend we took my small fishing boat out to Isla Secas to spend a few days snorkeling and fishing. We had an incredible time doing both, but the real highlight of the experience was that we got to stay at the boutique resort on the island. This was truly a first class experience from the moment we got to the dock. The staff was waiting to help with luggage and lines and handed each of us a pipa, or coconut with a straw. The water was so clear at the dock we could see hundreds of small blowfish whirling about looking for somthing to eat. My 7 year old was fascinated by their ability to puff themselves into spiky balloons when threatened.

We stayed in yurts, which are elegant tent like structures and although here was no AC we found the fans we plenty cool at night. But the very best part of our stay was the food. Each meal is prepared by a chef and we always were eating extraordinary meals as good as any gourmet restaurant in the world.

Each morning my two younger boys and I would get up early and head out about 5 minutes to the fishing grounds. Within minutes we were fighting beautiful Dorado and returning by 8:30 for a wonderful breakfast as we talked about our great fishing skills. My middle son had never caught a fish before and for him to fight a 20 pound Dorado was an experience he won't soon forget.

The Isla Secas area is composed of 16 islands and all owned by the resort. The resort is really  green with solar panels being the only source of power. There is a 450 meter airstrip capable of handling small aircraft and several clients had come that way the day before our arrival.  They have all of the equipment ready for fishing, diving or snorkeling and the area has some of the best of both I have ever seen. My 7 year old would not get out of the water. With 150 feet of crystal clear visibility it was like being in a giant warm water aquarium. Check out the photo album and see this beautiful place within a short trip from our home in Valle Escondido.

My sincere thanks go out to the Klien family for hosting us this weekend.

Photo Album

My blog rated in top ten resources for Latin America investment

Just when you think no one is listening something like this comes along to boost my day. Now to be honest, I have not heard of these guys before (Global Edge UK) but they are all right in my book.

Excerpt;
Panama Investor Blog. This site covers all aspects of investment in Panama, but has a dedicated real estate strand with news and analysis on property and residential tourism. It is frequently updated and features original content along with stories from reputable international sources.

Read about the whole list here...

Tragedy in Chiriqui and the rescue of Francesca Lewis

Boquete 2007
Sam Taliaferro

The Baru volcano dominates life in the Chiriqui Province of Panama. With thick rain forests from its base to its summit, Baru is the tallest peak in the country, rising to 11,332 feet. The area of the Baru National Forest covers over 30,000 acres and is so massive that micro climates abound and rainfall is in some areas is either constant or nearly non-existent. My family and I live in one of its smaller canyons near the mountain town of Boquete. I had built a popular residential resort community in this valley called Valle Escondido, or Hidden Valley.

Christmas was just a few days away and many people had already left the heat of Panama City to enjoy the Chiriqui Highlands cool mountain air and beautiful scenery. After 4 months of slow season, our hotel was full of guests and our staff was adapting to the busiest time of year. We were near the end of our rainy season and although there is little change in temperature from the mean of 72 degrees Fahrenheit, we transition from regular afternoon downpours to no rain for almost 5 months. During this transition, the winds pick up from the north and can sometimes blow at hurricane force for days.   

Wild Bunch decend upon Boquete

This weekend about 250 bikers from Costa Rica and Panama descended on the little village of Boquete for the annual reunion held between the two countries. Costa Rica had about 150 bikers that rode from San Jose and they love to come to Panama for the great roads the country offers. They especially love the high country with wonderful cool weather that compliments the riding experience here. They did run into a little rain, but their spirits were not dampened and they had a great time. I had the chance to ride with the group a little and it is a interesting experience to ride with that many roaring motorcycles.  As they left town I thought how lucky I was to be able to live right here where some of the best bike touring in Central America is found. Click here to see the photo album.

The realities of fantasy islands

I had been struggling with a post I wanted to make several weeks ago and this headline from La Times has given me a good way to introduce it. Last month Paul McBride and I visited an island off the coast of Boca Chica (Chiriqui) to visit a friend of his who had bought an island several years ago. He was an interesting fellow who had spent a great deal of time and money making this beautiful island into somewhat of a Robinson Caruso type environment, complete with extensive hard surface walking paths and small bungalows running on solar energy. The island is for sale for three million dollars, so here is your opportunity to own an island paradise. You can visit my photo album  “Isla Peridita” and view the island.

Read this great article about what happens to many after they buy.

Demand is high for private retreats to escape it all, but buyers need to heed factors such as hospital access, politics and global warming.

By Ian Driscoll, Financial Times
May 14, 2007

New category of posts added to my blog

I have added a new category of posts that I want to share with my readers that I call "A day in my life". As a developer, father, adventurer and gringo in a foreign land, I get to do things that many of you might want to do if you lived here. In these posts you will be able to learn a little more about this paradise we call home through my photos and short stories. Enjoy this first one I call "Four-wheeling to La India".

This morning my 15 year old son Remington and I borrowed a couple of four-wheelers from and friend and took a 2 hour trip into the rain forest. After leaving the valley it was just a 15-minute ride up to Jarimillo and out past Rosa’s house towards La India. Rosa had worked for us at Los Establos and her and her family live about 4 kilometers up the mountainside.

Poker with Mel Gibson

Click to enlarge

Mel Gibson, my wife Thalia and me

Friday started off like most other days here in the valley with workers arriving at 7 am to put in a full day of work, but it was'nt going to end like most days. Some friends and I had arranged a golf game to start at about 10am, so the players began arriving at the coffee shop to pair up. We were just heading out to the first hole when I received a phone call from my oldest son who was in Panama City visiting a friend. He told me that Mel Gibson was coming to Boquete to see me. I asked him how he knew that and he said his friend’s father was with Mr. Gibson that day and they had recommended he visit Valle Escondido.  A few minutes later I got another call from the Ministry of tourism office giving me a heads up that I should expect a VIP and asked if I could spend some time with him. I agreed and headed off to play golf.