Playa Venado
 |
countryside on the way down
the Azuero Peninsula |
From Santiago there is a road south down into the Azuero Peninsula. Looking at my map now, I believe this is the furthest south one can drive on the North American continent. I missed a short turnoff just prior to the beach, but Playa Venado is close enough. The drive south is closer to the hilly side of the peninsula and the national park so the view is more interesting. On the way north it was flatter and more intensely cultivated, but the road was better.
 |
| parked next to the La Chosa |
I had been on my way to Pedasi in the southeast corner of the peninsula when I drove by Playa Venado. There was a sign for a hostel so I thought I'd check it out. Footprint had been the only book to even mention this place, but when they went through a few years ago there were only 5 cabanas for rent. They're gone now. Some Israelis bought the property and built the Hotel Sitio, a smallish hotel on the beach with pool and restaurant. I stopped there first but at $90+, that wasn't an option. The associated hostel, called La Chosa, is located in back of the hotel off the beach. This entire facility is only 4 months old so even the outdoor bathrooms are spotless right now. I could camp on the hostel grounds for $7. So that's what I did for 3 nights, very peaceful here, end of the road and all that. The young Israeli manager, Oded, was always very helpful and a pretty cool guy, to boot. He came here to surf, which is why this all exists. The beach is okay, lots of small stones, but the waves are some of the best in Central America. Too much for this beginner, but I enjoyed watching. There really isn't much to do here if you don't surf, it just so happens I like doing nothing. A major championship will take place here in July so it must be good. Gotta thank Maria Sophia -her and her husband are part owners - for helping me figure out Panama City. She's from Argentina and like other women I've met from there on this trip, she loves to talk. And, for some I love listening (must be the accent). I want one.
 |
| at Playa Venado |
Santa Clara
As I said, the drive north on the Peninsula is not very exciting, but I wanted to put myself in a good location for the final drive to Panama City the following day. Glad I did as this took almost 5 hours. After spending $55 on gas I had second thoughts about getting a room for the night and so I located the XS Memories, supposedly the only American-style RV park in the country. This is where RV caravans come to park their rigs while they go into the city. Fortunately, hardly anyone here for my visit, and the night only costs me $5.
 |
| Azuero Peninsula |
The next morning I spent 4 hours recharging my aux. battery and cleaning out the 'frig since I wouldn't be using it for awhile. I have to thank the guys at SleeOffRoad for nudging me to buy the battery charger, it's a real neccesity on a trip like this. After all that exciting stuff, it's time for the big moment: the Canal. Can't wait.
No comments:
Post a Comment