From February 5th to the 19th, 2007, Anna and I stayed at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, Panama. Second year in a row.

The main reason for going, 2 years in a row, to the Gamboa, is that it is such a GREAT place. The resort, the people, the food, the pool and the excursions are what makes it so appealing for those of us who either want to have a nice quiet relaxing holiday or for the eco-tourism.

Bare in mind, that there is no beach here, as this resort is situated where the Chagres River and the Panama Canal intersect and right in the middle of the jungle (Soberania National Parc). Also, the fact that it is so central, about half way up on the Panama Canal, between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific and about half way between Costa Rica, to the west, and Columbia, to the east. So everything is easily enough accessible.

This trip, besides the Gamboa Rainforest, we also visited Portobello, Bocas del Toro, Colon, stayed 3 days / 2 nights at the "Al Natural", on Bastimentos Island, which is part of the Bastimentos Natural Marine Parc in Bocas.

We saw crocs, sloths, monkeys of all types, the magnificient Panamanian National bird the "Harpy Eagle", which is almost extinct, and the "Red Frog, wich they say can on be found in Bocas. We saw several types of birds, and not being a birder, I can only say that we were amazed by all the beautiful colors and types of birds seen during this trip.

Once again, the Gamboa Resort exceeded our expectations. The staff recognised us from last year (is that a good thing or bad thing???) and we were treated, all around, with smiles and GREAT service.

As mentioned before, this resort is NOT for everyone, and not really for young children. If you expect a beautiful beach or an anination team, you will be greatly disapointed. But if you want to relax by the pool, take nice long quiet walks while admiring mother nature at it's best or do several excursions, as fully detailed in our first review, with pics, you'll be spoiled....

We had the chance of seeing not ONE, but TWO Majestic Panamaen Harpy Eagles. This eagle, which is almost extinct, can grow up to 3 1/2 feet tall, with a 7 foot wingspan, and can, in mid flight, pick a sloth or monkey off a tree branch, in the jungle, and bring it back to its nest to feed.

Just about every morning, at the Gamboa, Anna and I would wake around 5:30 AM and by 6, go for a walk towards the Areal Tram. This morning, I was walking alone. Anna was getting ready to go shopping in Panama, with Fabiola, a Panamaen friend of ours, we met at the Gamboa last year. (Many thanks to Fabiola)

Was a very quiet morning and Mother Nature still seemed to be asleep. All I saw were 2 toucans way up in a tree, at the tram. On my way back, I met Benoit and Linda, who made me green with envy as they mentioned that they had actually seen the Harpy the day before....... and had photos to prove it!!!! After 2 trips to Panama and in the middle of the second week of this trip I had yet to see it (We did see it in captivity the year prior, but not in the wild).

After picking my lower jaw off the ground, I started back to the resort and almost there, as I was putting my camera gear away, I caught movement on my right!!!! Yes..... an adult Harpy Eagle, up on a branch, holding in it's talons a large iguana.

I was so nervous by the whole idea, I had trouble getting my gear back out and ready. It stayed on that branch about 15 minutes (which seemed MUCH longer), as I took shot after shot of it... I even took the chance of changing lens. I must have taken about 100 photos of it as it stood on the branch trying to keep it's balance, still clutching that iguana. Then all of a sudden it flew in the jungle..... with it's catch.

With a very large smile on my face, I went back to the resort telling everyone about it...... just couldn't believe my luck!!!!

Saw the smaller Harpy (about 2 1/2 feet tall) during another walk later on that same day....

As mentioned, we also spent 2 nights / 3 days, in Bocas del toro, at The "Al Natural" resort, on Bastimento Island. Almost Gilligan's Island.... what a place!!!! Thinking of 1 or 2 straight weeks next year (don't want to tell you how good this place is..... or else it may not be available for us...). You're looking at 6 sleeping huts, they're thinking of adding 3 more.

We had a great time, met with the owners Vincent and Michel from Belgium and also met 2 friends of there's..... Charlie who was our gracious host and Gérard. All these people contributed at making our stay as special as it was.

Vincent was our Chef and let me tell you that he can easily put a lot restaurants to shame..... all this in the middle of nowhere. Look at our photos, they speak for themselves..... can't wait to go back.

Durng our stay at the Al Natural, we went for walks in the Jungle and saw the famous Red Frog. This one was bright red, with black spots and brownish legs. But don't think of using these for a frogs legs meal, as these frogs are about the size of your thumbnail and besides they are venomous.

We also saw several beautiful beaches, all close by. And the view from our hut was a dream. Imagine sleeping the night, waking up in the morning, sitting up in bed and seeing the ocean right in front of you, as the the whole front of your hut is open to the ocean.

For making our second trip as memorable, if not more, then the first........ Thanks to all!!!

Our 2006 trip review and photos to this resort, the SanBlass Islands and Valley de Anton can be found at

http://www.worldisround.com/articles/283009/index.html

Here is the site for "Al Natural"

http://www.bocas.com/alnatura.htm