With winter temperatures moving in and a chance of snow in the air, my summer Panama adventures seem like a distant memory. Typically, I write voraciously after a summer trip in an attempt to solidify each event, person, and place in my impressions. This year, however, grad school work got the best of me, and so now I am chasing after wisps of experiences to recreate in my mind and on the page.

As I shift through photos, everything comes rushing back in an onslaught of sights, sounds, smells, and feels.

Red Frog Beach on a stormy, blustery day.

Maneuvering through the jungle path to find my way back to the water.

Admiring red flowers…

…and red frogs.

The rainy season in Panama meant that, every so often, it would actually rain for an extended period of time. My excursion to Red Frog Beach was on such a day. I was not deterred by the rainy weather; rather, I enjoyed the change in energy, soaking up the cooler temperatures as I observed the wildlife around me.

The next day was sunny and bright.

I did a 5-stop tour on a boat which whisked me all around the area. We visited Sloth Island, an isolated cluster of mangrove that had a bunch of sloths hanging about. You’ll recall that I am quite fascinating by these creatures. I was so in the moment of sloth-spotting that I failed to take any pictures. Sometimes this happens! I would always rather enjoy my surroundings in real-time than be beholden to my camera.

Next up was Zapatilla Island.

Although this island didn’t quite hold a candle to the San Blas Islands, it was still very stunning. The water was clear, the sand was fine, and the presence of other people made me smile.

I made a new friend.

I swam to mini islands.

I watched the sea, drank Coca-Cola, and napped.

The rest of the day was filled with snorkeling, starfish searching, and dolphin watching. When I returned to my lodgings, I showered and collapsed on my bed. My growling stomach urged me out of my room to the nearest eatery for some takeaway rice and beans.

Bocas del Toro was a whirlwind of fun – a place I definitely could have stayed for a longer period of time.

It is tempting to long for those long, summer days as I gaze out my window at the overcast December sky. I have learned, however, to enjoy what’s been given to me, taking each season and each moment as a blessing to cherish.