Panama is known to the world for its canal but, did you also know it has some pretty good beer? If you know Ryan and I and, especially Ryan, you know how important good beer is. So, in our search of an amazing country that has "it all," to build our Eco resort, good beer and coffee were on the short list.
There are several not so good beers here too however, the beer most people drink is called "Balboa." The name comes from Vasco Nuñez de Balboa who is the Spanish explorer known for having discovered Panama back in 1500. Yesterday, Panama celebrated its independence from Spanish rule in 1821 when Gran Columbia then took over power.
Having spent the week in celebration and togetherness or not-togetherness, this week we honor pelicans - the symbol of togetherness. Beach dwellers, surfers, fishermen, all know this bird well. Flying in large groups and catching more waves than a SUP surfer, it sometimes feels like they are trying to show us the good waves out there to catch and likely the only time surfers are willing to share.
These graceful gliders can go long distances without having to flap their wings until they dive dramatically straight into the water after a fish. It looks like it would hurt right? Well, after having a hot 30 million years of evolution, they have figured out a thing or two. Just as they hit the water, they angle and turn just a bit and then deploy their airbags surrounding their chest to absorb the impact. As soon as they land, they scoop up the fish in their big pouch/fish net then filter out the water and swallow the fish.
Here in Panama, we share the waves with the brown pelican that we almost lost completely back in the 60's from DDT and insecticide usage on crops. With the banning of DDT and other chemicals, this bird has recovered enough to get booted from the endangered list.
So, Happy Thanksgiving and Independence Day to our friends and family out there. We hope your week was filled with good times, great coffee, and col-col beers.
Your Friends in Morrillo,
Cari and Ryan Mackey
Owners and Hosts
Morrillo Beach Eco Resort