A Day of Discovery and Plesant Surprises

Approaching Finca Lerida

Our plans this afternoon were to visit Mi Jardin es Su Jardin, a botanical garden on a private estate in Boquete. Whilst trying to locate it, we were approached by Edwardo, a tourism guide, who told us that the gardens closed to public viewing in December, but suggested that we continue our drive up towards Bajo Mono and visit Finca Lerida, a  working coffee farm on the eastern slope of Volcán Barú above Boquete.




At an altitude of 5,500 feet, the rich volcanic soil offers optimum growing conditions for this mountain coffee.



The coffee is harvested daily by hand during the dry season (December -May). Only the cherry red, ripe beans are harvested.

Finca Lerida is perfect destination for hikers and bird watchers, with trails through the forest and often amidst the clouds.
At an altitude of 5500 feet, our exercise consisted of a delightful stroll through  the grounds, enjoying the stunning views, flowers and exotic fauna. We could certainly recognize the air was much thinner here at altitude.

As we have previously experienced, this mountainous terrain amidst the clouds is littered with hillside farms and greenhouses, providing much of Panama's fresh produce.

The indigenous people work the land, and it is common to see entire families, including young children working the fields with picking containers strapped to their side.

 These are proud, hard working people, who by north American standards live in poverty.

They are friendly and seem content with their lifestyle. Many of the young children greeted us with waves and smiles as we drove by.

The indigenous women wear traditional, simple colorful long dresses. We have yet to learn if the different colors are indicative of anything significant.

The traditional bright colors are represented in the hand made crafts for sale alongside the road.

Shortly after departing Finca Lerida, we crested the top of the mountain and began our downward trek to Boquete.

We could hear the rushing mountain stream, cascading down the rocky stream bed, following the narrow road.

 

As the narrow road wound its way down the mountain, we criss-crossed the river numerous times, over bridges of all shapes, sizes and conditions. The sturdy ones transported vehicular traffic back and forth across the river.

We saw several small suspension bridges that I would deem less than safe.


A sturdy bridge










 This particular one was not totally visible from the road. Tim and Susann ventured in to take a photo, and were greeted by some less than friendly sounding dogs at the other side. We beat a hasty retreat to the car before they decided to cross the bridge and check us out.

Just a few moments down the road, we came upon the San Ramon waterfall. It was quite a magnificent spectacle, attracting passing motorists to stop for a quick photo-op.

We parked the car and walked up to witness some of the local children swimming in the pool beneath the falls.

Jan ventured across to check out the water. No surprise, she reported that it somewhat chilly.

What started out as an afternoon of disappointment, learning that the botanical garden was closed, turned out to be a day of discovery with many pleasant surprises. The last of which was our final stop at the Art Café and Wine Bar in Boquete, for a happy hour beverage before heading home for supper.

We met Ali and Daniel, the new owners of this quaint, eclectic and colorful establishment. Over some adult beverages we checked out their menu.

The menu reflected the inspiration and passion of the French trained chef .

Upon learning that pate and escargots were some of the house specialties, it was unanimously decided that hamburgers could wait until tomorrow. A delicious dinner was enjoyed by all, including crème caramel and profiteroles for dessert.

 

One of our best days yet!

The "Art Café" Wine Bar