Our hike on this day will be Palmira Abajo to Potrerillos Arriba. The beginning of this trail is an easy start for us, as it's on a somewhat flat dirt road continuing across a meadow and we cross a bridge. We arrive at an elementary school and chat with a senor who has parked his truck. Only a 4x4 can get to this road and since it is a back road one does see many autos. We see a few men on horseback.
The man with the truck tells us he cannot go any further. He tells us the road is bad and no one travels on it.
As we walk past, Escuela Brazo de Cochea a school far removed from housing. About 10 or less children are attending school today. We wave at the students who are neatly dressed in their school uniforms. All students where uniforms in Panama. The only teacher in this school waves so we stop and to chat for a few minutes. She then asks for a photo of the students, the children are thrilled for the opportunity to have a brief recess and change of pace from their studies.
After, we engage in laughter and chatting which gave an period for resting and to get our mind off our destination we begin our trek to Potrerillos again. It is a wonderful sunny day not too hot with a nice breeze to cool us off as trek along a dirt road with trees on both sides providing shade as we continue. For awhile this is how the trail will be.
About an hour or less before reaching PA, I am aware that there is a river along the rode. I am on the look out for this and asked one my companions who has hiked this trail with me if, he remembers where it is located. He thinks, we passed it, I feel we have not and hoping, I am right. At this time we are about an hour from the school we left behind. One of the hikers mentions to another she cannot go any further and stays behind. I find out later, she headed back to the school and fortunatley for her, she finds a ride. The school teacher and the senor from the truck give her a ride back to the school. She waits patiently for us to return which is not for about another 3 hours.
It is best to take this back road trail before the rainy season, the dirt road is partly clay and can be very slippery when wet. Also wear a hat it will protect your head and face on a hot day. Potrerillos is much hot than Boquete about 10 to 20 degrees difference.
See you on the trail and remember Explore, Dream, and Discover!