Yesterday was so scorching hot that I nervously check the weather forecast for the day. Even hotter! With the 'feels like' temperature reaching 38 deg. We've cycled through some extreme weather conditions on this trip, but the heat is the one that has brought me closest to getting on the bus.
Everyone is up early for breakfast and ready to depart early, hoping to avoid the heat of the day, (which isn't very realistic, as it is hot all day and night!)
There is just time before we depart to take a few pictures of this very strange, but lovely hotel.
When we arrive at the point for unloading the bikes, we can't help but wondering why there is a zebra crossing in the middle of nowhere, but then decide it must be for photo opportunities!
Today's cycle is really hard, the sun is unrelenting, and I even invoke my emergency white shirt, which gets taken on every holiday, but is rarely used. My arms are bright red after yesterday, and I'm worried that even the factor 50 sunscreen won't be enough.
I am of course at the back of the group and notice just how many vultures there are in the sky today. When they start landing in the trees to watch me cycle by I become a little nervous.
Finally, after a very tough 30km we are ready to get back on the bus. After yesterday's long bus transfer we are not taking any chances and take advantage of a quick pit stop in the bushes. Jane is keeping shottie (look out) in the distance. I ask Unnur why she isn't taking advantage, and then remember that she never uses the bushes because she is a lady, "yes, and never forget that!" says Unnur in her lovely Icelandic lilt.
The bus transfer is long, and we finally leave behind all the wonderful countryside and the landscape becomes more urban as we begin the approach to Panama City. The lunch stop is at a huge shopping strip, with places like McDonalds, Burger King and KFC. I think we all would have preferred rice and beans. (There has been a lot of rice and beans on the holiday!)
Eventually, one by one of one, we all turn up in Subway as this seems to be the only really acceptable option. (Lorraine's hair is now being plaited to keep it under control!)
At the shopping strip, we spot two cycle tourists, with their bikes heavily laden with panniers. Stuart of course strikes up a conversation with them and discovers they are from Quebec. They are cycling from Edmonton to Patagonia, and have already been on the road for seven months. Back on the bus, Stuart starts talking to me about their adventure. We could do that, he says hopefully. I really mustn't let Stuart get any more sun over the next couple of days.
On the approach into Panama City, we get our first glimpse of the Panama Canal. I think that we are all looking forward to cycling along it tomorrow.
We arrive at the hotel with plenty of time to sit and relax at the poolside bar. I'm last down to the bar. There is no need to ask if there is any wifi here!
This is our penultimate night of the trip, and I think that we are all starting to feel a little sad, with a sense that a truly amazing holiday is coming to an end.
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