One Week In Cristobal Island

My curiosity of what it would be like to be fully submerged in the jungle somewhere remote brought me here to an Island named Cristobal. Our journey began with a 8 hour ride from Panama city to Almirante. We then took a taxi to a small inlet where we were picked up in a rowboat that appeared to be barely together and very rustic with a engine attached to the back. As we sped through the waters of the Caribbean I couldn't help but admire the absolute calmness of the waters. Occasionally another boat would speed by and we'd feel a slight jump and be airborne and then a hard thump back into the water. We finally made it to our destination: Cristobal Island. The beautiful woman driving the boat eagerly yells out, "Capitan!" (Spanish for captain) and a medium sized white mutt with the cutest face comes out wagging his tail in excitement.

We were escorted to our hut. A structure on stilts above the ocean on the edge of the island. There were no walls, just mesh and some wood for doors. Our bathroom was outside. Waste goes into our toilet and straight into the ocean. The shower surrounded by a little mesh from our hut and trees. Hundreds of skittish little crabs crawling all over the ground, toilet, and shower area. Around our hut were mangroves.

The mangroves were the veins of this island. It was surrounded by lush jungle inhabited by howler monkeys, sloths, crabs, and the most memorable critter: the Chitra. We relied on solar power for light and rain water for hydration and bathing, this island was surely more remote than I imagined. Accompanying us? 2 locals and 3 pups. One of the locals prepared our food and the other would teach us about the island. The pups appeared mangey but sweet. The smallest one joined us on our explorations. She kept us company most of the time. She'd even jump in the water with us while we explored the reef. I'm guilty of forgetting this little ones name, but she was ironically my favorite. The second pup was named 'Captain'. His job was to protect us and he surely did, Captain rarely played but was always on alert. He was gentle as well. Laying on my daughter's lap while she ate dinner every night. The third pup was rarely seen, as he seemed to be more timid. We only saw him when he'd come out to eat.

The days seemed long and it rained quite a bit. The chitras were out with a vengeance. We got bit over 100 times all over our bodies. We used repellant but to them it must've been like syrup. We were a new sweet treat for them. I would say dealing with the bites was the hardest part. We were ITCHY. Throughout the night, the jungle came alive! Have you ever heard a howler monkey? If you didn't know they were around when you heard the sounds they make you'd surely be creeped out! Blended in with the other various sounds of the animals in the jungle, it is incredible. Now, combine the sounds of all of those animals with the rumble and booms of a huge thunderstorm. With every rumble the hut would vibrate a little. I'd lay in bed at night and just listen. This moment I never thought I'd ever have the opportunity of experiencing is here. This is a world I am not familiar with. The only thing between us and all of the wildlife was mesh. Some would say it would make you thankful for all you have back in America, but as i laid there taking in the sounds and the feelings I said to myself, "How beautiful it is to just be free. To eat the food that comes naturally from the land and sea with no additives. To taste it in its purest form. To drink the water from the sky but to also be hugged by it as it flows off of your body while cleansing yourself". You become part of this place after a while. It is like the soul of you and the island connect in a way, almost like a partnership. You give me the necessities to survive and I'll take care of you.

The mangroves were a very important part of the island. We never touched them or never swam near them. They have a sulfur like smell and aren't the prettiest to look at, but these were the veins of this island. Another delicate part of the island were the corals. You can swim above them but be careful to not touch. Luckily they had their own defense: Urchins. I made the mistake of panicking and got pricked by a few. Snorkeling around this island was amazing. I saw so many schools of bright yellow fish, a barracuda, many huge starfish, angel fish, and many jellyfish!

We decided to do some exploring to try to find some sloths. As we prepared we grabbed lots of bug spray and water. As we started our trek, the jungle was like nothing we expected. It was thick! I have done many hikes but I have never encountered anything like this. We continued to explore and many unrecognizable creatures appeared and then ran to hide. I have to say I was getting a bit nervous and so was my teen. After getting some photos of the jungle we decided to go back. Its important to know your limits and to trust your gut. The jungle is a diverse ecosystem teeming with plant and animal life. Learn to appreciate and respect the delicate balance of nature.

Our experience was something we will never forget. I think its so special that my daughter and I got to experience it together. Now back at home in America we look back at it and laugh and still can't believe we made it that long. These are the experiences that make us feel alive, not necessarily grateful for having stuff. It makes you realize that the world is so much more. With less materialistic things surrounding us we got to connect with nature in its rawest form. You feel so small. You reconnect with that curious inner child and it brings on further curiosity, and you ask yourself.....What's next?

I will post more photos of our Cristobal Island experience soon. Thank you so much for reading.