We have tried to take breaks after long travel days. We got settled in our condo in Bocas del Toro, got our lay of the land and made plans for the week. Maeve had an ear ache and it had been bothering her for a few days. The two of us went to the 'hospital' to have a doctor look at it. They told us to come back tomorrow at 6 a.m. and wait 2 to 3 hours for the doctor to arrive. During that waiting period we would get a number, have her blood pressure checked, etc. We decided not to do that. We figured that it was easier to get medicine here, so we went to the pharmacy and I explained in my minimal Spanish about Maeve's ear. The pharmacist gave us antibiotic drops to help with an infection and swelling. $12....done.

On our way to the pharmacy we had passed the ATV shop called Flying Pirates and stopped in for information. It was expensive to rent a vehicle for the whole day, but more manageable for a half day. Michael and I discussed it and we weren't sure if Maeve and Liam would handle the whole day anyway. We returned to the shop after dinner and booked the ATVs for the next day with the option to go the full day if everything went well.

We got to the shop the next day at about 9:30 a.m. It was a fabulous, sunny day! Bocas has had a ton of rain recently, so we were fortunate indeed. We got signed in, and then one of the owners drove us to the warehouse where they store the ATVs. An American couple ran the business. We were fitted for helmets and given instructions on the trail and vehicles. I was a bit nervous, but excited too. I had never done anything like this before, and I had to really concentrate to shift of gears and manage reverse.

In no time, we were off down the main road and toward the trail. It was really a blast! The kids laughed and enjoyed the bumpy ride. Of course, the previous rain left some serious puddles, so we knew we'd get dirty. In order to enter the private trail, you have to pass through a narrow gate. It's just large enough to fit the ATV through. I didn't line it up well, so I had to go in reverse and try again. The ATV's engine cut. It took me a few tries and I had to literally rock the ATV to get it back into neutral (that was part of the directions, but I forgot about that...it was a little overwhelming).

There were a few spots to stop for a break. The first was was called 'La Piscina' or the pool. I think it was my favorite spot on Bocas. It was a glorious oasis. I had packed some sandwiches and chips, so we ate there and went for a swim. No one else was there for about 30 minutes. Then another four people showed up, but that was it. It was heavenly!

Maeve and Liam are the first ones in the water

An amazing place to stop and take in the area and all it has to offer

Trying to capture a moment, but Liam wouldn't stand for that:)

Once we finished swimming, we continued through the path until we came to the farthest part of the island for the trail. We were told we could stop here and hike to some bat caves and a beach. We were told it was worth the hike and incredibly beautiful, so we gave it a try. It was a very difficult trail. It started with a bridge that wasn't functional. You literally had to balance on some pieces of wood to get across it. We didn't get far before it became very muddy. If you didn't plan your steps carefully, or if you lost your balance, you could end up in mud up to your shins. The first one down was Maeve. She handled it well, but she was a mess. We thought about turning around, but the thought of the beautiful sights at end of the trail beconed us to persevere. This was a dry day. I couldn't imagine doing this on a rainy day. The trail was marked is some places, but it was still difficult to navigate in some spots. Then there was the occasional abrupt meeting with spiders in their webs literally blocking the trail and little crabs that we interrupted as they scurried in front of us. We were freaked out on many occasions. We made it to the bat caves and never saw a beach area. I knew we were close, but we just couldn't see how to access it. There were two girls hiking near us and they turned around after they bravely entered one of the caves. So all of that and no beach. I guess the payoff was that we discovered we had a little more grit within ourselves.

Maeve after the first fall...still smiling

The marked path near the bat caves toward the end of the trail

The second cave....the other girls went in. Apparently, this beach area is around the bend from this cave.

Maeve after the second fall...not so happy this time. However, we were all elated that we made it back to the ATVs after the hike. You can see that 'bridge' in the background that we had to manage across to start the trail.

Thrilled to be back at our ATVs, we hopped on and took off. We decided to explore the other swim area called the Blue Lagoon. We found that, but it wasn't as nice or big as La Piscina and there were two other girls already there. We went back to La Piscina to take a break and clean off.

We continued on the trail back. We had already passed our half day mark, so we figured we had until 6:00 to return the ATVs to the warehouse. The return route offered a couple of choices. You could take the rougher, narrower, winding route or the Monkey Highway, which was more of a straight shot back. You had several opportunities to get back on Monkey Highway if you didn't like the first route, so we took the rougher path for a bit and then turned onto the main stretch. Funny thing was, we had more problems on the straighter road. Since it was a wider road, it had more opportuity to collect water and less tree roots for traction in the mud. If you move too quickly and don't plan well, it is easy to get stuck....which is what happened to me. I managed to plant the rear wheels in a massive heap of mud. Maeve and I rocked back and forth several times trying to get some traction while I hit the gas. Michael and Liam appeared to have stopped to wait for us and I could hear Liam laughing. It took us a few minutes, but eventually, we got out of the rut only to find Michael and Liam's ATV sunk into the mud. All four wheels were in and they weren't going anywhere. This was why Liam was howling with laughter. We had the provided bungee cords, so Michael tied my ATV to his and I pulled him out. Phew.

We were all pretty well set to end the ATV experience from that point. Once we made it through the narrow gate again off the private property, there were two small hotels. They both had restaurants, so we decided to stop and have an early dinner along the beach at a place called Bluff Beach. Maeve and Liam had definitely earned their pineapple smoothies. We had some delicious sandwiches at our table on the beach and we enjoyed the view.

Upon arrival at the ATV warehouse, you are offered the opportunity to shower and an unlimited amount of beer or soda. The owners Steve and Rhonda enjoy sitting with their clients and listening to their ATV stories for the day. It was a nice opportunity for us as well. We enjoyed chatting with other travelers and swapping life stories. It was an amazing day full of adventure, drama, challenges and merriment. Thank you Steve and Rhonda.