Cuba Panama

[IanBat]

Ok, after a very difficult week. See other post about Dad left.

Today, my wife and I called through the funeral home, booked the service for the 22nd, then booked a room at a club 200M up the street for the wake. So I have breathing space, I will MC the funeral.

Eight months or so ago I booked this trip, and have been counting it down, posting and sharing on Facebook, have never been this excited about a holiday.....until Monday of course, and then I just stopped.

Well my darling wife, dragged me into the bedroom.....no.....and said come on let's pack your bag, you need this break.

So, the trip. Tomorrow 10am Sydney to LA. 7 hour break, then LA to Panama. 2 of us on this stretch. 2 nights in Panama, mate joins us on the second night....then Sunday morning...CUBA...5 days! 3 guys, Trinidad and Havana, staying in Casa's...NO PLANS.

Back to Panama on Friday. Then Saturday to David in Panama to the Panama Big Game Fishing Lodge, 7 days of fishing.

Strange feeling, but I am sure the excitement will return....will keep you guys posted with a few pics as the trip progresses


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[JimG]

Good for your wife... enjoy your well deserved holiday. I'm sure your dad would have wanted you go!

 

[Sous]

Agreed. Deserved, needed, and I'm sure it will be a fantastic break. Enjoy life to the fullest.

I love Panama, not sure if you've been before. I spent a good deal of time there about a decade ago for work. Much of the country is beautiful, the weather is perfect, people are very friendly, food is excellent, and everything costs about half of what it would in the states (I know your not in the states, but I have basis to compare for you!!).

 

[BritLady]

Just read about your Dad Ian, sorry for your loss, always a difficult time. Am sure your Dad would have wanted you to go. Have a great time fishing and think of him often


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[blaster]

I agree, I'm sorry you lost your father. My dads 88 and I treasure every conversation we have. I hope you have safe travels and catch lots of fish. May and June are a great time for fishing and I'm sure you will catch some Lunkers!

 

[IanBat]

Ok, I set a goal in Panama, I wanted to catch a Tuna on a popper ( surface lure ).
First day, Lars from Finland and my self, spent over 4 hours casting form the bow of the boat, we were both sore but determined. We set a comp, first one to get a Tuna on a Popper.
Second day, lunch time. It was like a David Attenborough documentary. A log, Umh tree, floating in the ocean, with albatross, terns, gulls and others, standing on the log and screaming, reaching into the water and pulling fish out.
Cast, double hook up, Wooooohooo.
Then the realisation that your connected to 70-80lb of Tuna with a spinning rod, which I would later learn, I was using the live bait collection rod!
Over 30 minutes, 3 buckets of water tipped over me, a silent prayer during the fight.........Dad, if we land this one it's yours!

Fish landed, a look to the sky, and the yell....Dad, I told you this ones yours, thank you.


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[BritLady]

Wow, some fish! Pleased you had a good time! You won't forget that in a hurry

 

[Sous]

Awesome... nice looking fish there, great catch!!

 

[HUMPH]

Great Ian! Your dad loved every minute of the fight I am sure!