Mary and Cullen prepare for a day in dugout canoes.

I decided to stay aboard this morning while Cathy went with Mary and Cullen to the Embera Dura Village in a dugout canoe up the Chagres River.

​

After they left, I took a walk past the forest in Clayton all the way up to the mercado and farmacia.

​

Those on the village trip had lunch with the Embera, but I stopped at a bakery and had a wonderful lunch of chicken, salad, lentil soup, French fries and iced coffee.

​

The Embera are one of seven indigenous tribes of Panama. These natives stay pretty much to their ancient ways of life (like breach cloths and native dress) spending their time fishing, hunting, preparing meals and celebrations, etc. Their culture is partially supported by O.A.T. which encouraged us to bring them school supplies, clothing, etc.

​

Our group returned with great smiles and reports of total success!

​

This was our last night in Clayton, and so we had a large communal dinner at the restaurant next to the Holiday Inn - La Taberna del Canal.

The sisters really enjoyed hanging out with the curious Embera children. (Photo by Roberto)

(Embera photos and movie by Mary)

I was not totally worthless while the group went upriver with the natives. I managed a quick drawing of the dining room aboard the Discovery.

The table runners in our dining room were made of subtle appliqués of humming birds in the mola tradition.

Footnote:

If any of you who were on the tour have photos you’d like to share, I’d be happy to include them! Also, any comments or corrections would be welcome at skip2@me.com