We've almost forgotten how hot and humid the climate we left behind in Bocas, even though upon our arrival it was a good 40 deg C.. but that was back in July. It is now the end of August and a little chillier ~25 deg C. My body and skin loves this climate.. Steve not so much. He misses the heat. However, one bonus is that we have been able to snuggle up together in the same bed (even on a twin mattress).

We have been enjoying every full day here.. minus the doctors, dentists, drivers license & OHIP renewals etc., etc. and we've become internet junkies ordering boat parts and exploring options for further travels. Plans are in the works for a shipment from Miami to Panama (boat parts and varnish etc.), and a crap load of work awaits our arrival.. it's all good and favourable for the ongoing improvements to Lion's Paw.

Steve can't wait to get to get back to the boat... me not so much. Before coming "home" (Steve would say; "Going to Canada") we were warned that we'd be surprised at the cost of food "back home", but we've found that the cost of food has not changed and most products are even cheaper. We've been like deer caught in the headlights as we peruse the aisles in the grocery stores... the selection is to die for and the pounds we have added to our waistline is proof. We've had ton's of red meat on the BBQ and enjoyed every fruit and vegetable that Canada's summer brings to the table. Even the potatoes taste wonderful! And our wine .. Well let's just say it's not like the the $2.50 Liter box of Clos wine from Chile ($$..much more costly, but taste wise .. wine tastes as it should :)

It's been wonderful to get our hands in the dirt again helping out with clearing brush and moving stone, along with re-caulking windows and fixing "this and that" whenever asked. It's all that we can contribute since we are homeless and everyone has been so kind to invite us to their homes and join in with their vacation time.

Cooking in everyone's kitchen has been a real eye opener. Kitchens are far too beautiful and spacious with far too many drawers and cupboards to store crap and everyone has a different idea as to where an item should be stored. Funny, how we've adjusted to living aboard Lion's Paw when only one cook can stand in the galley. It's been quite the adjustment, but we seem to have everything we "need" to cook and bake with and its it within reach..lol

Another discovery.. how very comfortable we've been living from our rental car and sleeping in all kinds of places (14 different beds and still counting). There was a time when we only felt comfortable in our own cottage or home. We hardly ever slept over after a dinner party. We wonder if it is because we've adjusted to the vagabond lifestyle or is it because our bed on the boat is not a BeautyRest mattress.

While here we have gone hiking, swimming, kayaking, canoeing, golfing, camping and sailing. Even though we've been very active, we have realized that there is no comparison to the amount of energy required for every day simple tasks aboard L.P. (like buying groceries or doing laundry) and I realize that we are not going off to work each day, but everyday life is just easier on land and can be very sedentary.. No wonder we all go the gym.

Wildlife is abundant here and we've seen more wildlife here than we do in the jungles and rain forests of Panama. For us the one sighting of the three-toed sloth is more exotic but to a Panamanian a chipmunk, fox and deer would be a similar thrill. How we've forgotten the amount of birds, flowers, plants and wildlife we've just taken for granted.

To all our friends out on the water, we do miss you all and wish you all the best. We check your blogs often and check the weather patterns too. Stay safe. We've downloaded a bunch of photos of our travels though Ontario (check out our Photo Gallery) if your interested in seeing a little piece of our wonderful province of Ontario, Canada.