Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Here we go...

Keep monitoring your email for last minute updates. It is hard to believe, but we are out of here very soon!

Get those bags packed!

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Itinerary Change!

Our itinerary has changed...AGAIN! It actually working out better than planned. The crew should look for an email soon with all the changes. In the meantime, start packing!

Friday, March 20, 2009

Notice Going Home

The crew will be receiving an email today with an important document outlining last minute details. Please take a look at the information closely. There are several items that I will need returned to me by April 3rd (see notice for details).

The trip is right around the corner. Now is a good time to make sure that you have all that you will need for the trip. Remember, there are no convenience stores where we are headed!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Podcast on Boat and Fishing

North West Wild Country, an outdoor radio program out of Washington has run several trips on the Lost Coast Explorer. They have posted a segment of one of their shows were they recapped one of the fishing trips to Panama (the ship's captain joins them). Their itinerary is slightly different than ours, but I think the fishing action will be the same.

Download and listen to North West Wild Country Radio's segment (mp3) here. (right click, save target as...)

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Travel Clinic Appointment

We have our travel immunization appointment next week (Thursday). We will be departing from the Ben Hall parking lot at approximately 2:50. If you do not plan on taking the van to the appointment, please let me know ASAP.

Don't forget to bring your health insurance card as well as your Yellow International Certification of Immunization book (if you have one).

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Health Information Reminder

Don't forget I will need the following from the crew by 2/13.
  • white patient information/registration form
  • copy of immunization records
  • signed permission note (recently emailed to you)
  • name and address of the pharmacy you plan on filling your prescriptions

Friday, January 16, 2009

Staying Healthy in the Sun & Heat

It was thoroughly discussed at our recent meeting, but it is worth bringing it up again... Taking preventative measures to stay healthy in the tropical heat and sun is critical to your enjoyment while on the trip. Remember, the key is being prepared and being proactive.

Here are a few things that you will want to consider...

Sun Block. Waterproof, sweat proof, and 30+ SPF. You may want to consider zinc oxide (or titanium dioxide), especially for face, nose, ears, and lips. Some zinc oxide sunblocks now are available will go on clear and still offer a high degree of protection.
(pictured: Ocean Potion Clear Zinc Oxide Face Potion, 45 SPF)











Clothing and the Sun. A typical cotton t-shirt only does not necessarily protect you from the sun. Sometimes you should still put sunblock on for full protection. There are some clothing companies that offer clothes which have had their sun protection factor (SPF) measured (some even have measured the UPF - ultraviolet protection factor). If you plan on relying on your clothing for sun protection, your search should start with clothes that start at 30 SPF (blocks 96 - 97.4 % of UV rays according to the American Melanoma Foundation).

(pictured: Columbia Sportswear Skiff Guide Long Sleeve Tee, 30 SPF)





Hats, Gloves, Etc.. Another essential piece of equipment is a hat. The more brim the better. Baseball cap style is your starting point, but wide brimmed hats will offer the best protection and keep you the coolest. Surfers might even consider water hats that come with a secure chin strap that will keep the hat on your head when you duckdive or wipeout. Fishermen might want to consider hats that have integrated neck protection and long brims to allow for maximum visibility when sight-fishing. Many serious fishermen even go so far as using "sun gloves" and "sun masks" that are made from lightweight and breathable materials that are surprisingly comfortable, even in the tropics.

(Pictured: Dakine - Indo Surf Hat, Patagonia - Sun Mask)


Staying Dry. Keeping your clothing as well as yourself as dry as possible is important in the humidity of the tropics. Always do your best to keep a dry towel around at the end of the day and pack a small container of talc powder to help treat minor skin irritation caused by moisture.