Sunset at Punta Chame, Panama

     We decided late this afternoon to drive down to Punta Chame and find a public beach, The beaches in Panama are like snowflakes - no two are the same. So we feel compelled to investigate as many as possible.  Some of the coastal areas are rocky, and the sands vary in color from pitch black to sugar white. There are beaches with little gentle waves, barely lapping at the shore, and beaches where the waves are throwing a tantrum like an angry child. Some are covered in shells, and some, like the one we went to today, have signs warning you about stingrays at low tide. Good advice. 

     We went through the gate and plodded down the sandy path to the beach. There was an impressive amount of driftwood scattered about. A variety of sea birds circled and dove, scavenging for remnants of carrion, which is my genteel way of mentioning that there were a quite a few creatures deposited on the shore that were less than lively. Seashells and broken sand dollars danced in the surf.  The waves were calm, and we walked down the beach a good ways and then back up as the sun dipped slowly behind the mountains. 

     There is something about watching a sunset on the beach that is absolutely mesmerizing and calming, as you listen to the lullaby of the ocean while the day's light fades from bright white to golds and pinks reflected on the water. As I look out over the horizon, I can't help but wonder what secrets and mysteries are forever guarded by that giant we know as the Pacific. Small offerings are regurgitated onto the shore, like the driftwood, dead crabs, and sand dollars, but others will remain forever an enigma, like shipwrecks and lost planes and Amelia Earhart.  

     The great Pacific may be taciturn in nature, but it is also very generous. The gift I received from the sea today was peace and calm, and the joy of watching the beautiful sunset. 

Sunset at Punta Chame, Panama