Dear Boquete Weather Watchers:

We have been focusing on the flood in Boquete the last week. We have seen many photos showing the Caldera River raging and ripping things up. While it is true that the river wrecked some havoc tearing out the Panamonte Bride, assaulting the Ladera Hotel, injuring the fair grounds and tearing up roads in some places, the vast majority of Boquete is unharmed. It is important that in our focus upon the damage we not lose a broader perspective of what really happened.

This last week businesses basically returned to normal in Boquete. None of the flood affected the downtown of Boquete and all of the main roads are in tact functioning normally. Only one hotel, the Ladera, has been seriously damaged. All of the other hotels are unaffected and operating as usual. The Palo Alto Restaurant and the Bed and Breakfast next door were also damaged, but others are without problems. Restaurants are open. Tours and tourist activities are going on. The main downtown bridge over the Caldera River is in full normal operation.

As you have seen in the photos from the last update, the spots where the roads were affected are being rapidly reconstructed getting back into operation.

David was completely unaffected by the flooding. The airport is open and running as usual. The road from David to Boquete is normal.

The flooding was fairly focal occurring only along the Caldera River where it flows through the subdistricts of Los Naranjos and Bajo Boquete. Only structures over the river or close to the river edge were affected.

I heard yesterday that a plan is underway with the help of the community and business owners to go on with the Flower and Coffee Festival in January, but have not heard any official word.

The bottom line is this: The flood did its thing, but Boquete is generally unscathed. She is alive and kicking! It is still the same beautiful enchanting place. You should not change your plans of coming to Boquete for a visit or a stay. It is still the mystical Paradise that she has always been. Come and enjoy it with us.

Lloyd Cripe

lcripe@boqueteweather.com