Have you ever heard the quote that anyone can steer a ship in calm waters, but it takes competence at the helm to navigate treacherous seas? It didn’t take long on the Rio Coco in Nicaragua to learn that having a competent boat crew was essential and fortunately our panga crew was exceptional. Confident…experienced…strong…personable…and cute. Cute really helps.
This is Henry, the boss, and he owns two pangas. He started his business two years ago transporting goods up and down the river. His ultimate goal? To grow his business to ten pangas. A class act…serious about building his business, yet playful and really treated his crew like family. He had real family along the river which made for perfect locations for feeding his crew.
buying his crew ice cream after a long week on the river…
Recall in an earlier post that one person handles the motor on one end of the boat and the person on the opposite end uses a big stick…not only to measure the depth of the water…but to push the boat along when the motor is cut.
Noel handled the motor. It sounds simple, but this takes a lot of skill. You want to have the motor in the water to give the boat power, yet you’ve got to pull the motor up out of the water just at the right moment when you encounter shallow water. This requires constant communication with the guy on the other end of the panga. Always the gentleman…helping me walk the edge of the panga while getting off and on the boat as we visited the villages along the way. When asked what he enjoyed most about his job? “Just driving the panga, doing my job and meeting the occasional foreigner.”
And there’s always a favorite, right? That would be Eric. Always at the front of the panga…always with such a serious expression on his face making sure we were in deep enough water….constantly checking with Noel to coordinate the motor change. When asked about what he enjoyed most…”just doing the job…it’s a sport to me.” He was quick to answer “yes” to the question when I asked if there were many accidents on the river. “Oh yes, we’ve had accidents…the panga has turned over…dumping all the supplies…broken bones. Yes, I’ve been afraid…several times.”
So adorable…and such a mischievous smile…
There’s always a new kid on the block, right?
This is Alex…17 years old…still in school…but learning the trade!
These guys have lived the Rio Coco all their lives…they know every curve, every rapid, every village…
Not only did I have my panga boys…but remember the tres amigas? In the village of Raiti along the Rio Coco, I found the cuatro amigos and coaching them to give me a little attitude wasn’t even needed! So cute!
I’m telling you…the men and young boys in the villages were often small in stature, but built rock solid. An attribute very much needed to live the life they live on the Rio Coco.
I can just imagine that not one of those “boys” wanted to see you go, Robin!!! Surely you made their day. 🙂
Well there’s a couple I could’ve easily taken home with me, ha ha!! Thank you!!
It certainly looks like you were in good hands. Just knowing that they love what they do helps. Thanks so much for sharing the trip with us. I love hearing the stories about the lives of the people you encountered along the way. Can’t wait to hear more!! XoXo
Very good hands! And yes, I so agree with you…when you find someone doing what they love…it’s amazing the difference it makes! Thanks sweetie!
Oh, cute, indeed! Eric stole my heart right away … beautiful and lovely images. I’m so happy that you were fed well and helped in and out of the pangas by these boys with the rock solid attitudes and sweet smiles.
A highlight of the trip for sure! Thanks my dear!
Great photos! I can’t even imagine what a journey like this would be like but it’s good to get a glimpse through your story.
Thanks Maery! Love that you are following along!
The first shot is a great portrait, love it
Thanks so much shooter!
Your handsome boys tell a mysterious story in their eyes. Did you ever ask what their hopes and dreams were?
Yes, in so many words…the language was difficult even with a translator…but what was conveyed was they were truly happy doing their job and the river was their life. I’m guessing they are thankful to have this job instead of working in the fields…my guess. Thanks Abby!
Great pictures and a great story with it. These men have to know their job, life depends on it, also the life of others. Sometimes it is good to be scared to do a job, it makes you conscious of what you do.
Thank you for sharing.
Love and hugs.
Thanks Astrid! I so agree with you!! It takes a bit of being scared…exactly what you expressed!
Love your Panga boys and I’m so sure you stole their hearts, too. Glad they were polite and took good care of you and made sure you were safe.
It’s so interesting to learn of their pride in their job and so agree with Astrid!
Thank you for sharing.
Love you.
xoxo
Thanks so much Lisa! Love that you are following along! xoxo
Good to know that you were in such capable hands!
National Geographic should be calling. A stunning collection.