If you have any chance at all of being able to go, DO IT! This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime (well, for me, anyway) chance to do something completely different. I also came back from Panama as a much more confident climber.

Patrick

Wild Biill sent us the following list of things to take to Panama. Does anybody think we need to add anything?

1. Flashlight or headlamp, preferably waterproof, with extra batteries.
2. Rainjacket or poncho.
3. Jungle boots or calf high rubber boots (Good hiking boots are not recommended although you may want to bring them for wear around the camp).
4. Sandals or flip flops.
5. Insect repellent, DEET is best. Do not bring aerosols because they will be confiscated by airport security.
6. Sunscreen
7. Cap or hat.
8. One set of going-to-town clothes (informal to very informal is OK).
9. Normal traveling clothes that you can also wear around Panama City.
10. Tee shirts and shorts for around camp.
11. Two long sleeve field shirts and two pairs of field pants (the kind with zip-off legs are best).
12. Water bottle.
13. Trash bags or ziploc bags to keep everything dry.
14. Socks and underwear.
15. Bathing suit.
16. Towel.
17. Paper, pens, pencil.
18. Spare glasses or contacts, if you wear them.
19. Set of single sheets and pillow case.
20. Mosquito net to go over bed (the kind that will also keep out the no see-ums).
21. Small personal first aid kit, with extra personal medications.
22. Personal hygiene items including biodegradable soap.
23. Clothes pins.
24. Camera and film
25. Snorkle equipment if that floats your boat.

CLIMBING GEAR:
1. Saddle or harness
2. 150 feet arborist rope.
3. Shorter rope or lanyard for tyig in once up in the tree.
4. At least four carabiners.
5. Ascenders and descending device for SRT climbs.
6. Throwline and two throwbags.
7. Emergency whistle.
8. Backpack for carrying gear.
9. Small ground cloth for use at climbing sites.
10. Helmet.