Palmer Tent Lodge

“I ran to the beach to see only two out of the three guys standing there… and I knew…”

Someone is missing

Our first and last morning at the Palmer Tent Lodge will stay in my mind forever. We woke up bright and early; Carl, John and Frank went to play in the Ocean, and Tara, Elisa and I decided we would take a boat to the mainland to get some supplies – snacks, alcohol etc. and do a yoga class when we got back. We arrived back at the island, grabbed our matts and made our way down a path through the jungle about 5 mins to a veranda where the yoga was to be held. We were waiting for about 15 mins past the hour and the teacher still hadn’t shown up, so I said I would go see what was going on. I made my way back through the jungle to the main reception area and I got the weirdest feeling in my stomach that something was wrong. As I got closer, I noticed that everything was very quiet, and the entire resort was standing looking out at the ocean. The sick feeling in my stomach got worse. I looked around and finally found the Yoga instructor and asked her if the Yoga was still going ahead. She kind of snapped back saying I shouldn’t be worrying about yoga right now… that someone was missing. My heart started to race and I asked if it was a girl or a boy. When she said it was a boy I immediately ran to the beach to find not 3, but 2 of our boys staring out at the ocean with their hands on their heads… and I knew then what had happened. The someone who went missing was from our group. 

In shock

I actually don’t know if I can re-count what happened that day, or the next day, or divulge any further details, but because I am writing this blog about everything that happened during my travels I could not leave out this part which is the most devastating, and impactful part of my journey. 

I cannot begin to describe the pain I felt when I had to go back to the veranda and tell Elisa that the love of her life got pulled under by a riptide. It broke my heart. This was the worst day of my life and I barely knew him a week. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain that Elisa felt. The worst thing you could ever think of had happened, and I still can’t believe it. 

Helicopters, boats and rescue teams swarmed the resort. Insensitive reporters tried to talk to all of us. We spent hours aimlessly scouring the beach with everyone on the resort helping. By sunset we were told to get a boat back to the mainland. In a state of complete shock we all did what we were told. We sat in silence feeling so helpless for the entirety of the next day while the rescue teams continued their search. Until finally we got the call. 

Feeling lost

Tara and John got the next flight back to Edmonton with Elisa. Frank and I decided to stay in Panama and continue on to the the next place. I toyed with the idea of ending it and going home as well, but there was nothing I could have done to help, and my family and friends back home encouraged me to finish out the trip. Now more than ever I needed to cherish every single moment I had because you really don’t know when it is going to be your last.

We will never forget you

I barely knew him a week, but in that short time he was able to make a lasting impression. I’ll never forget the way he looked in your eyes when talking to you, and really listened. He made me feel warm and welcome, he was kind and caring and loving and respectful to Elisa. If I didn’t already know, he made me realise what a good relationship should look like, and how a man should treat a girl. We will never forget you. Colby <3