Summary
Long Way Up episode 9 is heavy on logistics and custom arrangements; it splits up Charley and Ewan for the first time as one of the bikes need fixing. But you almost get this sense that they are near the end of their journey.
This recap of Apple TV+ series Long Way Up season 1, episode 9, “Colombia, Panama & Costa Rica” contains significant spoilers.
We will be recapping every episode — check out the archive.
The opening
The team finally get the go-ahead to land in Buenaventura which was initially delayed due to the fog. Ewan McGregor discusses how they are short of time due to loading and unloading at the other end. Their next destination is Panama City — they have to get there by land and sea due to no roads. This is evidently an obstacle in the journey, but the team seem to be patient, organised and prepared.
A shabby boat
They arrive in Buenaventura, Colombia — it’s still a no-fly zone due to the conflict that exists there. When they reach their boat, it’s shabby and small, and it doesn’t look hygienic. There are loads of people on board as well. The crew members help put the bikes on using planks of woods. The boat’s engine is also struggling, so it’s all hands on deck.
A quick check-in to a village
En route, they head to a village called Nuquí. Ewan mentions how he loves the place and how colorful it is — he markedly explains how friendly the locals are. Ewan plans to split from Charley when he reaches Panama to go to Costa Rica so he can fix his bike. The group has to wait for 2 hours for another plane so to kill time, Charley and Ewan head to the beach.
When they arrive at another airport in Medellin, Colombia they have 45 minutes to clear customs. Ewan is now on his own. Charley is going to ride his bike to Costa Rica from Panama City.
What continues to surprise me in this series is the nervousness around crossing some customs. Some plays are very strict and search the production team aggressively with sniffer dogs to ensure they are not transporting any drugs.
Time to fix the bike
Ewan arrives in Panama City, and he has to embark on a 500-mile journey to meet the Harley-Davidson engineers to see if they can fix it. Meanwhile, Charley checks out Panama City. He visits one of the famous large shipping docks. Charley decides to carry out one of his dreams to get into the water as a large tanker passes — his father did the same with Pierce Brosnan.
The ending
Ewan makes his way to Costa Rica. He will also be seeing his daughter who he adopted from a child shelter — it’s an emotional and big moment for Ewan that will arrive in the next episode. He meets the Harley-Davidson engineers to fix the bike. They take it apart completely. In Panama, Charley meets Pachanga, an elderly local man that is still riding motorbikes.
Ewan has his bike back after a night of fixes and meets back up with Charley. The boys are back together.
Long Way Up episode 9 is heavy on logistics and custom arrangements; it splits up Charley and Ewan for the first time as one of the bikes need fixing. But you almost get this sense that they are near the end of their journey.
