San Blas Islands, Panama

            Our sail from Cartagena to the San Blas Islands of Panama started off well with strong winds, but eventually the seas caught up with the wind and made for another wild ride, although at this point, we are getting use to it (sort of). With just me Deb and Mike and 3-5 meter waves, sleep didn’t come too easily, but we survived. It took us 3 days to get to Porvenir, which is the main Island in the San Blas chain, and the only one with a customs office. Although we were initially a bit frustrated that we had to spend the night anchored off of Porvenir because customs was a two day affair, we had a friendly Kuna Indian paddle by in a dugout canoe selling lobsters. We bought two and boiled them up for dinner and they tasted fantastic.

            The next morning we sailed 12 miles east to Elephante Island since we heard it was the only one with a resturant and internet, which is where I am at the moment. While they do have internet, there are only two wires running across the bar to plug into your computer, I am able to post some pictures of the San Blas Islands.

            I went spearfishing today, and was initially planning on swimming around a nearby island, a scary close encounter with a Portuguese Man o War made me change my plans. Instead I dove around the boat, but was unable to find any lobster or big enough fish to shoot. Hopefully tomorrow it will be a little sunnier and I will be able to find some dinner. We are planning on spending a few more days here before leaving for Portabello, and than Shelter Bay Marina next to the Canal. 

I will try to update in Shelter Bay.