San Blas - May/June 2006

We left Bonaire without our part. It seemed to be lost in the mail!! Most frustrating. The weather was good for sailing through to Panama, so we forfeited seeing and provisioning in Curacao and set off. This passage has a reputation for having challenging sea conditions at times, so we were keen to optimise the weather window. We had a smooth passage down to Panama. In fact we had to motor the last few hundred miles because of lack of wind, which was most unexpected.

The past week we have spent in the most amazing group of islands called San Blas, off the Panama mainland. The people are Kuna Indians and, it seems,are living today as they have done for 100's of years - grass huts, dirt floor, no power, dug out canoes, fishing and very few possessions.

They are warm friendly people. Women often have a ring through their nose and their legs are heavily beaded. They are known for their appliqué stitch work called 'molas', which they paddle out with, in their dug outs and try to sell to you.

Daryl has found his island paradise - white sands and coconut palms. We drifted from island to island anchoring off, swimming, snorkeling and interacting with the locals. The photo opportunities were abundant.

Crayfish and fish we bought from them in abundance. In fact, with supplies a little low, I think we have had crayfish nearly every night.

One night we did go out to a hotel for dinner, fairly basic by NZ standards but a unique experience and the atmosphere was great. When we pulled out one of the chairs a big crab came scuttling out!! The fish meal cost US$2.50. Beer less than US$1 a can.

We do feel privileged to have had this experience, because with the speed of change, it will no doubt be difficult for them to maintain their uniqueness.

We are now motoring (no wind!!) to Cristobel, Colon which is the entrance to the Panama Canal.