22/2/10  ISLA CONTADORA IN THE LAS PERLAS ISLANDS   

 

The water maker was mended on Friday afternoon, it was an electrical problem now sorted. 

Dinner in the Old City on both Friday and Saturday nights first at S'cena which was good and then on Friday at Manolo Caracol, which was good but appauling service, back to Ego for one last delicious Tamarind Margarita.

 On Saturday we got Federico, a taxi driver who helps the yachties with food deliveries and shopping at the local market,  to take us on two trips.  One for fresh fruit and veg at the market which opens at 3.a.m. we went at 9.a.m.! and have bought so much fruit and veg we are just hoping the heat does not rot it too quickly.  It has to last at least two weeks until we arrive in the Galapagos. The other trip was for tons of beer, wine, etc.

We set 'sail' yesterday, no wind, sea like a mill pound., it was good to leave Panama the dirt was getting to us both in the air and underfeet.  The most impressive memory of the City will be the friendliness and helpfulness of the locals. 

Caught a 8lb Tuna before lunch. Stopped at lunch time mid ocean and wallowed whilst we had a good salad and fresh large prawns for lunch.  Arrived at the main bay of Isla Contradora yesterday at about 4.pm., swam and relaxed.  Chicken tandori (done on the BBQ) with onion bargee, raita and rice with fresh peas for dinner.

We introduced the Pikes to the yacht card game called 'OH Bugger!' a bit like contract whist,  they are avid Bridge players so not sure they were too impressed by it.  Lovely houses above the beach, a small airstrip which is quite busy with prop' 'planes going in and out taking weekenders backwards and forwards to Panama.  This is also the island where the Shah of Persia (Iran) spent his last days in exile.