Up the Creek

Coolrunnins
Wed 22 Sep 2010 17:47
 
13:15.786N 88:29.341W
 
Made it!  Bad night, arrived 1200hrs Tuesday.
 
Mother nature decided to give us a quick slap after lulling us into calm and easy state of mind after three days. Big storms, choppy sea and a massive lightning strike that blinded all three of us for 2-3 minutes 100 meters off the stern. As close as I ever want to be to becoming a Christmas Tree.
 
Torrential rain, little visibility, unlit pangas, and radar blocked by storm activity made for a poor nights sleep for all as we headed down the final leg into El Salvador.
 
Arrived at Barillas, about 5 miles up a river at 12pm. Amazing tidal action on the estuary mouth, with huge standing waves and current that pushed us to almost 9 knots under power. Took 2-3 hours to actually get in!
 
Pilot boat came out to guide us in and VERY thankfull, as the channel does not follow any logical course. The place is just stunning. Volcanoes surround us, with thick jungle, mangrove and tropical birds all around. Monkeys and crocodiles also closeby and will go explore more tomorrow.
 
We are moored in the middle of the river, and the yacht club is accross the way. Pool, showers, bar, and completely quiet. Great service and friendly officials! Took 15 minutes to clear in and the welcome could not have been better.
 
Off to the village (30 mins) to try to meet Sol and kids off the bus from Guatemala around 1pm.
 
Guest crew where great, and Rob left us this AM for the long trek back to Huatulco via buses. Many thanks for his help and dilligent watch keeping, along with some funny Aussie stories. Also thanks for letting him go Amy and the three little ones. He also knows considerably more about sailing than he let on!
 
Nursing a slight hangover after last night relaxing with the guys at the bar...........lost of work to do, bye for now.