Now that we are in the San Blas Islands, we have
suddenly slowed down into proper cruising mode! We have been amazed at the huge
number of cruising yachts that are here – and we are just beginning to
realise why. One cruiser we met here loves it so much that she has been here for
eight years. What is
great about this area is that the only visitors are yachtsmen. You cannot
explore it from the land.
Because we decided to show the boat at the Miami Boat
Show in February, it has rather compressed our timetable, but equally so we
didn’t want to miss out on Cuba
or the Cayman Islands…and so we have
asked WHY are we rushing?? Entering the Pacific in May is leaving it rather
late – both from a weather point of view, and certainly in terms of
exploring it and doing it justice.
We have decided that rather than rush through the Panama Canal and across the Pacific now, it makes more
sense to really enjoy this area. With over 300 picture-postcard islands with
powder sand and palm trees surrounded by turquoise waters and great coral reefs
for snorkelling, the San Blas Islands or Kuna Yala really are as good as it
gets.
Although as yet we have only just brushed the
coastline, Central America seems fascinating.
People we have met tell us how beautiful neighbouring Columbia is. Also we have both always wanted
to visit and explore Chile
and Argentina.
In the Bahamas we met an
Englishman who has a cattle ranch in Uruguay, and he persuaded us that
we should also visit that country. It seems such a pity to be so close to this
amazing continent, and not explore it further. So our voyage of Discovery continues….
We are changing gear…and slowing down a
bit! Our plans now are to continue cruising the San Blas Islands before
we go down to Panama City.
We can securely leave the boat at Shelter
Bay in Panama,
and will then head for the Andes…
At the end of the rainy season (after October) we will
head east to explore Columbia, and the Windward
and Leeward Islands of the Caribbean –
some of which we have never been to, and some we haven’t visited for 20
years or so.
Our plans will then be to head west again. This time,
allowing us a full season in the Pacific.
