We arrived in Shelter Bay Marina, Colon, on the 26th of April. Nice marina with good security but far from everything. The marina is right by the harbor walls entrance and surrounded by the jungle. It is in fact located in the old USA military base. This is where the Americans use to train their troops to jungle survival. When I go running early in the morning because of the heat I see monkeys, crabs, snakes, gorgeous butterflies and other animals I don't know the name of. It is great.

 

There is a free bus that we can take in the morning to go to the supermarket in Colon, about half an hour away. Colon is a very dangerous town and it is not advisable for us to walk there. Actually, there has even been a shooting at the supermarket last Tuesday. One man dead!

 

We have been through the canal on SEQUEL II. Great experience. We went through the Gatun set of locks at the end of the afternoon and had to stay overnight in Gatun lake. The next morning we motored through the lake (35nm) and went through the Millefiores lock early afternoon. We stayed the night in Panama city so slept in a proper bed and in an air-conditioned room for the first time in 4 months!

 

We went back to Panama city and spent 2 nights on board SEQUEL II. We went to Gamboa where there is a beautiful hotel. From there we took a boat trip to Monkey Island where we saw cappuccino monkeys and howler monkeys, sloths, alligators, turtles and lots of baby crocodiles. Then we went to an Craft Market where we bought a painting and some beautiful baskets hand made by an Indian tribe. We also visited the old Panama city. Beautiful place. We had dinner in a fun restaurant. There have no menu. You are served what the Chef has decided to cook that day. We had loads of little dishes, all delicious.

 

We are very busy now cleaning the boat inside out to get her ready for the haul out on the 28th of this month. We are very concerned about humidity and mould problems. It is very hot and humid here. So sweat is pouring down from us as soon as we lift a finger. Literally!

 

Can't wait to fly home on June 1st and see our grandson. Will be good to be back for a while and have time to see family and friends.

 

Next blog in November when we will return to the boat here in Panama.

 

Love

Catherine and Mike