Back in the water
Mystic
Archie Massey and Jo Wood-Hill
Sat 24 Mar 2012 12:41
At last, back in the water and plans afoot to go the San Blas Islands for a week, whilst we await our crew to arrive in Panama. I'm not sure where this new found confidence comes from, but as Dave, the boat yard manager said: "You won't get anywhere researching it, just go sailing". We had a fellow cruiser tell us that the San Blas were everything a cruiser good ask for, flat water, amazing coral, trade winds, interesting locals and clear warm waters. I'm sure it'll live up to expectations.
It's been a busy week as the photos will attest too. I've never before created a shopping list as long as Jo. I think it's the modern day equivalent of ones weight in Gold.
At the peak of the check-out, we had 6 people working full time on the packing! I couldn't believe that some people even thought it'd be a good idea to queue behind us.
Whilst Jo took the shopping back, I went to check on our Life Raft in the 'Colon Free Zone'. Apparently, you normally need a pass to enter the Colon Free Zone and without a pass, I had to pay the guard $5 to temporarily leave his post, whilst I walked by. First bribe of the trip.
Then once back on the boat, we somehow found a home for all the shopping. I hope Geoff doesn't mind sleeping on a bed of carrots ;-) It was quite amazing how many nooks and crannies you can find on a boat.
Then a few more hours of anti-fowling. Mystic now looks super-sexy in black. (A $300 premium over red. Girls will be girls).
Then finally as night fell, we went in the slings to be put back in the water.