Ma & Pa (Andy and Dorn) arrived into Panama along with our long awaited Macerator pump and numerous other goodies such as fuel filters, teabags, homemade marmalade, branston pickle, scrabble, connect 4, grow your own cress garden etc etc..oh and how could i forget 2 huge blocks of cheddar!  ( see photo)
We love having guests.

Unfortunately due to the strong trade winds we had to sit tight at Shelter Bay Marina So the list came out and so much for Andy thinking he was coming for a holiday... Day 1 : Fitting our macerator pump (Not sure how Mike managed to escape that awful job) Day 2 :Servicing the engine, Day 3: Making a new drinks holder and so on.. the list is
endless. 
Thanks again for all your help and to Dorn for repairing our ensign and making the fuel container covers. 

The rest of the trip continued like that except we managed to fit in some great sailing to Isla Linton and the San Blas Islands, some fantastic snorkling, wreck exploring and obviously the consuming muchos cervezas!

Our Sail from Isla Linton (Vicious biting Gay Monkey Island) to San Blas was fantastic and we clocked 7.5 knots to windward (Our fastest yet) and also clocked our first 1000 miles in QuarterMoon. Can't quite believe we have sailed over 1000 miles so far.

San Blas Islands as always were stunning, unfortunately the weather wasn't overly kind to us with only a few sunny days and much wind however the snorkeling was still out of this world. A Wonderful variety of coral and small fish. This time around we visited a number of new islands we had not been to before which was great and we discovered
some even more gorgeous anchorages.

Unfortunately early on in the trip, Dorn badly cut her leg on some coral so we had to make a slight diversion to the Carti Islands (Most densly populated Kuna islands close to the mainland). Through talking with some fellow cruisers (some whom seem to permanently live in the San Blas and are more than happy to share there knowledge/advice with you!) ) we discovered a medical centre on Carti Sugdup ( Nearly every island is a "DUP").
By some crazy coincidence, on an island of 1300 Kuna Indians Mike managed to drive the tender unknowingly onto "John's" (Only english speaking Kuna) back yard who immediately showed Dorn to the medical centre. Although very basic, the doctor and nurses were very kind and they managed to clean, prescribe ointment and dress the wound all for the grand sum of $4.50.
I think we were all very appreciative of everyone around us who seemed so willing to help and make sure everything was ok.

Dad provided some entertainment to lighten the mood. His "knot" failing and the dinghy drfiting away in the wind. Luckily it was still daylight (just) and we were on deck. Mike needed a dip down wind of the kuna toilets anyway... Then there was the glasses incident. Dad obviosuly put the beer down but forgot to remove flash new expensive glasses when going for a swim. Oops! Mike was struggling to get down to 15m unaided so went for an accelerated freedive with an anchor - smart! Anyway specs were retrieved and all were happy....

The Lobster didn't seem as plentiful this trip but I think it is because the area was so busy. Another Blue water cruising rally passing through. I still can't get over the fact that 8 yrs ago we were 1 of maybe 5 other boats in this area and now it is so busy
with cruising boats, tour boats etc.

We did buy octupus one night which Mike and Andy had great fun trying to prepare! Not sure we will purchase that again... any one got any top tips on preparation??

Andy & Dorn decided to fly out of the San Blas back to Panama city so we dropped them at Porvenir(A very short runway on a small island which makes landings and take offs very dramatic). We were sad to say our 'goodbyes', it was brilliant having them onboard even though we are out of booze and water and fuel and food!  They must know the feeling well after we stayed at there place during the summer!

The Island of Wichabhuala (next to Porvenir) happened to sell diesel so we managed to re-fill a few diesel jerry cans. An interesting experience...the diesel man syphoned the diesel using his mouth to start it and then spitting the diesel out...YUCK!... Made us want to puke.It's bad enough smelling the stuff never mind drinking it!.
Anyways didn't seem to bother him at all. THe Kuna bakery makes delicious bread and the shop sold eggs so we were all set for our trip to Colombia. Catagena here we come!!!!