Jo, Robert, Kirsten and Janelle (from the catamaran Double Trouble) went ashore this morning. Esmeralda is a sleepy little fishing village, quaint houses that are catching rain in barrels and recycling garbage. There are many children and all seem very happy. We were greeted by an adult who led us to a house that was a makeshift grocery. Janelle bought a dozen eggs and was charged three dollars. We bought 30 eggs in Panama city for four dollars.

We then trekked uphill to another house where bananas and papaya were cut from trees, two bunches of bananas and 4 papaya was $10.00. We thought this quite expensive and hope the fruit eventually ripens. We then asked about internet and the answer was “no”. Robert and Kirsten were looking to send text messages back home and when we asked about a cell phone connection we where escorted to a dirt path which we trekked up for at least 10 minutes. At the top of a hill covered in bush was the “bush communication centre.” Several young people were sitting on benches that had wooden podiums standing by to set their phones upon in just the right spot to get a signal. It was quite comical. After much anticipation Kirsten was finally able to send a message to family and friends- we think so anyway. As soon as we get to an intenet location I will post the photos.

At the moment Stewart and Robert are looking at the weather and charting our course. We shall leave in the morning. Kirsten will be on the first watch, then Robert, myself and Stewart.

We are excited about setting sail and will celebrate with steaks, glazed vegetables and a Dutch cabbage/potato dish.

We will send our position every 24 hours.

All is well, Cheers from Breeze