We arrived in Panama yesterday afternoon after a very peaceful 250nm trip from Providencia. We had very little wind and the sea was so flat that it felt like we were sailing through oil. We saw very few ships and the only sign of life was a school of small whales & dolphins.

 

We were welcomed to Portobelo by Jack von Ohlen (Tom's brother) who has lived here for a few years. He is a partner in a local back-packer hostel and bar called "Captain Jack's", where we spent a few hours catching up. Portobelo is a USESCO world heritage site with many interesting ruins on the shore. It was one of the most important ports in the Caribbean during the 17th century where tons of Spanish treasure (including gold) passed through its Custom House (now a museum). This deep bay was well suited to defend against the many plundering pirates. More news and information to follow.

 

These are the views from our deck this morning.

 

 

 

 Out into the Bay