San Blas Islands

We had a wonderful 4-day passage and arrived in the San Blas Islands. We immediately saw for the first time a totally different culture. The islands are home to the Kuna Indians who were very welcoming with handmade crafts, fish, and vegetables. The islands are stunning and reminded me more of my perception of French Polynesia than Panama.

These were our first guests upon arrival. I was chastised for inviting strangers aboard in the world of Covid. Actually, the way the woman was coughing the odds were higher of getting tuberculosis! We compromised, hugged them goodbye, and gave him an Irish Blessing t-shirt. He loved it by the way.

In the isolated San Blas islands there are no food markets. A real treat is when an occasional boat would come from mainland Panama and Issy would load up with fresh fruits and vegetables and beer thank God. We would also have an occasional boat come by with fresh lobster and fish.

Now that the whole fleet has arrived in San Blas we are starting to get together and socialize. The twice daily radio checks allow us to plan get-togethers for the boats that are in the area. It’s great to get off the boat on shore and get to know the other people on the journey.

After 2 weeks in an island paradise, it’s time to get moving again. We woke at 4 am, left at 4:30 to arrive at Shelter Bay Marina which is the staging ground for going through the Panama Canal and the gateway to the Pacific. Excited that Vanessa arrives on the 12th. I got a Super Bowl get-together on the 13th and we transit the Canal on the 16th.

A lifelong dream of transiting the Panama Canal and sailing into the South Pacific will be celebrated with a nice bottle of Champagne as we cross under the Bridge Of The Americas but will send an update of the Canal crossing. Question: Can Cincinnati cover 4.5? Hope so.