Panama Guide

January 5

Bad news, good news. Notwithstanding 'last possible hope' crack yesterday, there is one pequenito hope left to be dashed tomorrow at 1300. Barring lead into gold level alchemy, fried inverter-cum-ballast will depart Cartagena, Thursday, in Anthem's lazarette unrepentant. At least torture of rolling delays will end and 'hot' harbor will cease to gnaw at underwater bits.

Taxied via long detour, care of policia nationale, to arrive at FedEx after closing. Plaintive demeanor outside locked entry succeeded in allowing retrieval of backordered Panama Guide, the good one, sent down care of better half. After initially failing to hail a cab, walked goodly distance back to Marina Nautico enjoying a lovely evening. Rumors of a visiting El Presidente could explain why Boca Grande was unusually lousy with cops who, as always, seemed very professional due perhaps to, with US help, constantly fighting drug trade and Venezuelan-backed FARC (Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionaries de Colombia, AKA commie guerillas).

Retrieving inverter and passport, possibly having Max-prop de-barnacled and shopping for a few groceries and gifts for the Kuna Indians will encompass the productive segment of tomorrow. Also expect to settle with marina as they will likely insist. Works out to about $12.50 a day plus electricity. Plan to spend the night on anchor rediscovering cruising and anticipating San Blas, where there are no police and the water doesn't resemble sludge.

Jack