Lowdown on Upside of Coming and Going
26 January 2010 | Isla Linton, Panama
Mangrove River
January 26
As the sun rises slowly over palm-lined beaches and clear, sparkling waters, we bid a fond farewell to the lovely vistas and friendly people of Kuna Yala. Perhaps we'll return one day to once again bask in the tranquility and beauty of this idyllic land. --- end of news reel ---
Departed Lemmon Cay before 0600, braving pre-dawn darkness. Following yesterday's track inbound to avoid narrow passage between reefs was less scary than might be imagined. If you can't see it, it's not there, right?. First half of trip close reaching in 4 foot choppy seas with two foresails and reefed main was good, then wind backed and filled. Last half was hard on it, just barely making last headland, but here I rock at Isla Linton in excellent time.
Dinked a mile or so through mangrove creek, ala Cayo Costa's "tunnel of love", to Panamarina for dinner with Michael & Barbara, "Astarte", sailing buddies from St. Pete, last seen departing Grenada in July. They leave on 29th for thirteen day, three coast (east, west and left) visit to US. Returned by moon and flashlight without becoming acquainted with any anacondas or crocodiles. Poling off reef at east end, however, will provoke transits, henceforth, during daylight.
Got the lowdown on drinking, eating, laundry, internet and, ummm, drinking (critical data at every new place), plus transport to both ends of Canal and procedure for entering Panamarina where Anthem will pine for my return after January 30. Tomorrow begins maximum work, minimum futzing segment of existence that may last until arrival in Las Perlas on Pacific side. Expect, however, to make most of any positive opportunities, especially in FL.
"In comic strips, the person on the left always speaks first." - George Carlin
Cartoon in November 2009 Latts and Atts Magazine (still catching up) was an exception. Although potentially disorienting, finely honed mental reflexes, thankfully, prevented psychic breakdown.
Jack