We arrived in Bocas del Toro on January 31 and docked at Carenero Marina on February 1. Bill caught a very nice yellow-fin tuna during our passage from Colon to Bocas. We now have 2 rods and reels and they make all the difference in catching fish. Previously we were using simple hand lines (called Cuban reels). If a big fish struck on the hand lines then the line would snap and off would go our lures. The rod and reel allow the fish to run awhile and tire before being reeled in. This works infinitely better.

There was a pot-luck dinner on our first evening at the marina and we joined the other cruisers for a nice evening. That is also the evening that I was nearly eaten alive by no-see-ums -- more than a 100 bites. I am hyper-sensitive to these particular midges and was covered with large welts that would soon become bleeding holes that will last for 2-3 months. So, I have been staying inside the boat with the air-conditioning going ever since. As a result, I very much do not like Bocas del Toro. Am very much looking forward to leaving this place.

We have changed plans again. Not spending the next year along the Pacific coast of Central America. Instead, we are moving onward in the South Pacific!!!

We will be transiting the Panama Canal mid-March, accompanied by our friends Paul & Michele on FREE SPIRIT (a Catana 431 catamaran previously named BLUEPRINT MATCH). Then we will continue on to the Galapagos Islands. Hopefully then onward to New Zealand. However, if Bill and I absolutely hate the passage to Galapagos, then we will return via Ecuador and FREE SPIRIT will continue on without us. Don't think that is likely but that is our last chance to abandon the long trip to New Zealand. Bill is worried that the long passages would be too tough on just the two of us and he won't get enough sleep. That part doesn't worry me. So here's hoping we continue onward to New Zealand.

Very much looking forward to seeing the exotic wildlife in the Galapagos Islands. And we think that we will enjoy the South Pacific much more if sailing in tandem with our friends on FREE SPIRIT, Paul, Michele, 5-year-old Merric and 3-year-old Seana. It will be a lot more fun to share the excitement with other people. Plus, Michele speaks French and that will be an enormous help to us in the Marquesas, Tuamotos and Tahitian islands since neither Bill nor I speak a word of French.