Moving on South
28 October 2011 | Bocas del Toro
25C, wind N-W@12-14
Easing into Cruising Mode at Palma Royale in Bocas
From Miami we landed in Panama City and headed for Hotel Elsplendor, where we have stayed many times. Arriving in mid afternoon we just had time for a short walk in the hetcic traffic before heading back to the hotel for a 5 star dinner... probably the best we have had in years.
We had booked an afternoon flight back to Bocas to avoid a very early start. But it also gave us time to search out the things we forgot. My needs, I know are due to Jeannie removing things from my bag. Her misses are just errors. But a short walk to the MetroMall solved all problems. No body can say you can't find it in Panama. Everything from a Mac Store to Tiffanys Jewellers and everything in-between were found in this giant mall. All problems solved!
Our final leg from Panama City to Bocas was without incident, except for paying more for overweight luggage.
In Bocas we checked in to our favorite, Palma Royale. After a bit of room shuffling, we were settled. And tonight we are settled comfortably in the Penthouse Suite, 2 bedrooms, kitchen, and the World Series Game 7 (in Spanish) on TV.
But to Estelle... All is well, mostly. Our major concern, mildew down below, was not a problem. We had rented a de-humiddifier from the marina, and it kept everything in great condition. In fact, by the feel of thr floorboards, the boat is drier than most summers in the north. But we were not without issues. Turning on the water pressure, the breaker tripped... repeatedly. After disassembly of the pump, it was clear that a slow leak coupled with no use for 6 months led to a seized motor. The failure of a major component quickly makes you realize how far from home you are. But fortunately I had a spare, purchased 4 years ago, and quickly had things back in service. A check confirmed that the generator, the electronics, and all other major systems are fine.
The only glitches are that some varnishing I had contracted for hasn't been done and thr propellor is a ball of fuzz. . But they are at it full speed. Tomorrow will see us in pretty good shape.
So we are still at Palma Royale, but are toughing it out in air-conditioned comfort for a few more days.