Struggling on in Pardise
08 December 2011 | Green Turtle Marina, Panama
Sunny/cloudy, heavy showers, wind NW 12-15, up to 35 in squalls
Recharged! Cell phones, that is...
Our overnight in The Hot Tub eventually streched to three nights. The plan was one or two, but we just never got away. But we are not unusual. On our second morning a boat came in with a German flag. On our way out snorkeling we stopped by. They have spent the last ten winters here... not just in the San Blas, but here in the Hot Tub! Seems to be that sort of place.
With the great variety of scenery, both above and below the surface, we were well entertained. In addition, it was time to begin to think about leaving the boat for a month when we go back to Canada for Christmas. We had a few visits from he Kuna, not selling but asking for us to re-charge their cell phones! An incredible contrast as they paddle up in their dugout ulus, waving a cell phone and charger! But we were happy to oblige.
So the days passed quickly. But the squalls still hung on. They seem to be at their best at night, but having the anchor hold through 40 knots, we were relatively relaxed through them (I checked the anchor out diving, and it was totally burried, a great sign).
But on Tuesday it was time to leave, staging for our run back to Green Turtle Marina. So we headed back to the East Lemons where we spent an unusually quiet night. Then the next day we sailed 35 miles back to Green Turtle Marina. Our sail was generally great, but also included a few excellent squalls, including one as we approached the marina entrance, causing us to just sit and wait it out in teeming rain and squally winds. But we were soon safely tied up and spraying ourselves for protection from th no-see-ems... an excellent supply here, available for export! Its an excellent marina that is just a few yeas old and still trying to build a client base. We highly recommend it. Here's h web site: http://turtlecaymarina.com/marina.html
From here, taxi to Panama City then home to Charlottetown and Vancouver, Christmas and church then skiing with family. Back aboard in early January!