We are in Panama, anchored in a great little bay. The cruisers guide claims there is a cruiser friendly resort here, but like so many other places the resort is closed. We are the only two boats anchored here and that's how it's been for the past 45 days. We know of two boats that are 3 weeks ahead of us and two more that are 6 weeks ahead, plus a few that are 2 or three weeks behind. That's not enough cruisers to keep a bar open. I guess you have to ask yourself, “do you want private anchorages or a bar on the beach?” For the most part we like the seclusion that comes from being alone, but ever now and then a beach bar would be nice. The poor economy affects everyone, even the 3 bedroom eco lodge in Panama.

Hoisting the Panama flag was a big deal for me. It signifies that we are getting ready to head north again. We have 200 miles to go before we are at the Panama Canal. To get there we need to sail east and then north. A little know fact is that when we go threw the canal we will be traveling east to west. Check it out. We are on the west coast going to the east coast and we will be traveling west. Also soon we will be setting our clocks for the Eastern Time zone as we are currently parallel to North Carolina. It's funny how the globe can be so deceiving.

Tomorrow is a day of rest for the boat, but for me, I will be spending a few hours in the water cleaning the bottom of the boat. I guess the racer in me knows that a clean bottom improves performance. I'm thinking of putting a patent on the zip tie chain combination weight belt for diving.

Denny