Patty/dark right now with a shower
11/09/2009, Guatemala

Hello to all! We three boat amigos (Lorelei, Rune on his boat and Bob on Good Time Charlie) spent the last 2 days in the South Western end of Lago Izabal, searching for and exploring the rivers feeding into the lake. Some pretty amazing stuff, incredible sounds at dusk/daybreak (howler monkeys), and friendly Indians.

We motored back to Denny's Beach yesterday, and today Gary and Denny's son, Clayton, went out in our dinghy just beyond the dock and caught a 52 lb Tarpon!!! You've never seen a 13 year old (or a 60 year old) so excited! They brought it in and gave the fish to the family next door. It fed them (27 in all) and us! Tarpon is not known as a good eating fish in the States, but the way the Mayans cook it here, it is very good! We all got a scale for keepsake!

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Patty/Cloudy with rain
11/04/2009, Livingston, Guatemala

We motored down the Golfete and through the Gorge to anchor in Livingston on 10/28/2009, then went across the infamous "bar", right after mean low of .65 without bumping! Anchored over by Cabos tres Puntas for the night, sailed around and found a pristine reef to snorkel, caught a sailfish (let him go). Our second night at anchor in Cabos tres Puntas produced a wicked thunderstorm. Wind and chop broke our anchor keeper, the chain rode chewed up the bow roller, and our dinghy lock cable (motorcycle cable) broke, so it got a little hairy at 3 a.m.

Motored back over the bar into Livingston (again at mean low!) without bumping, did some sightseeing and provisioning, then went back outside toward the Seven Altars and anchored there. Weather was perfect until...Gary thought the "late afternoon breeze" would subside with sundown, but it got progressively stronger, coupled with about a 3 knot current. Once again, pulled anchor and motor/sailed across the bay to shelter at Cabos tres Puntas. Once again, treated to an impressive thunderstorm (at least our water tank is full!) The next morning, we puttered in and crossed the bar (this time on a rising tide). The real trick is to watch how the locals do it, but I guess our 5'4" draft doesn't hurt either.

More adventures to come - we have to go back out and look for our companion's big plough anchor (he used a swivel and it broke). Plus we need more conch! We're sitting at anchor near our old marina (RAM), fixing, tidying and provisioning until our next foray.

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Patty
10/16/2009, Lago Izabal, Guatemala

We're back at Denny's Beach, at anchor and loving the location. Dennis is a wonderful host, the beach is immaculate and the water is clear. Pups love being here, they swim and romp all afternoon. Nice nature trail behind the bungalows (I take them exploring every afternoon). I can get up in the morning, brush my teeth, put on my bathing suit (or not) and jump off the boat for a good swim workout before breakfast! Nice breeze in the late afternoon/early evening, cools down to the mid 70's at night for good sleeping. I encourage all my fellow cruisers/landlubbers to visit www.dennysbeach.com

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Patty
09/26/2009, Rio Dulce, Guatemala

We're out at anchor now - our lease at RAM Marina is up! We're looking forward to roaming up and down the waterway and seeing all the sights of our lovely Guatemalan retreat. Met lots of nice folks, having a blast!

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