Detailed info of our days in the marina. We never left the marina except for Todd going on his runs. Colon doesn't have a good reputation for safety. Anyway, we meant to check it out but boat chores took precedence. FYI - on the blog's photo, that's Alegria on the right with the big sail bag in the trampoline.

January 28
Arrived in Colon, Panama by 8am and got clearance to enter Shelter Bay Marina around 9:30am. Docked with help from Dockmaster and dock hands. We had to wait for call to see Customs/Immigration so we decided to wait it out at the pool. We finally got our call at 2:30pm and all cleared by 3pm. Back to the boat then got ready for dinner. Went to happy hour, met Nauti-Girl crew and had dinner with them.

January 29
Todd went for a run while I went to the marina gym to workout.
Happy to see free weights at the gym! Back to the boat and got news that Alegria was to be fumigated - we had 15 minutes to get ready. Had to be off the boat for 2 hours. Went to the restaurant and had lunch - chicken wrap and salad for Todd, cheese quesadillas and fries for me. Mulan crew sat with us. Back to the boat, Todd washed the boat. More boat chores. Skippers briefing for canal transit and Las Perlas and Galapagos info at 5pm at marina lounge. Dinner at the restaurant and sat with Altair crew - Jeff and Joe (father and son). Pizza night and very slow service and very loud inside the restaurant. After dinner, we paid bill and left as it was so loud.

January 30
More boat chores for Todd. Got halyard down to inspect chafe. Inspected inner tube for one fender as it has a leak. Had dinner with Pelican crew (all-you-can-eat ribs) and there was live music.

January 31
Todd ran, I did TRX. Guys finished work on the mast painting (in 2 phases). Left the dock/marina as Fidelis (huge super yacht) has to leave. Ended up in anchorage for 3 hours before coming back in. Made frittata for brunch then Todd got the call from Leslie (Rally Control) that we are confirmed for 4pm transit tomorrow, 2/1. Back at the dock by 12:30/1pm, last spot on B dock. Pre cooked some meals - pork bulgogi, chicken stew, breakfast burritos. More info on canal crossing later. Hot day! Todd got some diesel in jerry cans. At 3:30pm, we are finally done and headed to the pool. Ashish (Todd's derm colleague from back home) and cousin Arjun arrived before 6pm and we met them by the pool. Went to the marina restaurant for dinner and joined by Bob and Martha (Salinity). Back to the boat by 9pm.

February 1
Final prep before leaving marina for canal crossing. Todd got main halyard back on. Ashish also went ½ up the mast and took photos. Todd got 2 more jerry cans of diesel. Bob and Martha arrived at 2pm – additional linehandlers. Suzana (WAC Yellow Shirt) saw us off by 3pm and we left the marina/dock.

Shelter Bay Marina Photos