The trip from Bocas to Isla Providencia was 256 nautical miles. We had been watching for an acceptable weather window for several days and it finally presented itself on Feb. 15th. In Bocas the winds were relatively calm at 9 knots. We used the same track exiting the archipelago as entering as we knew it was safe. As we exited the islands, we were accompanied by several dolphins. We also saw for the first time on this coast, a very large ridgeback turtle swimming alongside. It was the largest turtle we had seen; I am sure its head was at least the size of a soccer ball.

I had prepared 2 dinners in advance, knowing that it could be a bumpy ride and making dinner underway when it is bumpy is challenging. We were right! The swells and wind was consistently north to northeast ranging mostly from 10-18 knots, at times hitting the mid-twenties. We had larger than expected seas at times hitting 20 feet. At one point, we looked out the pilot house window and saw a wave right beside us. Normally Ken and I don't have a problem sleeping in our cabin below, but it was so bumpy and rolly that we made a bed for the person not on watch on one of the salon settees. That being said, it was not restful sleeping and we were very tired when we finally arrived at Isla Providencia at 10:30 2 days later!

We were exhausted, but quickly had to launch the dinghy to go ashore to clear into Columbia. We were met by Mr. Bush, the one and only agent handling entries and exits. Everything ran smoothly and efficiently - the customs and immigration people were fast and extremely friendly. They told us that they particularly like Canadians as they usually arrived with paperwork in order -lots and lots of copies of everything. That is probably a good thing as often the printer in port captains offices do not work or they do not have one. It is a good thing that we brought ours from home!

We plan to stay here about 1 week, resting, exploring the island and watching for the seas to CALM down. Next stop will likely be Roatan, another 2 day trip for us.