How strange life is, we left San Blas earlier than we would have liked to because of a windy forecast and predictions of 15' seas, boring when on a lee shore. So we said our goodbyes to new friends, and set off too late to do anything but go straight to Cristobal, the only place with lights to see us in. Two big lighthouses on the way were totally unlit! And had it not been for a full moon we would not have dared to go between the rocks as we did, and some help from Nobeltec our electronic charts, but they have proved so inaccurate in these waters that we had absolutely no faith in them.!

So at 04.00 this morning, we finally dropped anchor here in Colon, at the entrance to the Panama Canal. We have long expected a delay at this point, as there are a huge amount of formalities to go through, and I was reasonably geared up for a flight home to get some necessary tests done, while we're waiting. However, some sixth sense had made me ring Flora by satellite, to check all was well. The news that my darling Dad aged 92 had gone into hospital for a minor op on his gut wasn't too alarming, but such is life, and later today, after they had discovered that his intestine was totally decayed, he gave up. My huge and lasting consolation is that Flora and Emily were with him at the end, and able to give him all the love and messages that I wished, and I am off home tomorrow, and hope that I can be of some use and comfort to my mother. So the blog will continue in due course. Anyone who wishes to contact me can do so on Giles' mobile 077989 27 618 or at my mother's 02392 410017