Isla Parida, Panama
20 March 2008
Roger
Trip log: 2011 nautical miles, this leg: 86 nautical miles. It took a little longer than we anticipated to tie down the fuel bladders on deck, to take down the sun shade, and to do the final washdown so we got under way just after 11 am. We're now in fuel conservation mode, trying to ensure that we have enough fuel to motor through the ITCZ to Cocos Island, and some distance past there towards the Galapagos, if necessary.
However, we also want to check out a few of the western islands of Panama. We managed to sail most of the day and part of the night, heading first out of Golfo Dolce, then around the point that separates Costa Rica and Panama. For all of the trip down the Costa Rican coast, we were accompanied by the sound of thunder from the numerous rainstorms ashore. The moon was nearly full, and as we turned the corner into Panama, the lightning flashes out to see were almost constant.
Dawn saw us arriving at Isla Parida, a "don't miss" recommendation of other cruisers. It took us some time to pick our way amongst the many small islands and rocks to an anchorage where we met up with Komara---they had made it to the island yesterday evening just as the sun set. The whole area is very beautiful... a real tropical paradise with what seems to be about 30 islands and many more reefs, heavy forest with coconut palm-lined sandy beachers, and warm water. However, contrary to the reports, the water is not very clear---we've been spoiled by Isla Cano! So... after anchoring for less than an hour, both boats decided to weigh anchor and head for Islas Secas (dry islands) where the water is reputed to be very clear and the diving excellent.