Out 10th time over the "Bar" (dead low, ripping tide) on Monday. Cleared in about 40 minutes after we anchored, then on our way up the river. We anchored just off of Mario's Marina for 2 days. Gary dove on the hull to scrape off some of the La Ceiba "growth", and noticed that our shaft was moving a little too much. Hmmm. We had a local boater (who is also an expert on this type of stuff) check it out, and yes, our cutless bearing is on its way out.

SOOO. We've got a cutless bearing ordered and on the way with one of our Rio friends, who will be returning from Texas (hopefully) sometime next week.

In the meantime, our 3 year old dinghy has sprouted so many leaks that we're having trouble keeping up with it! Gary put in a plywood floor and patched what he could. 2 days ago, we were headed for town when the transom separated and we almost lost the motor. Not good. Shows what can happen when rubber, glue, salt, heat and tropical sun get put together.

For the time being, until our parts come in, we'll be anchored in "Shell Bay." Once we get the boat hauled, fixed and bottomized, we'll be able to traipse to and fro on the beautiful Rio!