Safely tucked away at Marios Marina, (see link) Shibumi waits patiently for her next adventure.
After almost 3 months of what seemed like a living hell trying desperately to get my engine repaired, I finally said good bye to Roatan Island, Honduras and sailed; into the wind and current of coarse, to Livingston, Guatemala where I miraculously crossed the bar without a hitch, or even a touch, something that everyone on shore seemed quite amazed at. It seems that with a 6' draft, I shouldn't have made it, but I am happy to say, I did! Then after a quick, uncomplicated and real easy check in, I hesitantly headed up river for the 25 mile trek to Rio Dulce.
Stay in the middle, you'll be fine seemed the standard advise. Just stay in the middle! I took the pocket map they give everyone and thought, well Ok stay in the middle it is. I have t tell you here, I only know of one other boat that had previously made this run, and their advise was, don't worry everyone runs aground somewhere on the river, we did.
Well, I made it with no trouble and without touching or running aground.
The trip up river is beautiful and quite relaxing journey, with much to see. Just watch out for all the local fisherman crossing the river in canoes. I arrived at Marios just before dark and of coarse, the office was closed. But after hailing a few times on the VHS, one of the other cruisers answered my call and said, just a minute, I'll get dressed and go get Jim. I'm thinking, it's only 5:00 pm, well, ok, it was hot afterall.
They all came and helped me dock, secure my boat and get me settled. It was nice to be welcomed and their help was certainly appreciated, especially for a single handler.
After getting the boat ready to be left on her own, and with the knowledge that the Marina staff are all wonderful and competent people, I left Shibumi in their capable ahands and flew back to Canada.and
Now, I can't wait to get back.