Rio Diablo
17 December 2007 | Gabriella
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07/16/12
Canal preparation continues. Christmas is approaching.
November...
Back to to the San Blas , We met Fredrico Morales on arrival of Rio Diablo who became our guide and took us on a tour up the river. It was exciting and beautiful. We passed by many Kuna people living life on the river bathing , swimming, teens jumping from trees into the refreshing cool water. Cayucos filled with buckets of fresh water for drinking passed by carrying them back to the island village as the water pipe is no longer. You can also see the cemeteries along the river bank and are decorated with flowers.
November 30 2007 we bide a farewell to Bill here. It has been a special time aboard Gabriella exploring the San Blas which has been a-long awaited dream come true for Bill. Three generations sailing together I am sure is beyond his dream, God is so good and has richly blessed us.
Fredrico walked us through his village providing us with fresh vegetables , bread ,chicken and fuel. We met his delightful friends, Pastor,family and special 9 year old son who at age 2 was burned badly in his lower torso, since that time he does not walk, talk or have eye contact with you. The love poured out on this child is beautiful to witness. He has to be tied into a chair and have someone sit with him 24 /7. Many albino children are also in this community. The Kuna People embrace the imperfect and exhibit a special love, affection and attention to the their needs, making the imperfect extremely special more than perfect. The Kuna People are seeing with the eyes of God.
On the island rain water is stored in a high tank and flows down from a pipe where you can see women doing wash by hand and others with buckets to carry it home this is the running water. The other source of water is to travel up the river. They do have electricity but out- houses line the shore. Food is limited and is flown in or comes from the Columbian Trade Boats with the exception of the many coconuts growing on the island and the produce such as mangoes , bannanas, and plantains which grow up the river. We had a special time on this island and hold them dearly in our hearts.
On Dec, 1 we sailed to Isla Puyadas where only one dwelling existed. A couple was tending the island and farming the coconuts. We were invited and welcomed to look around I bought a mola from the women and we enjoyed snorkeling the reef where the coral shone in greens, gold, and lavender, the water is clear and inviting. We have noticed a shortage of fish life, plenty of tropicals but fish of size are sparse along with the lobster.
Dec 2 We have decided to go over and see Isla Tigre. Seeing a hitch-hiking cayuco we stoppedto give them a tow, Kuna style pullling the cayuco filled with squid and two young men. We had a slight mishap entering the harbor but were able to retrieve all items the sea attempted to steal. As the men and squid went over board when the cayuco rolled on a wave. Trevor was quick to rescue jumping into the dinghy all ending with a smile.
Now on Ilsa Tigre, where we meet Aspen an American traveler being kept hostage at the end of the island in the tourist section. His room is a hut with a dirt floor and the electricity is generated from a car battery. The view of the ocean is priceless and the experience totally awesome. On the beach children play with kites made of plastic bags and sticks. By befriending Aspen we met Leonardo a local guide. Aspen under Leonardos care was to be Santa in the village tonight handing out chic-lets to the children asking... Esta Limpiar ...are you clean of heart? We became Santa's helpers and this was a highlight of our journey afterwards we all went out to Gabriella and had dinner with much conversation and then went back ashore to watch the Kuna Dance practice. Six women danced in harmony with six men playing wind instruments.
In the morning we went back into the village and had fresh Kuna bread. A child walked by dressed as Santa as his friend blew the conch horn imitating last night. This was a week of celebration in the village as school was out for the year. Later after showing Leonardo's two daughters Gabriella, we went back to Isla Puyadas by dingy with Aspen and Leonardo for an afternoon of snorkling. Late in the evening Trevor went ashore meeting Aspen and Leondaro to cook chicken in the cook house for the celebration tomorrow. We have been very busy and once again more Kuna's have found a special place in-our heart.
On Dec. 4 -I waved good- bye to Aspen as he went by in a cayuco heading to the airport he was moving on to Costa Rico and we were going to Coco Bandero Cayes. Relaxing in this beautiful anchorage you look out to a ship wrecked on the reef since the 50's and you are surrounded by beautiful water with the sound of breaking waves. One of the few neighboring islands has a single dwelling on it as far as I can see and the rest all natural abundant in coconut palms. I also saw my second four point starfish here while swimming ashore.
Dec. 6 we are back to Holandes Keys the wind has subsided. While diving for two sited lobsters , Ted grazed his hand on the coral later becoming infected. Medication was necessary , plenty we have aboard thanks to our wonderful doctors at home. Praying for quick healing in a few days the swelling has gone down and Ted is feeling fine again.Thank you Lord.