San Blas Islands, Panama, Wednesday, December 5, 2012
A couple of weeks ago, Pete and Gayle flew off for Thanksgiving and other family fun in California and New Jersey. Tony and Jane are soldering (should be soldiering) on in remote Kuna Yala (aka San Blas islands).
Our first week was busy with laundry, shopping and (mostly unsuccessful) internet runs to Nargana; and assorted boat projects and snorkeling in stunning anchorages. While Pete and Gayle were tiring of turkey, Tony and I made a goal of tiring of lobster and crab. I realized we’d managed it when a Kuna fisherman approached with a dug out full of frisky lobsters and we asked if he could get us some fish instead. He did return a few hours later with a nice selection of freshly caught fish for us to choose from.
The following week, Tony and Jane welcomed friend Sarah from England. Sarah’s visit passed quickly: the San Blas islands are beautiful. We spent our days in a nice mix of quiet anchorages and busy Kuna villages. We ate lobsters, and crab, and fish sold by passing fishermen. We bought some molas (intricate fabric squares stitched by the local women).
Today Sarah left from the airport at Playon Chico – we anchored 150 yards from the airport! Tony and I will start making our way west again.
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- Pete and Gayle head to California from Nargana.
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- A favourite anchorage: Cayos Coco Bandero.
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- Kuna fishermen approach On Delay.
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- A sample mola.
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- Sarah decked out in Kuna-wear by a mola sales lady.
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- Children at play in Niadup. It is vacation time.
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- Jane and Kuna guide stroll down the main street in Niadup.
I love the favorite anchorage spot! We enjoyed our visit with Gayle and Pete, and missed you and Tony! Glad you’re having a good time, but wish you’d come back. G tells me we will be visiting you in February..We will be beginning our Reno move, right before that..finishing in March sometime.
Beautiful! Great pictures. Loving the molas. Their intricacy is amazing. I had never seen one before your adventure.
So good to hear you are well and doing great. Lovely photies.
How lovely to hear from you and see what you’ve been up to! Loved the lonesome bay anchorage and the molas! Continued safe travels to you all.
Where are you guys heading next?
“soldering on”? Electronics work on the high seas?
Yes, there was some electronics work. And, we do have a soldering iron onboard. Although we didn’t actually use it that week.
As soon as I saw this picture I rushed to Panama City to have my hair seen to so that I could remove the head scarf. Unfortunately it meant I didn’t have enough time to go to a museum or visit the world heritage site canal or botanical gardens but, let’s face it, hair is more important.