Aridup to Snug Harbour, December 3, 2012

Last posting about our time in Kuna Yala

We were hanging out in Aridup (a beautiful spot north of Playon Chico) and we were approached by a Kuna man (later introduced as Señor Delion) and his grandson. We bought some Kuna bread from him and then he asked where we were going next and when. He asked if we could take him to Snug Harbour with us as his home is nearby.

We couldn’t think of a good reason not to tow them so we did. It was all a little strange but worked out fine.

Here we are leaving Aridup. Señor Delion came onboard to watch the ulu (dugout) and his grandson sat in the ulu and steered — better than paddling all the way home.

Steering the ulu was some effort, but not as much as paddling the two miles back. Tony motored slowly on one engine.

It poured rain when we got to Snug Harbour (Snug Harbour was named by the English — schooners stopped there for coconuts in the 19th century.) It was quite helpful to have Señor Delion suggest a route in and point out the reefs.

Approaching the mainland and Snug Harbour and the rain.

Untying the ulu from On Delay.

Señor Delion offered to bring us groceries the next day. We made a list of the things he said he could get for us: potatoes, yucca, bananas, tomatoes, pineapple, bread and more. He asked for $15 to make the purchases. Funnily, he was only able to get us a few things but we never got our change. However, when he came back, he tied his ulu to the back once again and guided us through a tricky maze of reefs and islands to a good anchorage near the Playon Chico airport. So, that was well worth the balance of my grocery money.