Linton December 1 2010

We are finally on our way to some much needed R and R. Our first stop was Isla Linton. This is a great anchorage because of the all-around protection it has. The island has some   goofy looking monkeys that inhabit the island. We took the dinghy to the dock at the landing and they come rushing out to get any handouts you have for them. Gil filmed my feeding fiasco and said one of them looked like his buddy Bill Scott. We only stayed a few days and toured around the villages

Chichime (Uchutupa Pipigua) and (Uchutupa Dummat) December 5

We arrived at the entrance of Chichme Cays with good light and found the anchorage easy to enter. This group of cays is beautiful coconut palm islands with white sand beaches, which are a beachcomber’s paradise. I found hundreds of sea beans on the beaches here. The water was at was crystal clear and snorkeling was great. The Kuna Indians would come to you boat and try to sell fish and molas. The weather wasn’t very good for a few days so when it let up we headed for the Lemmon Cays. They were a little disappointing because we were boat bound by bad weather. While we were there we heard a boat ran aground at the entrance of Chichme. The sailboat was holed badly and sank on the reef. No one was hurt, but the boat was a total loss.

Once the weather broke again we headed for Coco Bandero Cays. This group of island is were we planned to spend the Christmas holidays. They are protected by a 4 mile reef; the water is postcard perfect, with beautiful fish and colorful corals. The islands themselves are uninhabited. The Kuna only harvest the coconuts staying in huts temporarily. We made friends with two young men who were staying on an outer island. These fellows would be staying for one month harvesting. They fished for their food and drank coconut milk for fluids plus rain water. Trading for nice big crabs with these guys was fun and inexpensive. We met some fellow boaters Nigel and Miss Kitty. They are a hoot and fun to party with. They had to have the boat in Shelter bay before Christmas but I am sure we meet up with them again.

December 21 2010

It is the winter Solstice with a full moon and it is also a full lunar eclipse. The last time it happened was in 1638. This is memorable to say the least. The sky was cloudless all night long. Gil and I watched this luminescent ball; you could see the surface shapes with the naked eye. During a five hour period the moon transformed with a crescent of the earth’s shadow until it was an orange orb.  Then it returned to its former brilliant self in the reverse order.    

December 23 2010 Gil and I have spent almost a month in Kuna Yala snorkeling walking the beaches and making new friends. We do a few boat chores and take a break in the afternoon to swim or walk a palm tree island. I beach comb and Gil hunts for dinner. This evening after the moon was up, we watched a couple of Kuna fisherman in their panga. They were setting out their nets. The full moon on the horizon illuminated them, absolutely awesome!

December 25 2010

We invited the two Kuna boys on the far island to join us for Christmas dinner. I had spent a lot of time getting the chicken,( which I bought from our friendly Kuna suppler), stuffed. I think we were a hit with them because they ate lots and went home with just the right amount of cheer in them. It will be kind of sad leaving here. This has been an idyllic place for a honeymoon.

December 28 2010 Chichime

It sure was startling to see the top of the mast only of the sailboat that sank on the reef entrance. The guy that owns it is staying on the island with the Kuna for now. He is a little shell shocked. He tells anyone who will listen that he will have it raised up. I wish him luck with that plan,  Gil and I dove it, and the whole front quarter of the starboard side is gone. There is boat stuff strewn all over the reef. The Kuna are planning a New Year’s pig roast on the island. Five dollars a person and all the partially cooked pig you can eat. The Kuna Indians don’t like to overcook their meat. The Italian people from the sailboat Brigante will be joining us for the festivities. Elva and her husband Roberto are a lot of fun.  

New Year’s Eve 2010

What a great way to end a year and bring in a new one. Partied on the beach till all hours and then continued aboard Brigante!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Everyone was a little shaky the next day. We need a day to recover and then head back to Shelter Bay and wait for Guy to get to the boat.

January 6 2011 Shelter Bay Marina

We sailed back to Panama, even got to use the spinnaker. When we fly it, it reminds me of a monarch butterfly. This time we have a little more leisure and pool time. Gil has made arrangements for the crossing and we have two Spanish guys from another sailboat to help with the lines. All I have to do is be the hostess. Sounds too good to be true. Guy should be arriving sometime today or tomorrow.