Bahia del Sol, El Salvador

We arrived in Bahia del Sol yesterday afternoon, and crossing the infamous bar was more intense from the preparation and anticipation than from the experience because we caught a very mellow set. (That's Mandy getting ready to cross the bar in the top photo.) It is absolutely incredibly beautiful here; I think that our stay in Puerto Madero-Chiapas has now made us acutely aware of what paradise really is! There is a delightful warm breeze flowing continually as I sit in this little bar at the yacht club next to the dinghy dock. David is taking a shower, there are palm trees gently blowing, a pretty swimming pool in the distance, dollar beers whenever we want, and internet connection for a week's fee of $14.00. What more could we ask for?!!

We are anchored out in front with Mandy, along with quite a few other sailboats, and the people, once again, are very friendly; the port captain and resident doctor actually met us on the dock yesterday to be sure we had all our appropriate documents and were not carrying swine flu. We now have tourist visas for El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua which are good for 90 days, so I think we are set.

Our trip to El Salvador was fabulous although we could have used more wind. We did have about five hours of wonderful afternoon sailing Thursday with 12-14 knot winds, deep blue seas, white puffy clouds and warm winds pushing us along. The morning was glassy and still and perhaps the most incredible turtle day yet; we could spot a dozen turtles at one time, and the water was such an intense deep clear blue that when the turtles would dive, you could see them go straight down forever. When the dolphins came, it was easy to watch them play so freely with each other and our wake. What a magical trip. When we needed Perkins, he was right there, and although the droning engine hum can get to you, our new appreciation for him is foremost what comes to mind. -Suzi

For photos taken by Suzi of Mandy crossing the bar, see
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSu4esGHR3Y