From Panama

Sorry for the delay of communication. We made our escape from Golfito on Saturday morning and surfed Pavones that afternoon. What a rush, getting into the warm water and actually catching some great rides on waves chest to shoulder high. We were hooked right away and had to stay two more days just to bask in the luxury of the fun life. We enjoyed cocktails and munchies on A Cappella that first evening and they left on Sunday for Ecuador. It was great surfing with Mike and Jodie from Savannah and so cool to check out the waves from Sidewinder, jump in Worm with the boards, motor a short distance to the surf, drop anchor, hop in, and just enjoy being in clear, clean glassy warm water.

The second night was a bit too rolly, so after our wonderful morning session and a short trip into the market, Savannah and Sidewinder departed across the bay to the Matapalo side of the Gulfo Dulce where the water was flat. Great sunset, fresh pineapple chicken veggie barbecued kabobs, and a starry starry night; ah, this is what cruising is all about!

We left early on Tuesday for a glorious day of motoring and sailing with Savannah; the skies were blue and the water was even bluer. It was exhilarating to be out in the Pacific Ocean one more time, especially with such awesome weather. Puffy clouds in the distance intensified the views, dolphins welcomed us to Panama while playing in our bow wake, I think I counted 15 of them at one time, and we caught a small yellow-fin tuna for a scrumptious sashimi dinner. Savannah and Sidewinder dropped anchor in a surprisingly calm area just around the corner from Punta Balsa and motored yesterday to Isla Parida, where we are now. We found Kate here and enjoyed their company last night. Woke up to a gray, rainy morning but the sun is now shining; perhaps we will get in the water and snorkel with Mike and Jodie and later today we will meander around the corner of this island, where the diving is supposed to be spectacular. We may stay for a few days enjoying the clear water and then continue island hopping through Western Panama on our way to Ecuador. As you can see, life is good!