28/04/11 We've left South America, a land mark and a half for our trip. (Luckily the infamous FARC and drug cartels of Colombia did not live up to their reputation and we left unscathed). And what a way to leave; on a 36 hour sail North into the Caribbean Sea towards the desert islands of the San Blas. Our boat was 43ft Cool Running II, home of Sandra and George who had stopped to make some cash on their way around the world, by sailing backpackers between Colombia and Panama.
Unfortunately the wind didn't favour our shedule, so we had to motor the big crossing to the San Blas. It was still an amazing experience to be surrounded by nothing but blue sea for a full day and night. George, our 'cantankerous captain' had enough detailed stories to keep us entertained the whole way.
No land or a ship in sight, just blue water, hundreds of meters deep.
Dolphins came to say hi!
We finally dropped anchor and the skipper 'opened the pool' :) We had two days exploring the San Blas islands and snorkling around the reefs. We also discovered that these Austrian guys are in to their food! We're talking fresh pizzas and baked bread, beef goulash etc. in the galley of a yacht! The bar has been raised.
Water as warm as it looks :)
The Kuna people live on these islands! There are over 350 islands in the San Blas. You could walk around this one in max 10 minutes.
Neeeeeowm. Zoink.
Sailing between islands.
The Kunas sail between islands on dug out canoes. Apparently some even get adventurous and take them all the way down to Colombia!! 3m waves in that is brave!
Can't remember the name of this island, but it had a village crammed on right up to the edge and we had a look around.
Ever been tempted to jump into a public toilet before? Probably still not a good idea.
The Kuna ladies have amazing clothes, scarfs, nose rings and beads up their arms and on their legs (like socks). Grace got a little of the love :)
Boys rocking the water out of their canoe after capsizing it.
Sandra and George left us at Porvenir island, where we had our passports stamped for entry into Panama, as we decided to stay in the San Blas for a few more days. Oh go on then ;)
Sandra and George left us at Porvenir island, where we had our passports stamped for entry into Panama, as we decided to stay in the San Blas for a few more days. Oh go on then ;)
Wow what a fab experience - looks as good as your trip with Rod. I'm not surprised you decided to stay on for a little while. The blue of the sea is astonishing!
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