1,444 DAYS Xenia anchored in Las Perlas Islands, Panama
More new friends in Costa Rica
Acapulco should not be missed. If nothing, you have to see the cliff divers. The nine bays of Huatulco are charming, with the clearest blue water that we have ever seen in Mexico. The town is easy to get around by walking, riding your bike, or taking a taxi. It was with heavy hearts that we checked out of Mexico in Chiapas. Mexico was good to us and we will return one day. Sooner rather than later, we hope. Now it was time to cross the notoriously windy 260-mile-wide Gulf of Tehuantepec. It took us three days to get to Bahía del Sol, El Salvador, since we anchored along the way. When we joined the El Salvador rally it included Bill as our guide across the bar. We went over that bar going 13.8 knots. What a rush! El Salvador doesn’t see many tourists, so I felt a bit out of place. We settled in for six weeks and met local cruisers and expats, Lynn and Lou. The hotel manager, Juice, and all the staff are amazing people. The surfing is great in La Libertad, and renting a car was easy. Once you drive around El Salvador, you will begin to see the beauty. They have a trash issue currently, but are continuing to rectify the situation to beautify the country through education and resources.
Falling in Love With Nicaragua.
The coastline here is magnificent—a surfer’s paradise. For boaters, the winds can be outright scary thanks to the Papagayo winds. It’s crucial to watch the wind reports, then add ten knots to whatever they predict. We found it expensive to check in and out here, since you pay fees at each anchorage. One officer wanted my husband to give him $20.00. He told the officer to talk to me, which he never did. He must have known I’d say “NO!” We met Ralph and his wife, expats who live in San Juan del Sur. If you’re tired of the boat, they own a very cute, very cozy hotel. You will find them quite friendly to cruisers—they love showing you all the local fun.
Pura Vida Costa Rica!
The northern islands are astonishing with their thick green jungles and the noise from howler monkeys in the background. We made stops in Bahía Santa Elena, Playa del Coco, Samara Beach, Drake Bay, Golfito, and Pavones. Costa Rica is a country that seems to have it all put together: it’s clean and has recycle bins, the people are some of the friendliest we have come across, and there are beautiful beaches and volcanoes. We really enjoyed the macaws and parrots. When we watched them, we felt like we were one with the jungle. We stayed at a newer IGY Marina in Golfito. If you don’t mind that it is under construction, you will appreciate that it less expensive than a fully-functioning marina. It’s safe and clean, and staffed by amazing people. Mario will escort you in the golf cart to the pool and assist with all your needs. The Port Captain is right next door, and checking into the country was affordable, easy, and painless—as long as you have all your original, non-expired documents. We know several people who had problems because of they didn’t. Every time I think of Panama I can’t stop singing the Van Halen song. Our other cruiser friends sing the Panama Red song. Either way, it sure seems to get you in the mood to celebrate this great country. Similar to Costa Rica,
76 Latitudes & Attitudes pg 72-77 California to Panama - MKCR.indd 6
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4/29/20 12:17 PM