Checking In

Well, we've delayed it long enough, it's time to check into the San Blas. You try to delay because Immigration only gives you 90 days, and then you have to leave the country for 72 hours. You can leave the boat, but the people are only allowed 90 days at a time, which gives us till May 18th before we have to decide what we're doing.

Left Salardup and went to the West Lemmons. One sailboat was good enough to hit the waypoint in the channel and drop his anchor. Made getting in a little tricky, especially over the 8 foot shoal. Depths varied greatly from that 8 foot shoal to 75 feet and then, yes, that 6 and a half feet that I found! Took us a couple of times, but we anchored in another beautiful little spot. Looked like a few 'hotel' things around - eco-wise. Thatched huts on a beautiful beach. Thanks, I'll rough it in the boat! Dick and Moira on Equinox picked us up in their dinghy and we went over to Sea Cycle for a wonderful chicken curry and a really fun night.

Up Thursday morning to anchor at Wichubhuala (yes, you try and say that!) and take the dinghy over to Porvenir to check in. It was Carnival week and we thought we'd just be able to check in with the Port Captain and the Kuna Chief, but the Police were there covering for Immigration. It cost us an extra $30 for a holiday fee, but it was worth it for the easy check-in. Saw one small plane land on the miniscule runway and, needless to say, you won't find me flying out of Porvenir. Sea Cycle headed over to Gun Boat Cay while we stayed at Wichubhuala with Equinox. It was an interesting night when the wind picked up and we had between 30-40 knot gusts. Love when that anchor alarm goes off. Luckily it was just the chain stretching out.

Equinox is heading up to Shelter Bay Marina in a few days to fly home to the States for a few weeks, so we decided to head to the East Lemmons with them, do some snorkelling and have them over for dinner before they left. Now we're on our way to Green Island to find the fresh water hole to do a little bit of laundry and more boat chores. I feel like I have a full-time job just doing the stainless!

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