French Polynesia in the South Pacific
So here we are having just arrived in French Polynesia yesterday morning. It’s great to be on terra firma for a little while after our mammoth sail.
The 3,000 mile, 18-night passage across the Pacific!
We sailed out of San Isabela for our long haul to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia. A journey of 2986 miles. Averaging around 200 miles a day.
Isla Isabela
We arrived in Puerto Villamil just in time for a sunset drink and to plan our following day. Isla Isabela is the most western island of the 3 Galápagos Islands and is home to 5 active volanoes,
Isla Santa Cruz
We arrived in Academy Bay, Puerto Ayora around 4pm and were keen to get into town to see what we could do in the short time we are here
San Cristóbal Galápagos - Capital del Paraíso (and it is!)
We anchored in Bahia Naufragio and action finally happened at 12.30pm. Our Agent, 7 Inspectors from all the different government departments and 2 nurses sailed over to us
Gearing up for Galapagos
The protected areas of the Galapagos Islands have such a fragile ecosystem that there are mandatory requirements for yachts and visitors to protect it.
Next stop Bahia de Caráquez , Ecuador
We arrived at the river mouth of the Rio Chone in the Bahia de Caráquez late afternoon but we were at the bottom of the tide so had to wait for high water to get in and disembark.
Enroute to the Equator and Ecuador
We waved goodbye to Jo and Ian as they sailed past us on the ferry and after a few quick emails and facetimes, pulled up the anchor and left around 4pm for our 3 day sail to Ecuador.
Panama’s Islas Perlas
We’re finally ready to leave Panama City – Geoff and I have had 4 weeks here and have loved the diversity of it all but we’re ready to move on now.
Provisioning (and Purple) in Panama
As a lot of you know, cooking is never at the top of my to do list and going to the supermarket is even worse (this is what we have Woop for!)
The Salanjo Hairdressing Salon
This is probably a blog that only the ladies will be interested in, and will totally understand where I’m coming from!
From the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, via the Panama Canal
Our once in a lifetime experience started today!
A Short History of the Panama Canal
With help from Eric Bauhaus, author of the Panama Cruising Guide and sailor of over 50 transits through the Canal!)
Sunny skies, snorkeling, stingrays, sharks and sunsets in the scintillating San Blas Islands
Yes, we’re back in the San Blas islands for another few days – this time with beautiful sunshine and so far, (fingers crossed) no lightning.
A short stop at Linton Bay Marina
Well, we had a busy day today, we arrived in Linton Bay Marina at 1pm where it was all go!
A Week in the San Blas Islands
We said goodbye to Shelter Bay Marina after breakfast and headed off on a new adventure to the San Blas Islands.
Panama City – a city of contrasts!
We’ve had to get various repairs done on the boat whilst it’s been in Shelter Bay Marina, and currently on the hard, so we thought we would take the opportunity of coming back into Panama City and this time experiencing its more modern side.
When in Panama…
I treated myself to an original Panama hat complete with box and a demonstration on how to fold it.
Casco Antiguo, also known as Casco Viejo, or the “old quarter” of Panama City
We arrived at Shelter Bay Marina in Colon at 1pm last Thursday, but we couldn’t complete Customs and Immigration there as the office had closed at 12 noon – Maundy Thursday is a big holiday here.