My dreams are growing near as we prepare to sail for the San Blas islands of Panama. Ever since I made the decision to sell Namaste in Tahiti I have been longing to return to the tranquil islands, and people of these magical islands.
Once Sam and Guin entered my life my dreams became more defined as I didn’t just want to share the beauty of the islands, but the magic and freedom that comes with an extended stay away from electricity, phones, and any sort of system that shapes us. The indigenous people (Kuna) have a system that really works for me. Everyone basically governs themselves, nobody “owns” the land, however every island has a chief that is a respected elder. I cant wait for Guin to be running around the islands playing with the children, dolphins & sea turtles. For me…, the San Blas are paradise, and that is not a title I easily give away.
We are planning on leaving later in the week. I believe the 200 mile trip will be slow and squallie, but we will certainty have no shortage of fresh water. When a squall comes Sam, Guin, and I strip down to the bare minimum, shower, and wash Splendid’s decks, we like the squalls, they provide us with water.
We will return to Cartagena as soon as we have some coin for boat projects. I’m planning on having Splendid hauled, stripped, and painted (hull & bottom) as soon as we can. As soon as I can afford it I’m going to have stainless chain plates made and strapped to the hull, as well as fabricating a boom gallows for a main sheet track, and designing an arch for the stern to hold a few more solar panels and wind generator. My main sheet is attached to my mizzen by a strap and I’m not happy with the system at all! At the very least I need to put 2 anchor points on either side of the aft cabin house and use two Boom-vangs as my main sheet system. I’m also searching around for another winch for the roller furling line. Eventually I’ll get Splendid rigged the way I want, but for the time being, ‘she’ll do’!
Our plan is to spend a few weeks in the San Blas before sailing for Isla Linton which is a nice protected anchorage about an hour from Portobello, and 4 hours from Panama city. I still have friends there that can watch the boat while we do a few day trip to the city to provision for a longer stay in the Islands.
I have a few charters tentatively scheduled for the San Blas over the next few months. If anyone is interested in spending a week or so let me know. We may also be shuttling backpackers between Panama ($400 each) and Colombia. They cant transverse the Darien gap and like to visit the San Blas on there way North or South. It’s a good way to make a few bucks. I used to do it the last time I was here. I used to only take two passengers, but with Splendid we can take 4 or 5. I’m sure Guin will be quite the little tour guide.
Peace everyone.
Sail far and live slowly.
Alex