Peter and Kathy were fantastic guests to have for a week. We had very strange weather the first few days resulting in rain and 47 knots of wind. The local weather men are still scratching their heads. Peter and Kathy were happy to have the weather as they are considering buying a boat in the near future and feel they got a better idea of what the cruising life is like. 
I must say it was a bit strange how well the four of us got along. it’s uncanny how Peter and I have the same views on politics, religion, health, and the world around us. We had a lot of laughs. Carla and Kathy got along famously as well. They were a real pleasure to have aboard Splendid for a week and I believe we made some long-term friends.
Carla has about 4 days of work (sewing), then we have another guest coming on the 28th for a week. After that it’s our plan to sail back to Linton so I can finally finish the water-maker (I only need 2 small $5 parts) and work on Splendid’s new refrigeration system. I’m also going to focus some energy on “The Minimalist 
Sailor” (book & film) and replace Splendid’s steering cable.
If anyone has been dreaming to visit us in the San Blas islands speak now or forever hold your tongue. I’m thinking we may transit the Canal for the Pacific in the next 6 months. I promised to take Carla to Costa Rica for surfing and it’s starting to feel like time to move on.
Although Kuna Yala (San Blas) is the most magical and beautiful place I’ve ever been or dreamed of, my heart is breaking watching the western world pollute these simple, innocent, and kind people. Traditional, hand-made clothing is being replaced by cheap Chinese, sweat-shop synthetic materials. Sails are being 
replaced by outboard engines, and the Kuna will sell us fresh fish & lobster so they can afford to buy spam, sugar, and processed foods to be more like us. The first thing the children ask for now is “caremelo” (candy), and their teeth rot quickly. When we were in the Chichime anchorage last week I noticed that my outboard engine had been tampered with. After closer inspection I noticed that someone had replaced one of my new spark plugs with an old rusty one, I’m thankful the engine wasn’t taken. Needless to say the incident made me angry, but after a little time I saw it for what it was. Poor people needing a spark plug. The Kuna were never poor before technology and western influence. They were (and most still are) a 
proud indigenous culture. It’s just too much for me to witness sometimes as I know what will happen to the last strong-hold of true peace and freedom. This is a direct result of western man paving a road through the jungle in order to exploit the Kuna people and their natural resources. It’s still in an infantile stage but I know nothing good will come of it. This has been the sad story of western influence and indigenous cultures (American Indians) for a long time and maybe finally winning the war and dousing real freedom and peace for good is a good thing, out of sight out of mind right?
When we go through the Canal I’ll be looking for a few people to come and help. I’ll need four line handlers (Carla is one), and to hire a canal pilot for the 
crossing. Transiting the canal is an ordeal but a once in a lifetime (twice in my case) experience. I’ll be looking for 3 people and probably charge $500-$700 for the week per person. I can hire local guys for $40 a day but it’s just not as much fun and I know a few of you guys have voiced an interest in the past. We will transit the canal and probably spend a few days in the Rio Chagras river which is a really nice jungle experience and only 20 or so miles from the canal. If you’re interested let me know and I’ll start making a list.
I took this photo of a Kuna dug-out canoe sailing and have been trying to figure out why the image makes me sad. I’ve come to the conclusion it’s because it’s black & white, and they are sailing away. The significance being that they are in the past sailing into an unforeseen future, and one of prominent western influence.
Even though I’ll be leaving Kuna Yala my heart will always live here with these people. I don’t suspect I’ll ever find a place that feels more like home and even writing these words brings a tear to my eyes.
Splendid is my home and the world my backyard. I had the same sad feeling last time (2006) leaving Kuna Yala however this time I 
leave with a partner which fills my heart with excitement.
Getting Splendid to a place I feel comfortable to do extended voyaging is becoming a reality. I still have a few hurdles like a major haul out, canal transit, and a light-air sail plan to afford but we are making headway quickly and the idea of extended voyaging keeps me up at night with a smile on my face.
Peace, Love, and the Kuna people
– alex