Newsletter – May 20, 2005, San Blas, Panama

San Blas Islands

Hi Everyone,

It’s been a while since I sent out a news letter and I wanted to let everyone know what’s going on.

I’m in the San Blas Islands off of the Caribbean coast (east coast) of Panama. There are 365 Islands in the chain that are Inhabited by the Kuna Indians. The 365 Islands (one for every day of the year) are governed by the Kuna Yala Nation and receive minimal interference from the Panamanian Government. The Island chain is protected by a coral reef. As a result, the water here is clear, and home to a diverse marine environment. There are also 9 coastal Kuna settlements, and three villages on navigable rivers. I’m posting more pictures, so if your interested check out my online photo album.

I’ve been talking to some people about spending a year here and really exploring and documenting these islands, coastal jungle, and Kuna people. This is one of the very last pristine and untouched cruising grounds, and although I don’t want to publicize the area and bring in a bunch of cruisers, I want to document it before it’s gone forever. A cruise ship has found it way to these waters which is a sure way of polluting the indigenous people and environment. Outboards are starting to show up on some of the cayuco’s (dug-out canoes) and the Kuna are becoming more and more dependant on the American dollar.

I’ve been here for a few months now and I’ve been dealing with the Kuna more and more. I buy bread & fish from them, and have spent a number of evenings playing with the children on the beach, and burning garbage that has washed up on the shores.

I’m updating the on-line log all the time, so if you want to know what’s going on, just log in and check it out. There is also a new “forums section” on the ProjectBlueSphere.com site which allows you guys to post ideas, and communicate with others. You can also send me an instant message onboard Namaste through the website.

I’m toying with the idea of doing some chartering, if your interested let me know, not many people get to see this area, and I really like to share it with anyone who is interested. I can accommodate 1 person, or a couple. If you need luxury, or want to travel with a large family check out my friend’s website (www.outislandcruising.com), and charter the “Gabriel” (65′ Trawler). John is an excellent host & fisherman; you’d really have a good time. There are only a few boats that charter here, and the Kuna are talking about abolishing chartering in these waters all together, so now might be your only chance to experience this beautiful Island archipelago.

The first Project BlueSphere DVD (California to Columbia) is completed and shipping, you can easily & securely order your copy online ($29.95), and you’ll get it in about a week. I’ve been getting a lot of good response to it so all I can say is people are really enjoying it.
Click To Order!