Tusitala

I am on the early Marina bus into town and ask Senor Ranger to put me off at the Panama City bus stop. He helpfully point out 2 other passengers performing a similar trip. We get off at the first stop some way outside of Colon. We wait an anxious hour for the “Express” bus.…

We wake up at the usual time and after a quick coffee head off for the short run to the beach. On my return I hose myself down to cool off and we test raising the mainsail again a couple of times whilst the wind is quiet. The operation is much slicker now and actually…

Encouraged by Al I nearly jumped ship to take a small touristic break this morning. With a few days to wait for the recalibrated diesel injectors I investigated options for a mini adventure. After dismissing various flight options and any places that are already on our future itinerary, I came up with the idea of…

Friday 18/03 I went for a run first thing in the morning which with hindsight of the effort required ahead wasn’t a very good idea. Already hot from the run we make the most of the calm morning to hoist the mainsail so we can inspect and clean it. It’s very hot, hard work and…

Al is able to enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning as he has been relieved of broadcasting duties. The RIB has stayed inflated overnight which has been a good test. Al arranges some help from the marina’s line handlers to assists turning the boat around on the dock. They eventually show up and the task…

Al starts his 7.30am broadcast this morning as I set off to hike the 10km to Fort San Lorenzo: – https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chagres_and_Fort_San_Lorenzo It’s a long hike along the road through dense forest / jungle. Along the way the sounds of the forest is amazing. I see toucan, parrots, capuchin monkeys and agoutis but they are too…

Monday We are up early for breakfast and Al delivers his cruiser net VHF broadcast at 7.30am. I stay out of the way and when it is over head of for the 8.00am bus into town armed with a full list of required goods. Shopping is uneventful and I return on the 11.00am bus. Al…

Saturday The Yanks beside us were partying well into the small hours last night. Their raucous chatter increased in volume as the night wore on. We awake early. Al has been dreaming winches all night and is determined to have a third attempt fixing the last one that is stuck fast. Al heads off to…

We have been disturbed during the night by a number of showers. Rain means we need to close our hatches making conditions onboard unbearably hot. It’s 6.37am and I have slept in. I can hear new neighbours have arrived on the dock beside us and are being unbearably loud and enthusiastic buoyed by there journey’s…

Beach Run We are up at 6.30am as usual. Al heads for the showers and I have my 2nd morning jog of the trip (and the year). I head for the beach which is 2km away. I run like a 55 year old grandad and that’s OK because its true. I speed up temporarily as…