 Pat and Carrie 'provisioning' |
Latest News (Updated 03/10/2007): After seeing most of Costa Rica's coastal areas it was time for us to sail on to Panama. Prior to leaving Golfito, we provisioned the boat and said goodbye to our friends at Land Sea Marina. Western Panama was a delight. The water was clear and warm and the snorkeling and fishing were great. The area was extremely remote and mostly pristine. After enjoying western Panama we rounded the dreaded 'Punta Mala' and landed safely in the Pearl Islands smack dab in the middle of the Gulf of Panama. We spent a few weeks poking around the islands and relaxing before heading off to Panama City to meet up with Carrie's parents and brother. Background Photo: Palm trees on Isla Medidor (a.k.a. the Island of Dr. Moreau) |
It
took a little longer than a 'three hour tour' to get to our first stop
in Panama, Isla Gamez. It was an overnight passage in extremely
calm conditions. After a few days at Isla Gamez we sailed a short
distance to Isla Cavada in the Secas.Left: Isla Gamez was a beautiful little island. It was not much bigger than the picture and uninhabited. Gary and Celeste of Sol Surfin' and Carrie nearly swam all the way around the island.
Below Left: Carrie on Isla Cavada in the Secas ready to do some exploring!
Below Right: The tidepools on Isla Cavada were fun to explore. We saw small fish that would leave the tidepool and cross a large stretch of rocks and sand to get back into the ocean. They were very quick and wouldn't believe us when we said we weren't going to eat them.
The
Secas Islands, including Isla Cavada, are privately owned by Americans.
They have constructed 7 yurts (tent-like buildings) and rent them
for $1,000/night to very rich people who want to get away from it all.
We were allowed to walk on the beaches but were asked to
leave if we saw any guests.Left: One of the secluded yurts on Isla Cavada.
Below Left: We took a hike on one of the other islands in the Secas chain and ran into this fellow. Here leee-zard, leee-zard!
Below Right: Some of the barnacles grew to about the size of a McDonald's hamburger patty.
We
had great luck fishing in Panama. In fact, over the 5 week period
between shopping opportunities, we did not run out of fresh / frozen
meats because we ate so much fish.Left: Big Eye tuna caught off Isla Medidor. We caught 2 of these big guys. They are very tasty!
Below Left: Our biggest catch to date was a Jack Cravalle. Pat had a heck of a time reeling in the strong, large fish. Unfortunately Jack Cravalles are noted for tasting terrible so we didn't eat him.
Below Right: A sierra caught in the Perlas Islands. Very yummy, but watch out for the sharp teeth!
