After our relaxing stay in Guna Yana, we sailed 50 miles to the first stop in Panama at Linton. It was a great sail but very big seas. Our first night at anchor was difficult with little protection from the swell. The bay was large but it was hard to find a good anchor spot. After searching around the next morning we dropped anchor and worried about swinging into some rocks for the next few days. Fortunately, we never swung far enough around to hit the rocks!
Dinghy Trek into the mangrove. We had a small dinghy caravan over to Panamarina for a very nice lunch one afternoon. The marina was about a mile away and the journey through a channel in a mangrove was quite pretty.
The following day a group of us headed over to Ilsa Grande, took a short walk to the lighthouse then enjoyed yet another nice lunch.
We also spent some time watching monkeys on a nearby island. Not sure what kind they were but it was so interesting to watch them stroll along upright with their tail in the air.
After a few nights we moved on to Portobelo where the large harbor provided a comfortable anchorage for all our boats. Unfortunately one afternoon a boat dragged into Suzie Too and caused her to drag into a work boat. Suzanne and David had been ashore and unaware of what was happening but several other boaters got things under control and re-anchored Suzie Too. The boat that originally dragged had been upwind of Echo and passed right by us before hitting Suzie Too. There was some damage to the stanchions but luckily no hull damage and hopefully the boat owner will reimburse for the repairs.
The town of Portobelo was quite interesting to explore. There are Spanish forts dating back to the 16th century. Given it’s location on the Caribbean side of the isthmus of Panama, precious metals were brought overland from the Pacific side of the isthmus then carried by boat to Portobelo where they were stored in the Customs house to be carried to Spain. When the Spanish fleet arrived a huge trade fair was held and millions of gold pesos changed hands.
Given all the wealth in Portobelo it was a target for pirates such as Sir Francis Drake and Henry Morgan. The town has a gritty feel to it and struck both Jeff and me as a place where we could truly have seen pirates, guess their aura remains today.
The is church of San Felipe houses the “Cristo Negro” or Black Christ, a life size statue of Jesus. It is carved from dark wood and dates from the 17th century. The statue is highly revered and thought to be responsible for many miracles.
One of the highlights of our stay in Portobelo was Captain Jack’s restaurant. Suzanne had been corresponding with them to host a group meal for us and we joined David and Suzanne there for lunch one day to make the arrangements. We were joined by Jeff (of the restaurant) to discuss the group dinner plan. He had an amazing tuna meal put together for us to sample and although we had already eaten our lunches, we enjoyed every bite.
Menu options were planned and we all joined there a few nights later for a wonderful evening. Granted, we severely pushed the limits of this small restaurant with about 40 people all arriving within a short span. The staff worked nonstop to get the meals out to the tables as quickly as possible and I decided to help out with serving too. Although some of our folks might have been a bit disappointed with the length of time involved, most truly enjoyed the evening and loved the food! They did offer me a job if I give up sailing!
Our last afternoon in Portobelo involved a Mexican Train Dominoes taking place on Beyzano and Echo. It was a cloudy afternoon and we were serenaded by the Howler Monkeys howling nearby throughout the afternoon
~ Jeff and Mary ~
What an adventure! I loved the monkeys.
It has been so cool to see monkeys!
Really awesome journey. I like monkey island! Daring lighthouse climb, Mary. Glad your boat did not get hit. Stay safe
Thanks Bonnie!
Looks like so much fun! Really enjoy reading your posts and seeing great photos, thanks for sharing.
Thanks Julie!
Thanks Mary!
Sounds wonderful, Mary.