In Costa Rica for a short bit

I am in Bahia Samara in Costa Rica.

Here are a few more photos of the Panama Canal transit taken by the boat we rafted up to.

Panama Canal transit pics (taken by Tania and Jeff)

The Galapagos may be a tourist trap...

It happens often that when you dream of a destination without actually researching it, it is usually more attractive in your mind than it really is. Now that I have a shot at sailing to the Galapagos and have started talking to other yachties about it, it turns out that some have told me to skip it! Reports of petty theft in the anchorages, gross levels of tourism, expensive rip off fees, and more and more development and settling of the islands... I am sure the natural beauty is still there in plenty but it is no longer an untouched pristine place... The word is to go to Cocos island instead. I had never heard about this island until a few days ago but it seems pretty interesting. Described as the "most beautiful island in the world" by Jacques Cousteau, it is more remote with no airport and no facilities for overnight stays... Maybe I will sail to both and provide a full report.

In other news, I calculated that I have to sail 4.7 percent more of the earth's lines of longitude before having circumnavigated.



Bridge of the Americas

Back in the Pacific!

Transiting the Gatun locks was an experience. The wind was gusting 20 knots on approach and the sun had just gone down. Being on the boat was short heated moments of yelling and throwing of lines followed by longer periods of just standing by, being ready and alert but always having the opportunity to look around and marvel. The canal, despite its importance in the world, isn't exactly modern technology. It feels old with a look that is very industrial and that definitely comes from a different time.

I enjoyed my transit and don't feel so bad for cheating. The Cape will be there for next time.

A big thanks to CouchSurfing and to those that volunteer line handled, Nate, Peter, Tania and Jeff. You guys were great!

Delayed by two hours

I should be anchoring in the flats waiting for my advisor but got notified to be there two hours later...

If there isn't a post here in the next five or six hours, then I am underway and you can see me go through here.

My new neighbor!

Tires!

Got nine tires from a Northbound yacht that came through this morning...

I have never been able to reconcile myself with the contrasts created by how wealth is distributed in the world. Shelter Bay Marina triggers science fiction type movie scenes in my mind where one is taken deep into the bowels of the earth to witness sub human creatures who have never seen the sun slave away mining some precious mineral. "What is the end result of all this labor?" "Where does all the money go?" Well, one of the possible answers could be D dock here at the marina. They stuck me out at the end so every time I go take a shower or use the toilet, I do a mental calculation of what the total value of all the boats are that I pass. It is a lot of millions...