A night of moderate pitching, meaning
the ship was rising and falling front to back. It makes for nice
sleeping. This morning was hazy and humid, temp about 80. We sat on
our deck and watched sea birds feeding alongside the ship, darting
among the waves and plunging into the water for their breakfast. The
swells were 15'. Just before noon we entered the San Blas Islands.
Once inside the reefs and islands broke the swells. The islands are
small and low, covered with palms. Sailboats anchored inside the
reefs. The ship anchored at 1230 and we caught a tender to Carti
island.
Narrow walkways wandered among the
bamboo walls where the local women and children were out in force
with their “Mola” (Kuna Indian fabric art), jewelery and
needlework. Most were dressed in their traditional bright garb with
headdresses and leg bands, a few were seen with pipe in mouth and
most featured a black beauty stripe down their forehead and nose.
Children hawked their drawings and paintings for $1. Photos with a
local were $1. On the waterfront children splashed in the sea and
dove for money tossed for them. Most of the locals we talked to
seemed reserved which one may understand seeing their primitive and
remote lifestyle and the fact that not many ships stop there. I wish
I had taken advantage of their WI-fi because the ship's satellite internet and phone system is down.
After an hour of wandering we
returned. The ship will remain at anchor until 9pm then will proceed
to the canal. This will allow dining and movement in the peaceful
waters inside the island chain for some swells are expected during
the run down to the ditch.
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