can we help
+44(0)1983 296060
+1 757-788-8872
tell me moreJoin a rally

Menu

Firefly - Up River



Another great day today. Paul was up early for a kitesurf in the shallow lagoon around Green Island. This was a memorable session due to the large number of rays seen. Mostly they were jet black manta rays, about 1 metre across (there were a few grey stingrays too) - difficult to judge but they did not appear to be that pleased to be disturbed.

We then took the opportunity to see another part of Kuna Yala of which the San Blas Islands form a part. From Green Island we sailed towards the mainland and anchored off the Island of Nargana or Yandup. We then took the dinghy across a shallow sand bar and up Ria Diablo. This river meanders into the foothills and is enclosed by palms, mangroves and sugar cane. We motored and paddled about three miles upstream and saw herons, kingfishers and other birds we haven't identified yet- sadly no parrots!It was a very peaceful experience especially when we turned the motor off. Later we called into Nargana to buy fresh bread. Unlike the other village we visited the community have embraced modern life more- they have power, TV and the internet sadly they have given up many of the Kuna traditional values- with little evidence of traditional dress. There were less friendly smiles and pride in their surroundings. We came away thinking they were worse off.

At about 1530 we set sail heading back to the West and had a glorious beam reach in about 15 knots of breeze and flat water to the East Lemon Cays. Tomorrow we sadly leave the San Blas islands and start our 2 day long hops to Colon. Our planned overnight anchorage is at Linton Island some 45 miles away , with a further 25 mile leg to get us to Shelter Bay Marina for our Panama Canal transit preparations.

Paul,Susie, Peter and Grateful (disappointed)

Previous | Next