We ended our time in the San Blas Islands by checking out in
Provenir. The run down the coast to
Linton Marina, following Rainbow, Shamal, Cesarina and Sumore, was accomplished
under engine as there was insufficient wind for any form of sailing. Linton
Marina is a pleasant place to stay a few nights with their floating bar
attracting many patrons.
On January 27 we made our way to Shelter Bay Marina. The sailing Gods shined on us and we were
able to hoist the parasailer and had a wonderful sail all the way to the
breakwater entrance. After dousing the parasailer
and requesting permission from Cristobal Port Control we entered the breakwater
and pointed our bows towards Shelter Bay Marina. Here we hauled and power-washed in
anticipation of entry into the Galapagos, where regulations about hull growth
are very stringent. We also made to the
long bus trip into Colon for provisions – once the towering new bridge is built
this journey will be much faster, as taking a ferry or passing over the closed
Panama Canal lock gates will no longer be necessary. We enjoyed a trip to the new Panama Canal visitors’
center and watched a huge ship pass through the locks. The new locks have sliding gates, rather than
traditional swing lock gates, and the ships require tugs to go through rather
than the electric train “mules” that are used in the old locks. We later learned that a passage through the
new locks is approximately $1M for a large ship.
The highlight of our stay here was a trip up the Chagres
River to the Embera Puru Indian village.
The visit involved a 2 hour bus trip and a 30 minute ride up the river
in a motorized dug-out canoe. Howard got
very wet on the outward trip as he was seated at the front of the canoe! We enjoyed learning about the culture and way
of life of these indigenous people and the fact that as they live in a national
park they have had to change their way of life and now tourism is their main
source of income. There were wonderful
handicrafts on sale and we purchased a beautifully woven ceremonial jaguar mask,
a woven dish and a silver bracelet.
Howard and I both had body painting done on our arms. A walk with one of their traditional
herbalists and a display of dancing rounded off the visit. This was a great opportunity to gain a small
insight into the way of life of the indigenous people of this region.