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Misto - Days 18-23 Porvenir, Linton Marina, Shelter Bay and Embera Peruww



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.




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