Hoping to get there

Updates on the preparations: 4 of our 10 batteries are not good anymore, we had them tested by professionals with their big load tester. We need to find some replacement ones, but when you don’t speak Spanish and when you have very specific batteries this is a hard game to play. The new AIS is working. So now, other boats can see us and our details (eg direction, speed). The list of things to do doesn’t get any shorter: there is a service for the two motors to do, some hull cleaning, some batteries finding, a new sea water pump to buy and fit, some more oil to buy for the out board. The issue which frustrates us the most is the new dinghy. The retailer (Marinewarehouse) doesn’t want to be responsible for the problem and we are stuck with it not knowing if the guarantee will work if we ask someone else to fix it. This will take few more phone calls (in the States and Columbia) to try to find a solution.

We arrived yesterday in Taboga, a small island opposite Panama City (only 7 miles away). Very remote, much cleaner waters and less less boats around us. Nice break from the town and the crowded anchorage of La Playita. Also Dylan (ex South African and now sail maker) leaves on the island and came to fix our main sail which was chafing against the side stays. As it was his mother’s birthday today, we all went to lunch in a small local restaurant. We all had a really good time, chatting about SA and cruising. We then moved on the other side of the island, which is completely remote and quiet: exactly the conditions we need to relax, even if it is only for one night from the busy time in Panama

City.

On the day to day news side: Clea fell in the water at the dinghy dock on Friday while climbing onto the dock. Anne-Dominique jumped in the water to rescue her, with her backpack on her back (and her wallet and cell phone inside). Emmanuelle went for a simple dental check up and came nearly 5 hours latter with great teeth but a much lighter wallet. We socialized this week end: had Pickles on board, went to Archibald and then Nika for drinks. We might end up as happy alcoholics.