Richard and Rene said their farewells yesterday from Astarte and boarded the ponga for their boat, then car ride into Panama City, and finally their plane ride home. They fly out this morning back to Christmas in the states. It was a great visit filled with lots of snorkeling and visiting various islands. We covered a lot of area - staying only in one place more than a night! They were good sports aboard - living out of suitcases and having to empty the v-berth each night before being able to climb in. We lucked out with weather - having nice breezes and sunny skies. We traveled a lot - but didn't get all that much actual sailing in - the wind on the nose or the need to make power and water.
The last night unfortunately was a very still night, close to the mainland and that meant a buggy good-bye. The "chi-chis" (no-see-ums) were thick and biting. There seems to be no screen small enough not to let these things in. It was also very still and hot, making for less than ideal sleeping conditions. Plus, Richard didn't feel very well for his last few days on board (probably my cooking!!)
They loaded up the boat with lots of fun treats and goodies and we had a nice (surprise) Christmas celebration with them. They brought Christmas stockings filled with magazines, books, CDs, a beautiful handmade bracelet, ornaments and more snacks! Plus they delivered greetings from many of our "Dolphin" friends. Thanks to all of you for your holiday messages. And thanks again Richard and Rene for the visit.
After R&R's early morning departure, it was time to clean the forward head, shut it down and re-make it into the hanging locker/laundry room. The V-berth was stripped and re-loaded with "stuff" from the aft stateroom (turning it back into the "attic"). Though Nonomulu is buggy (and has crocodiles) we decided to stay the night to keep Honore on "Will o' the Wisp" company. They did that for Michael as well when I went to Panama City - and he went in to meet their guests and re-provision. We all took a dinghy ride over to Acuadup. This is a traditional island and we were shown where the panaderia was and picked up some bread - as well as getting shown many molas and bracelets. Barbara got a bracelet and had it tied on Kuna style by the one of the Kuna woman.
We re-organized, cleaned and relaxed through the hot afternoon. Then we had some squally weather that kicked up the seas and dropped a bit of rain. The wind would hopefully keep the chi-chis away and keep the boat cooler. Honore came over for fish tacos and then the weather settled and the bugs returned. The boat seems filled with these little biters. We called it an early night.
Thanks again Richard and Rene for making the trek to Panama and Kuna Yala. Thanks for all the goodies but, mostly for the company.
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