Shark!

We've enjoyed being settled in the East Holandes for the week. We're getting lots of boat projects done and also lots of snorkeling. We've been in the water everyday here which is great and we've explored lots of different reefs that surround these islands. Each area we've gone to is a bit different. Some have great coral formations; others have good walls - deep on one side more shallow on the other. There has been an abundance of fish and critters of the deep. We're always in search of something new.

We have seen more sharks here than we've seen elsewhere. Most seem to be the mild mannered nurse sharks (no Matt R - they don't wear little caps). Though many of these have even been very active and not just lying on the bottom as they are best observed! Barbara did spot a good six-foot long reef shark that was very active That sent her back to the dinghy quickly - though Michael continued his search for dinner with a spear (duh!?) There have been some very large barracudas as well as tarpon. It's always a bit unnerving to see anything very large - but it's also quite cool.

There are a lot of lionfish around - so they have definitely taken hold here in San Blas.

We have enjoyed a lobster dinner - thanks to the great hunter Hawk. It was mighty tasty and we like those zero dollar days WITH free food.

Juliano's veggie boat came by the other day and it was pretty nicely loaded. We got a mighty tasty watermelon, some oranges, a cabbage, peppers, cukes, some carrots and a green tomato (my tomato plants are not producing - and don't look like they will). All that cost $10 - which is high for Panama prices but there are no other options here. The veggie boat is a small launch loaded with fruits, veggies, eggs and sometimes beer and wine (boxes). You hope to get them to come to you early in an anchorage, so you get best selection. There really is no negotiation on prices but you are so desperate for fresh stuff - you almost don't care.

Time for some watermelon!

Happy birthday mom.

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