S/V Aphrodite

We are in a small group of islands called the Secas, off the coast of Panama near the city of David. Yesterday, while poking around, we discovered a true Fantasy Island. It turns out the this group of islands is privately owned by a young dot.com-er who has created the camp he apparently never had while growing up and is making it available for others who share his fantasy and wealth. If you want to see it go to www.islassecas.com. It is a very high-end eco-resort, which accommodates a total of 12 people at any given time. Visitors are flown in from the mainland; stay in secluded areas of the island in top of the line tents (Yutes, made in the Pacific Northwest)!!! It is for all of those people who want to rough it on a secluded island and yet have all of the creature comforts imaginable. You too could come, for only $650-$1000/night per person. Check it out on their website.

The water in Panama is looking more and more “Caribbean,” with the hint of turquoise blue water and beautiful beaches with fine white sand. We did some snorkeling today and even harvested some scallops, which we had for dinner. We are here with our favorite cruising family, ACE and spending memorable time with their kids, Emily and Martin. Being with these guys makes me really miss being a mommy. I am really looking forward to being a grandmommie. And, you should see Michael, he is so tender and loving with these kids, a big pushover really and loving all of the Emily hugs and snuggling. We put their pictures on the BLOG so you can see their beautiful shinning faces!

Just in case you have gotten the impression that this life is idyllic, lacking any struggles or discomforts, I thought I would share just a few of my most recent frustrations. With the rain comes blooming mold, everywhere I look I have mold growing, no matter how often I clean with the recommended vinegar solution, I have developed hives which are driving me absolutely crazy. One scratch anywhere, and my whole body breaks out. I don’t have any idea what’s causing them, but heat, water and contact seem to be part of the problem, try removing those irritants from my life! I look like I have a chronic case of the measles. All of my body parts hurt from lifting, squatting, reaching and pulling. Michael is constantly challenged with mechanical/electrical malfunctions, which require ongoing problem solving with most of the solutions being discovered after lots of sweating and cursing. It really amazes me how he can have endless patience for some problems and zero patience for others. And, lastly, I think the lack of diversion is starting to bug me too. I clean the same dishes 3 or more times a day, everyday, with the knowledge that I will do the same tomorrow. That of course is just a simple example, but the reality is that I do the same mundane thing everyday, knowing that I will do the same mundane thing again tomorrow. In some ways, my life is beginning to resemble the lives of the indigenous people of the region with everyday filled with the simple tasks of living, Oh dear, I guess that I need to begin singing “the sun will come out tomorrow” and bring about a change of attitude.

I think that we will be moving on today, to the next set of islands, slowly making our towards the canal.

More later,

Jeri and Michael