Jungle is on the Atlantic side! (Caribbean)

Hi Everyone,

I’m having a little difficulty with internet quality and updating the blog with pictures so here’s a written update to catch everyone up.

Jungle is currently at 9 32.8 N, 78 53.7 W in the San Blas Islands off Panama. This is as close to paradise as we visited. You can check it out on line to see how beautiful it is. The history of this place is interesting; controlled by the Kuna Indians, the largely uninhabited island chain sits just above sea level protected by a large reef system. The Kuna’s are small sweet people, average height about 5 feet. Years ago Panama decided to install a police force on the islands and soon after the police force was made to “disappear” by the Kuna. Panama decided that maybe a police force wasn’t such a hot idea and left the Kuna alone. Jenee and I both agree that this is a perfect retirement destination once our travelling the high seas is complete.

We made it through the Panama Canal in 2 days but should have been through in 1 day. The canal authority (ACP) decided to close off the Atlantic side to north bound traffic (us) just as we were approaching. Basically the two sides to the Gatun Locks were giving preference the big ships heading south to the Pacific Ocean. It was a bummer for us as we had to now wait 24 hours, pay an extra day for the 3 line handlers, plus food and lodging on Jungle. The good news is we had 3 great guys from Colon; Alphonso, Alonso and Fernando so we all made the best of it. The Panama Canal is much more scenic and lush than I had anticipated – very pretty in the fresh water, 50 mile winding rivers between the locks. The actual passage through the locks, 3 up at Mira Flores on the Pacific and 3 down at Gatun on the Atlantic, was exciting but everyone needed to be on their toes with shifting currents from water moving in and out. The ACP provides all boats with either a Pilot (big boats) or Transit Advisor (small boats) – our guy on day 1 was Roy, great guy. On day 2 it was Moises another good guy. The Transit Advisors are trained on all aspects of the canal operation and history. They are walking encyclopedias on all things Panama Canal with great anecdotes and facts along the canal. After making it through on May 5 for Jungle’s first visit to the Atlantic side, we spent the night in Colon before heading for an overnight sail to San Blas. Jenee, Kai and I agree that it was the most difficult and uncomfortable passage of the trip with winds topping at 50+ knots and waves reaching 12-14 feet – no one slept, fun times.

Today, May 13, we head out for a 7 day sail to Belize. There may be one or two island stops on the way. In Belize our good friend and navigator Kai Schwarz will be heading back to Seattle to get on with business and his sailing life. Jenee and I will continue our journey on Jungle to points east from there and we’ll get you more pictures. Until the next time, all the best,
Jungle Jim and Jenee