Time to visit some new islands in the San Blas so, we sailed off late in the day and headed toward the East Holandes Cays. The sail was only a few hours. Such an odd feeling to be out in the middle of the sea with no land in sight…it’s humbling at best and daunting, impressive, commanding, magnificent, intimidating and a bit scary. There is no question who the boss is!
The Holandes are very different compared to the Lemons. They have a lot more vegetation on them and there isn’t much of a nice beach area surrounding the islands. The main island that we visited is called “Pot Luck Island”. It’s called that because when the cruisers have a CD, DVD or what ever else, swap party they also have a pot luck dinner. Everyone that attends brings some kind of food or drink to share. It’s a way to socialize and catch up with stories and things going on in other areas. The best way to learn about an upcoming party is via the “Panama Connection” @ 8:30 AM on the VHF radio.
No one lives on Pot Luck Island and there is an abandoned hut that a Kuna family once lived in. Reggie, a cruiser from NY has been the self-appointed care taker for years. He will rake, gather coconuts for the Kuna and keep the island clean. He will also do the burning and recycling for the cruisers and Kuna. On our first day there a Kuna Official in a ulu came by to collect $5 anchorage fee. He boarded Layla, chatted for a while in Spanish and we gave him some magazines and cookies.
Anchored in the reef protected Holandes is a sailboat that actually sunk and was brought back up – they ran a ground and tore a huge hole in the hull. The new owner is trying to restore the vessel. It was clearly once a beautiful boat and there’s a lot of work to be done.
No comments:
Post a Comment