A Place to Rest

Block Island is my favorite place...I've been going there for many years and it holds a lot of special memories.

Most of the photo's were taken in November 2007, some earlier in July - I went with my children for the last time in 2007. The island was having it's final big event, the Christmas Walk...all the stores were open for the weekend and would close until the next summer season 2008.

It was chilly and the sky was a clear blue and the air was crisp. The weekend was sad for us, we brought Jerry's ashes there - but, it was nice to have a weekend with my "babies" and we did have some laughes and a lot of tears. All in all it was a good weekend for us one that we all needed.


Block Island, Rhode Island

© 2008 Pamela Viscomi Yates

The East Holandes Cays

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.

San Blas Island - Banedup

The Lopez family, they are Kuna, live on Banedup and they are a good source of supplies for visitors. Lydia sells her Molas and her son, MacGyver (yes he was named after the TV show) makes Kuna bread and sells it to the cruisers. MacGyver is 16 years old and wants to learn English. He does speak a few words and phrases that he has been taught by visiting Americans. When I met him he said, "Good evening..." and shook my hand. I think that may be about the extent of his English. Very handsome young man and on my next visit I'll bring him some books to help with his interest in learning another language.

They have several huts and a dock on the island, along with a monkey, chickens and a dog. They also have several ulu's and one with an outboard engine. Everyone is very friendly - the cruisers help the Kuna as much as they can, bringing them rice, flour, sugar - and if they need any "luxury" items. One cruiser gave a family a poodle puppy - Osita. They have cell phones, radios and a few have TV's. The Kuna are also very helpful and generous.