The last 2 days have flown by. We said farewell to Charlie and welcome to Miriam and Gavin. The air travel arrangements to/from Panama city were a bit of a mystery but worked in the end even though the 0630 flight left at 0800!
The new crew brought good weather with them. The overcast has cleared and we now enjoy paradise under blue skies. We spent Tuesday night in the tiny atolls of Cocos Banderos. Had a great anchorage all to ourselves and enjoyed an afternoon on one of them swimming and exploring.
Next day we took instruction from Jerry on hoisting and dousing the Parasail while Gavin and Miriam took turns driving the boat at 10 kts in 15 kts breeze. We reached the island of Chichime in time for lunch and joined the crews of some 26 boats on shore for some socializing. The World ARC folks had arranged for a Kuna group of musicians/dancers to perform on the beach while other Kuna sold handicrafts and drinks to the appreciative crews. It was great to meet up with the crews from other boats who previously had just been names on radio calls. Also fun for Miriam and Gavin to meet and get to know people we'll be with while going through the canal.
On our way back to Sapphire in the tender, we stopped off at a boat that had reported trouble with their Parasail. Jerry helped sort it out and we were rewarded by the grateful crew with Pastis and pâté.
After what seems like a whirlwind couple of days we were glad to have an early night and then see what tomorrow will bring.