FROM MEXICO TO COSTA RICA
April 5, 1999
We sailed from Acapulco heading for Puerto Madero. We arrived there at night , lined up the lights and set the compass heading, and were expecting a straightforward sail into port. However, no one told us , nor was it in any literature , that there was a sand bar in the way! We sat rocking for 3 hours in 3.8 feet of water. The navy came and tried to get us out with their pangas. That was a joke-a panga trying to move a 25 ton boat with its keel dug in the sand! I ran around locking all the windows and praying for a high tide. We had a cervasa trying not to panic, but that didn't help either. We finally got off the sand bar by moving the boat forward and at the same time pulling in on the anchor chain every time a wave rolled through.
We realized again what a small world this is when Dave met a guy he knew 27 years ago when he was a seafood diver here.We had a great visit with him catching up on the lost years.
After some relaxation and snorkling, it was time to face the dreaded Gulf of Tehuantepec. Wow, it went great-3 days and nights of smooth sailing, couldn't ask for better weather. Love these weather faxes -they are the greatest. And so we said goodbye to Mexico after 5 months there.
We sailed right past Guatemala and went into the Gulf of Fonseca to Amapala, Honduras. We went into town and hired a guide. He took us for a great hike up a volcano! We had a great anchorage and we enjoyed our stay here. Next stop Nicaragua.
Now this was quite an experience! We sailed into San Juan del Sur in the southern part of Nicaragua. We were immediately boarded, and the boat searched. I followed right behind them to make sure everything was on the up and up. We went to shore to check in and found the clerk had made a mistake with our paperwork. The port captain decided to capitalize on the mistake and tried to extort a bribe. When we realized it was only $10. US , we decided to pay it and get out of here! We were escorted out to the Sorrento, hauled anchor , went past the point and turned left for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica was only 60 miles away and should have taken us about 12 hours, but because of our forced departure time, we had to heave to for 7 hours at night, so we could arrive in the morning light.
We anchored in Playa Del Coco, checked in and this time everything went well. I like Costa Rica already! We have a nice anchorage in the Flamingo Marina. We have been swimming and took an inland trip to the rain forest. Here we did a canopy tour, using cablers and pulleys to go from treetop to treetop. We saw a Tucan in flight and many howler monkeys. It was a wonderful tour!
Tomorrow we head for the Gulfo Dulce. We miss you all.
First mate Fran & Capt.Dave
April 17 ---We are in Quepos, in Costa Rica. The climate is definitely changing. We have much more humidity , more clouds and the rainy season is coming! There is much more forest here with lots of jungle life. We have seen capuchin monkeys , like the organ grinders use, and lots of igauna. We will have so many pictures to show you when we get in Reno. Speaking of Reno, we should arrive on May 10 or 11.
See you then!
Fran & Dave.
April 28 - Gulfo Dulce
We experienced our first thunderstorm at sea complete with thunder, lightning , wind and drenching rain. It was fun!
We are now on the Osa Peninsula in a place called Puerto Jiminez. What a pretty place. We have taken rain forest treks, kayaked up estuaries and rivers, got rained upon again and loved it! We have seen lots of monkeys, Jesus Christ lizards which actually do walk on water, and some dolphin followed the boat for quite some time just before sundown. By the way, the sunsets are spectacular here, especially before a storm.
These are wonderful places but we really miss our family and friends. We are looking forward to seeing all of you soon. Our next stop after returning from the States will be Panama!
Francesca & Dave
Note: to all the friends of Fran & Dave, there will be an open house for them on May 15th, 3pm at the Mitchells in Sparks. Come and hear first hand about their adventures. Contact Mary Ann at mamitche@scs.unr.edu for more info.
August 6 , 1999