Our first friends to visit us on the boat in Panama were Kim and Marianne Vedros. Danielle was spending two weeks in Japan, so the timing was perfect. We sailed from Shelter Bay Marina on August 8th, stopping overnight in Linton so they could meet our friends, Roger and Bennie, and see their pet sloths. Then we sailed 8 hours on the 9th and arrived in the "swimming pool" in the Holandes Cays of Kuna Yala just in time for a quick swim before taking a finger food to the Monday night weekly Cruisers Get-Together on BBQ Island. The week went by much too fast. We snorkeled every day in a different spot, and saw sting rays, squid, lobster, baracuda, and lots of beautiful fish and coral. Below Kim shows off the nice Bar Jack he reeled in while fishing off the back of the boat.
We hated to say "good-bye" in the rain. Kim and Marianne flew from the tiny airport in Nargana back to Panama City and had just enough time to visit the Panama Canal before their afternoon flight back to the states.
The sleepy little island next to the Nargana airport was interesting to visit. We purchased grapefruit, tomatoes, potatoes, and ice cold drinks. The lifestyle is primitive, with dirt floors and roofs that have to leak, but everyone has a TV and a cell phone! The outhouses are built over the water as shown above.
Our newest pet on board is a gecko. He must have stowed away in our bag when we were on BBQ Island. All boaters boast that they have geckos to eat insects. What shall we name this little guy??? Danielle just decided to call him "Amiga." 
Six dolphins decided to race with us near Colon! 
We anchored two nights in the East Lemmons and met some new friends for dinner on the island pictured above. Lobster, rice and vegetables for $5.00 a plate. 
Quiet sunset in the remote Green Islands 
White bulbed lilies grow in abundance on many islands among the coconut trees. 
Ricky's new toy - blowing into a large conch shell 
Empty sea urchin shells and a brittle star among other shells 
Glorious sunset in the "swimming pool" 
New Kuna friend Alberto brings us fresh crab and lobster 
Ricky asks questions about catching crab and lobster 
A different kind of clawless lobster called a red slipper langouste. In colonial times lobster was considered "poverty food." During WWII lobster was considered a delicacy. Here in Panama, we can buy three small lobster for $5.00. Can't beat that! 
Spotted eagle stingray 
Pelican flying high as storm clouds roll in 
Ricky spotted a 6 armed starfish
There are many different species of starfish, most having 5 arms, but some having up to 11 arms. The one Ricky is holding up with 6 arms was injured, the arm divided, and grew 2 in the place of the first one. Starfish have no heart, no brain, and no eyes. Their mouth is on the underside and their anus is on top. They are carnivouous and are able to regerate missing limbs, arms, spines, even intestines. I picked up the group of starfish pictured above to photograph the various colors, and to show the neat geometric patterns they all have. Simply beautiful!
Just another deserted island to explore 
Sea grapes 
Come visit us in Panama!!!Sea Ya - Ricky & Robin
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