FACES OF EL SALVADOR

COWS, MACAWS, MONKEYS, PENGUINS.....???

PUPUSAS - THE LOCAL FOOD

  Playing in the waves & then heading out for pupusas at the local comedor, with Matt & Joelle.

BEACH SUNSET

Thanks Matt & Joelle for coming to visit us - it's always so much fun!!

DAY TRIP TO TASAJERA ISLAND, EL SALVADOR

Visited a local island near Bahia del Sol. Stopped for lunch at one of the several restaurants on stilts. Had the local fish & camerones (shrimp), which were excellent. Some brave souls even ventured into the water - go Pete!!

"THE PEOPLES" BEACH

Semana Santa week is a busy week in Central America & El Salvador is no exception. The beaches were full as were the restaurants. Love the military presence!

BAHIA DEL SOL BAR CROSSING

                            Ernesto guiding us over the sand bar in El Salvador

                     A happy crew after a successful crossing - rum punches all around!!

THE CREW ON APPLESEEDS

SAFELY AT BAHIA DEL SOL MARINA

SAILING TO BAHIA DEL SOL, EL SALVADOR

Had a beautiful spinnaker sail from Barillas to Bahia del Sol, about 30 miles.

TOUR OF THE SPIDER MONKEYS

Went on a tour of the plantation in search of spider monkeys with Mariseo. He had no problem finding Pancho & Maria who were more than happy to scarf down our bananas.

MANGROVE TOURING

Went for a tour of the mangroves looking for crocks. Didn't see any that day, but one went by the boat the next morning. Ended the strenuous day with rum smoothies in the hand cranked blender.

PUERTO BARILLAS, EL SALVADOR

Matthew & Joelle arrived to spend 6 days with us in El Salvador. We were anchored in the mangroves here outside of Barillas Marina which is located on a plantation (bananas, plantain, cacao). It's a beautiful setting & the El Salvadorians are extremely nice. It's Semana Santa Week so it's busier than usual with the  locals from San Salvadore.

CROSSING THE BAR IN EL SALVADORE

Exciting times trying to get into Puerto Barillas in El Salvadore. We had to have an escort boat come out to guide us in past the breakers & over the bar. The top right photo is our guide boat pretty well buried in the waves. The speedo indicated just under 12 knots (our usual cruising speed is 6), so we were truly surfing in. The quiet anchorage 10 miles up the estuary makes it all worthwhile!!

ASERRADORES, NICARAGUA

A little Nicaraguan village.  The children just loved getting their photos taken & then looking at them after; wash day at the local well; a "fancy" eatery where we had a couple of delicious meals for $5.00 & $1.00 cervezas!

THE SAIL TO NICARAGUA

We successfully crossed the Papagayo wind area with seeing up to 45 knots on this overnight crossing- note the little hankerchief of a sail & the boat was still doing over 6 knots. Tied up at Puesta del Sol Marina for 3 days.

THE ARID NORTHERN COAST OF COSTA RICA

Everyone pictures Costa Rica as green, rain forest jungle, but once you pass Quepos, it all changes to brown, brown brown. Very very dry & hot, hot, hot.

ROAD TRIP TO TAMARINDO, COSTA RICA

Decided to rent a car for the day to go to the surfside resort of Tamarindo where Brett gave Meghan some lessons on how to surf. Ended the day with a great dinner at the Papagayo Marina & up at 3:30 a.m. to send them on their way. Had a great time with you guys!!

GOT 2 DIVES IN WHILE AT PLAYA DEL COCO

     There is actually a fish in the top left hand corner known as a scorpion fish

CHILLIN' ON THE BOAT IN COCOS WITH MEG & BRETT

Meghan & Brett's Visit to Costa Rica

 A dinghy trip up the river near Hermosa Bay on the Nicoya Peninsula.

An eagle ray swimming on the surface; a turtle; booby & a frigate fishing.