MUST SEE: CIUDAD PERDIDA (LOST CITY) COLUMBIA 🇨🇴
MUST SEE: CIUDAD PERDIDA
(LOST CITY) COLUMBIA 🇨🇴
Ciudad Perdida consists of a series of 169 terraces carved into the mountainside, a net of tiled roads and several small circular plazas.
Hidden deep in the jungle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in northern Colombia sits an archeological site called Ciudad Perdida, the “Lost City”. Built by the Tairona people in 800AD predating Machu Pichu by over 600 years. The Ciudad Perdida archaeological site only became an attraction after it was uncovered in the 1970s.
Los Sepúlveda was a small family of looters in Colombia; their story leads to the beginning of one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in modern times. The family went hunting in the forests of Colombia when they shot down a wild turkey. Upon retrieving the turkey, they noticed it had fallen on a piece of an exposed staircase. This staircase would lead them to find La Ciudad Perdida. For years after its discovery by the looters, “Treasures from the site, including gold figures and ceramics, soon began to appear on the black market” Archeologists were alerted to these black market treasures and managed to, with the help of indigenous people who protect their ancestral site, trace themselves to the area in 1976. The area was researched and reconstructed over the next 6 years.
Although La Ciudad Perdida is one of the most impressive sites, it’s not alone, only about 30-40% of the sites in the Sierra Nevada region have actually been explored. Thanks to recent widespread access, more and more of these sites are being discovered, and the search for new lost cities has just begun.
Ciudad Perdida was probably the region’s political and manufacturing center on the Buritaca River and may have housed 2,000–8,000 people.
Named Teyuna by the Tairona but dubbed Ciudad Perdida upon rediscovery, the ancient wonder is perched on hillsides and tucked into a dense rainforest.
CULTURE: An Enchanting Journey Through Time and Space 🇧🇿 BELIZE
CULTURE: An Enchanting Journey
Through Time and Space
BELIZE
Prepare to embark on an enchanting journey through time and space, to a world unlike any other - the mystical and ancient civilization of the Mayans. With their deep-seated beliefs in a pantheon of gods, sacred rites, spiritual gateways, and fascinating traditions, the Mayans offer a captivating and unique experience. Nestled in the heart of Belize, this melting pot of cultures boasts a rich and colorful heritage that is sure to leave you spellbound.
Although the Mayan civilization is shrouded in mystery, its architectural legacy - intricate temples, awe-inspiring artifacts, and fascinating traditions - has withstood the test of time. At its zenith, the Mayan Empire spanned from Mexico to El Salvador, with Belize serving as its epicenter. The Yucatec, Kekchi, and Mopan Maya groups shared similar customs and dialects, contributing to the country's cultural diversity through their dance, traditions, and ancient temples.
Mayan architecture is renowned for its complexity and sophistication, surpassing even that of the ancient Egyptians. The temples and palaces were built with precision and mathematical accuracy, allowing the Mayans to observe and study the stars with great fascination. Today, many of these revered temples remain well-preserved and open for exploration, including Xunantunich, Caracol, and Lamanai.
Exploring Our Temples
Follow the winding path westward, where the land of Belize reveals its ancient secrets. Amongst the verdant forests and sacred hills of this land lies Xunantunich, a sacred site of the Classic Period. Its name, "maiden of the rock" or "stone woman" in the language of the Maya, echoes through the ages, beckoning the curious and the mystically inclined. Though occupying only a modest 300 square meters, its vast periphery spans several kilometers. Behold the grandeur of its main palace, where an astronomical frieze adorns the walls, soaring up to 133 feet, the second tallest temple in all of Belize. Gaze upon the visage of the sun god, etched in intricate detail upon the grand structure. Xunantunich boasts six majestic plazas, 25 temples and palaces, and a museum, drawing travelers from far and wide to bask in its ancient magic.
Venturing deeper into the Chiquibul Forest Reserve of Western Belize, one discovers the enigmatic Caracol, shrouded in mystery and myth. The Spanish word "Caracol," meaning "shell," gives this site its name. It is the largest known Maya site within the country, and its crown jewel is the awe-inspiring "Canaa," or "Sky Place," standing tall at 140 feet. Though accessing the site may prove challenging, the journey is worth it, as the route reveals breathtaking vistas that leave a lasting impression upon the soul.
Further north, amidst the rustling leaves and gentle murmur of the river, lies Lamanai, the "submerged crocodile" of the Maya language. It is one of the largest ceremonial centers of the Maya people, its original name retained across the ages. Explore the remnants of a bygone era, where the echoes of ancient rituals still reverberate through the land. Take a leisurely river cruise, where exotic birds and plants abound, or wind your way through the villages to discover this ancient site. Behold the Christian churches of the 16th century, and the 19th-century sugar mill, remnants of colonial times. Lamanai's vast history spans many centuries, from the Classic Period to the Post Classic, allowing one to witness the evolution of Maya construction techniques over time. Let Lamanai's magic wash over you and transport you to a time of wonder and myth.
Keeping our traditions Alive
The Mayan traditions have been kept alive through the ages, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural heritage. The ancient sport of Pok ta Pok, for instance, was a ceremonial ball game played in the courts of temples, and today it is kept alive through reenactments and world cup tournaments.
The Deer Dance, another unique Mayan tradition in Belize, features dancers adorned in intricate costumes and carved wooden masks, performing to the music of a marimba. The dance represents the Mayans' respect for nature and animals and depicts their resistance to Spanish invasion.
Exploring Toledo, the cultural heartland of Belize, offers a tantalizing glimpse into the Mayan's gastronomic heritage. The Mayans revered chocolate as a gift from the gods, imbued with extraordinary power. Embark on a food tour that takes you on a journey to listen to traditional Mayan instruments, grind corn, bake tortillas, or prepare chocolate.
For a more authentic experience, try "Caldo," a traditional soup made from locally raised chicken, indigenous spices, and vegetables, served hot with corn tortillas or "poch" (masa steamed in leaf).
Whether you choose to visit ancient temples, swim beneath majestic waterfalls, or hike through stunning caves, the Mayan world offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Horseback riding through the lush jungles in the Mayan Mountains is another option for a more adventurous experience. The Mayan civilization may have been lost to history, but its people have persevered, preserving their customs, traditions, and religion. Come and immerse yourself in the rich and colorful culture of the Mayans in Belize, and discover a world that is truly enchanting - if you're brave enough!
AMAZING ANIMALS: HERMIT CRABS
AMAZING ANIMALS: HERMIT CRABS
By Josea Descheemaeker age 11
You probably see these creatures on every beach you go to and every time you go snorkeling. Hermit crabs can live in the water and on land due to the fact that they breath through gills.
Hermit crabs names are very deceiving for several reasons:
- As opposed to being hermits that prefer to always be alone, hermit crabs are vary social with other hermit crabs. Hermit crabs live and walk easily among their kind, over and under their kind, eating shell to shell in groups sometimes.
- They are more shy than hermit like. They are quick to hide in their shell when as little as a shadow passes over them.
- Hermit crabs are more closely related to spiders and scorpions than crabs,
The reason people put Hermit in their name is because they carry their homes
everywhere they go . Hermit crabs are vary picky about what shells they live in and they switch shells when they grow too big for the one they are living in. Sadly, now some Hermit crabs use plastic bottle caps and other Plastic things as homes.
Many Hermit crabs love to decorate their shells. Hermit crabs can lift things 10 times their weight . Despite a hermit crab's size they Typically live up to 30 years in the wild and some live up to 60 years. There are about 500 Species of hermit crabs all over the world And with a lot of colors blues reds whites And oranges And sometimes all of those colors on one hermit crab. Some colors can be very bright.
Hermit crabs have many predators too such as big crabs, birds, and fish that keep the hermit crab population down. Hermit cards eat pretty much anything they can fined and from my experience they love coconut.
Believe it or not hermit crabs and coconut crabs are closely related. While hermit crabs live in shells their entire life, coconut crabs only live in shells when they are young.
My Experience
Hermit crabs are very shy animals. When you get to close to them they retreat into their shells. When I put a hermit crab on my hand most will be very eager to run off and get away from me. It is a rare hermit crabs, typically the bigger ones, that will try to pinch me. Do not be deceived by their small size, they have very large claws and it hurts a lot when they pinch you. If you are hiking off the beach and when you’re still close to the beach, you can sometimes find hermit crabs clinging to the tree. If you’re taking a shell from the beach look very closely and make sure there’s not a hermit crab in it. At 1st glance some shells look like they don’t have any hermit crabs in them but the small hermit crab sometimes get in shells way too big for them and it’s very hard to see them so look very closely. This has happened to me sometimes and I have accidentally brought a hermit crab in their shells back to the boat. If there's a shy hermit crab that you want out of the shell you can cup it in your hands and breathe onto them. This typically coaxes them out because of the warmth of your breath but there are some that are just too scared and they won't come out.
SY WHIRLWIND 🇺🇸 Maurisa, Mike, Russell & Josea – Alajuela 48’
UPCOMING PREDICTWIND SEMINARS
UPCOMING PREDICTWIND SEMINARS
PredictWind began sponsoring the Panama Posse in 2021. As of Season 8 PredictWind is extending their sponsorship to the entire Ocean Posse and is offering four seminars over the next 6 months.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE UPCOMING SEMINARS
The upcoming seminar dates are as follows:
- WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 23rd, 2024 @ 15:30 US PACIFIC TIME
- THURSDAY DECEMBER 5, 2024 @ 14:30 US PACIFIC TIME
- MONDAY FEB 2, 2025 @ 14:30 US PACIFIC TIME
- MONDAY MARCH 17 2025 @ 14:30 US PACIFC TIME
PredictWind supports the Ocean Posse with free tracking and a 20 % Discount off our pro packages – to claim your discount please login and email support@predictwind.com asking for your Ocean Posse discount. Please include your vessel name and email address. The discount will be credited back.
MUST SEE: 🇵🇫 Taputapuātea on Ra’iātea Island, French Polynesia
MUST SEE: 🇵🇫 Taputapuātea on Ra’iātea Island, French Polynesia
in 2017 UNESCO named Taputapuātea on Ra’iātea Island, French Polynesia a world heritage site for its outstanding universal value, exceptional testimony to 1,000 years of pre-colonial mā'ohi civilization, and central location in the 'Polynesian Triangle'. The 'points' on the Polynesian triangle are New Zealand, Hawaii, and Rapa Nui. Taputapuātea is in the very center of this triangle of oceanic islands. Both the cultural landscape and seascape on Ra’iātea make this a unique and remarkable place one must see. Taputapuātea is an area that goes from the mountains through forested valleys spanning across a portion of lagoon and coral reef and a strip of open ocean. In the center is the Marae of Taputapuātea.
The Marae of Taputapuātea is considered to be the most sacred pre-colonial Polynesian archeological sites in French Polynesia. UNESCO describes this site as:
"dedicated to the god ‘Oro and the place where the world of the living (Te Ao) intersects the world of the ancestors and gods (Te Po). It also expresses political power and relationships. The rise in the importance of Taputapuātea among the marae on Raiatea and in the wider region is linked to the line of Tamatoa ari’i (chiefs) and the expansion of their power. Taputapuātea was the centre of a political alliance that brought together two widespread regions encompassing most of Polynesia. The alliance was maintained by regular gatherings of chiefs, warriors and priests who came from the other islands to meet at Taputapuātea. The building of outrigger canoes and ocean navigation were key skills in maintaining this network.
A traditional landscape surrounds both sides of the Taputapuātea marae complex. The marae complex looks out to Te Ava Mo'a, a sacred pass in the reef that bounds the lagoon. Atāra motu is an islet in the reef and a habitat for seabirds. Ocean-going arrivals waited here before being led through the sacred pass and formally welcomed at Taputapuātea. On the landward side, ’Ōpo’a and Hotopu’u are forested valleys ringed by ridges and the sacred mountain of Tea’etapu. The upland portions of the valleys feature older marae, such as marae Vaeāra’i and marae Taumariari, agricultural terraces, archaeological traces of habitations and named features related to traditions of gods and ancestors. Vegetation in the valleys is a mix of species, some endemic to Raiatea, some common to other Polynesian islands and some imported food species brought by ancient Polynesians for cultivation. Together, the attributes of the property form an outstanding relict and associative cultural landscape and seascape."
Throughout Polynesia the Marae are communal or sacred sites in village life. In order to build a marae in another location, it is said that one must start with a stone from Taputapuātea. The marae are places with different functions. They are places where the world of the living intersected with the world of village ancestors and Polynesian gods. They are places where people gather for ceremony, dance, connecting with the past and with community.
This video is a product of the cumulative effort of cultural and historical groups presenting the significance of Taputapuātea in the past, the present, and for the future.
https://youtu.be/wXbJXHR8-3g?t=391
SAFEFTY AND SECURITY: REDUCING FIRE RISK
SAFEFTY AND SECURITY: REDUCING FIRE RISK WITH SMART PLUGS
Many members of the Ocean Posse are tied to a dock either presently, have been, or will be at some point along the way. If and when one decides to 'Plug In' it is important to know the risks and available safer options available today.
A significant risk when plugging one boat in to shore power is fire risk. The power to the pedestals along a dock may not be consistent. There may be surges, outages and or just regularly inconsistent flow of power. This variability can pose a risk within the pedestal and worse it can pose a risk aboard ones vessel at the connection.
Recently, Posse members aboard SV SERENITY shared their experience with this risk on the Posse Line Ap. It is a shout out to other member to be aware and check their power cords:
For those of you with 30 or 50 Amp power that get close to it’s limit on a continuous basis (e.g. running AC while cooking with electric). For the second time in two years, our standard cable and socket shorted. This time, the insulation in the socket between hot and neutral melted and the wires actually touched. It’s worth the investment to prevent a fire hazard.
The only place one can control is where and how the power comes aboard their boat is one their boat. Serenity has now installed a 'Smart Plug'. This is a branded receptacle and plug for the boat side of the 'Plug In' process. The Smart Plug is a huge help AND one still needs to check it for damage regularly as seen above!
SV SERENITY was lucky. They lost a cord and a plug, but did not sustain any damage to their boat. Years ago Posse Member, Rob Murray on SV AVANT, saw smoke billowing out of the stern of a neighboring vessel. The fire had started at the cord inlet. He acted fast and doused the fire before any help even arrived. Here he shows a concise visual on the steps he took to get the fire out fast:
SYSERENITY 🇺🇸 Mark & Kathryn – Antares 44′ & SY AVANT 🇨🇦 Rob & Debra – Beneteau 43.5
THANK YOU FOR SHARING MARK AND ROB!
FIJIAN CULTURE AND THE SEVUSEVU PROCESS
FIJI: THE SEVUSEVU PROCESS
In traditional villages in Fiji Sevusevu is and has been the central component of all life-cycle rituals, social gatherings, healing ceremonies and community meetings. Significant and ancient in Fiji, the “sevusevu” also marks the time and place for visitors to seek acceptance into a Fijian village.
Every Sevusevu is not as formal as pictured above however there is a distinct and courteous process visitors must follow. Further, understanding the significance of Sevusevu, respecting, and adhering to the tradition of this process helps to keep this aspect of Fijian Culture strong.
Longtime Ocean Posse member Chris on SV SEAGLUB has been living in Fiji for several years. He shares the following about his experience with the Sevesevu:
In Fiji, when visiting smaller settlements, a visitor must seek out the village chief and present him with a small token or gift as a sign of respect and to ask permission to visit. This not only gives visitors permission to interact with the villagers but also to stay in the town and to visit any local scenery (such as beaches, waterfalls etc). Not doing so shows disrespect for their culture, but is also the equivalent of trespassing – for example pitching a tent in someone's backyard without permission.
‘Sevusevu’ is the name given to the actual gift or token that visitors present the chief with, most commonly a half-kilo bumdle of waka (kava root). When arriving in the village, visitors should ask for the Turaga ni Koro (pronounced as too-ranga nee koro) or the village headman, as they usually have good English skills and will help with the translations. The headman will take visitors to the chief’s house for introduction. Remember no hats are to be worn once in the village and you should take your shoes off at the door before entering houses. Sitting cross legged on the floor, the kava root is then presented to the chief.
To ensure you are respectful of this important tradition, there are a few points of etiquette to follow. Firstly, everyone at the ceremony should dress in a sulu, which is a Fijian skirt regarded as their national dress. Women should also cover their shoulders. Men should sit cross-legged, ensuring that their sulu covers their knees, and women should sit with knees and feet together. Do not take photographs or videos throughout the ceremony, until the Turaga ni Koro lets you know that it’s okay to do so. Silence during the ceremony itself is crucial.
The ceremony itself is poignant. Afterwards you'll be welcomed as nothing less than family.
SV SEAGLUB 🇺🇸 Chris -Hylas 46'
PASSAGE REPORT TO PANAMA FROM COLUMBIA
PASSAGE REPORT TO PANAMA FROM COLUMBIA:
with Check-In Procedure at El Porvenir
Recently, SV ATARAXIA sailed from northern Columbia to Panama. They wanted to visit a very unique and special part of Panama: the Guna Yala Archipelago, also known as the San Blas Islands before. The Archipelago is in northeastern Panamanian waters and is home to the Guna (or Kuna) Yala people, the largest Panamanian indigenous group. The archipelago is known for being a jewel of Panama with palm covered islands amid clear turquoise water.
SV ATARAXIA wanted to visit this archipelago upon entering Panamanian waters pushing on to the more formal and bustling city of Colon on Panama's mainland, at the northern end of the Panama Canal. Below Skipper Ludwig shares from his passage notes their experience entering Panama through El Porvenir:
Well, we were right : you should have come. Guna Yala is really beautiful.
We left Cartagena de Indias, Colombia 2 days ago and last night was a pretty calm night. We sailed under main alone and we still were making good enough speed that we had to turn a circle at sea before entering El Porvenir, allowing us to come in during daylight.
We anchored and went ashore to ask where immigration was. El Porvenir is in fact just 1 airstrip for small planes and that explains why there is immigration. But first you need to visit the Comarca Guna Yala congresso office to pay to the indigenous people that own these islands for a ‘cruising permit’, something like an entry fee for paradise. Then it is on to the immigration office. Given there are only 2 buildings or rather structures, it wasn’t all that difficult to find even if you hadn’t slept much the previous night.
When it was finally our turn to be cleared in, all we needed was some extra photocopies (conveniently available at the congresso for 50 cts) and we got our immigration stamps. What about customs? “Go and do that in Colon” we were told. OK, nothing can be perfect not even in paradise.
Noonsite says that you can clear immigration in El Porvenir, and indeed they do. They stamp both your passport and your exit zarpe from Colombia. It looks like a stamp is the only thing they have, so they do not produce any paper, they just....stamp. We had our agent, Erick Galvez request a cruising permit for us beforehand. In fact, we set that in motion a month before arriving in Panama. It still wasn't ready when we got to El Porvenir, an unusual slow process that has since (we were there early June 2024) been sped up. Either way, we were assured by every instance be it official or non-official that our immigration stamps were really the critical ones and we had those! We received our cruising permit while we were back in the USA and our boat on the hard. While this sounds 'different' from other places, to the Panamanians it seemed pretty obvious. And every single official was friendly, ...and so were we.
While we were anchoring at first light, 2 canoes with Guna women were paddling towards us. We had some trouble finding the right spot to anchor and so these ladies had their rowing workout cut out for them, chasing ATARAXIA.
It is not my preferred thing to do, bartering over molas or other stuff after being awake for half a night, but it was clear these ladies were not going to give up, so we have some very nice molas already to fly home with us.
Then we moved the boat to Lemon Cays, one of these smaller archipelagoes where all the islands end in ‘dup’ (Bandup, Nuriandup or some other tongue twister). Upon arrival we were greeted by a canoe with 3 fishermen who held up a lobster in the international language of trade. We signaled to hold off a bit so that we could anchor but once that was out of the way, we bought 4 lobster for 5USD per piece. We didn’t even try to get a lower price. With that, you know what Louis, our crew-chef is working on right now.
Time for the restless to go and explore the underwater world and they came back with all the wonderful things they saw including a shark (a real one, not a nurse shark). While they were doing that, I stayed back to defend the fort, hey someone got to do it, and sure enough we were invaded by a clever bird that flew into the cabin, picked open the plastic packaging of a baguette and decided those baguettes are really good. I agreed and therefore I chased him away. We want to eat that baguette (at least the other part of it).
We intend to stay 2 nights here in this anchorage as there is a lot more to explore.
SV ATARAXIA 
Ludwig – Etap Yachting 46’
THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE LUDWIG!
POSSE PERK: OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPLORATION
POSSE PERK: OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPLORATION
The rally opens up opportunities for yacht owners to discover
hidden gems and less-traveled routes,
adding a sense of exploration and discovery to the experience.
Ocean Posse members have access to one another through a shared messaging ap: the Line Ap and Zulip. Here people ask questions and share their experiences with the best tours/guides/rental car companies/local or exotic cuisine...et cetera anywhere along the route. This sharing elevates the experience for those seeking advice and others more than happy to pass on a recommendation.
Karen and Darren on SV SMALL WORLD III share their experience with this POSSE PERK:
SV SMALL WORLD III 🇻🇮 Karen & Darren - Bristol 47.4'
