โLife should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming โWow! What a Ride!โ
โ Hunter S. Thompson
TOP NEWS
Panama Posse Awards Entries
๐ Come Join The Panama Posse ๐ต๐ฆ Awards Party
๐จ More Award Entries
๐ฐ๏ธ Predict Wind : Ais Sat Data
๐๐๏ธ Submerged Island Re Discovered
Manzanillo Marina Club Cartagena
Los Gatos, Baja Del Sur ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
Canal Wait In ๐จ๐ด Cartegena
Passing The Barrel Of Hope
Volcano, Waterfall And Hotsprings ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica
Meet Jack
โ ๏ธ Security Update Las Perlas / El Niรฑo
Sumidero Canyon Chiapas ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
Panama Posse Next Season Benefits Schedule
1) Season 6 AWARD ENTRIES ๐ช
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT
current lead ? Kyle on SY JUBEL or Nicole on Maison de Sante ?
Current lead ?
GALLEY GODDESS
WINNER SELECTED BY THE SECRET FOOD JUDGES
THE COUSCOUS SALAD
SY HULA KAI ๐บ๐ธ Richard & Kathleen โTayana DS 48โฒ
YODA OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE
14 new safe tracks through the Belize reef system shared in Good Nautical
SY ISLAND BOUND ๐บ๐ธ Bill & Melissa Kelly - Peterson 44โฒ
SPEEDY AWARD NOMINATIONS
Ensenada MX to Annapolis
SY DA MMAD CAT ๐บ๐ธ Andrea & Danny - Lagoon โ42
Canada BC to North Carolina
SY PELERIN ๐จ๐ฆ Michael & Shirley - Alubat 43โฒ
NOMINATIONS FOR THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
SY LADY SLIPPER ๐บ๐ธ John & Kathryn โ Dufour 41โฒ
SY SALPARE ๐บ๐ธ Jeff & Fran โ Fountaine Pajot Orana 44โฒ
SY CARINTHIA ๐บ๐ธ Dietmar - Lagoon 440'
NOMINATIONS FOR MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
SY MAISON DE SANTร ๐บ๐ธ Keenan & Nicole โ Cal 46โฒ
MY SEEKER ๐บ๐ธ John & Tammyโ Selene 62โฒ
SY TITS PIERRE ๐บ๐ธ Ken and Tina โ Bayliner 45โฒ
SY PACIFIC BLUE ๐ณ๐ฑ Hans & Irene Breehorn 44โฒ
SY SHEARWATER ๐บ๐ธ Eric & Pati โ Formosa 50โฒ
2) COME JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE ๐ต๐ฆ AWARDS PARTY
SY AIR BENDER ๐บ๐ธ Mike & Colleen โ Lagoon 42โฒ
SY STRAYCAT 2 ๐จ๐ฆ Derick & Barb โ Lagoon 38โฒ
MY NAVIGATOR ๐จ๐ท Dave โ Nordhavn 46โฒ
SY PACIFIC BLUE Hans & Irene โ Breehorn 44โฒ
SPIRIT OF ๐งญ EXPLORATION AWARD NOMINATION S
SY PATHFINDER ๐บ๐ธ Jean-Philippe & Nicole โ Lagoon 39โฒ
SY DIVERGENT ๐บ๐ธ Gary & Ena
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
For altering course responding to Carinthia's Pan Pan / subsequent assistance in providing emergency bildge pumps and subsequent monitoring of Carinthia on a 50 nm track to the boatyard.
SY ENJOY ๐บ๐ธ Don & Nina - Lagoon 42โฒ
BOAT YOGA ๐ง POSES OF THE SEASON
SY YO-D-YO ๐บ๐ธ David & Mary โ Hunter 45โฒ
SY ENJOY ๐บ๐ธ Don & Nina โLagoon 42โฒ
SY DA MMAD CAT ๐บ๐ธ Andrea & Danny โ Lagoon 42โฒ
SY SERENITY ๐บ๐ธ Mark & Kathryn โ Antares 44โฒ
SY AIR BENDER ๐บ๐ธ Mike & Colleen โ Lagoon 42โฒ
MY SEEKER ๐บ๐ธ John & Tammy โ Selene 62โฒ
double entry fo
SY C-YA ๐บ๐ธ Glenn & Ashleigh โ Island Packet 38.8โฒ
SY QUESO GRANDE II ๐บ๐ธ Lance & Sherri โ Seawind 41โฒ
SY LA VIDA GYPSEA ๐บ๐ธ Kurt, Linda & Rigby โ Catana 47โฒ
SY TIDEWALKER ๐จ๐ฆ Alan โ Nordhavn 57โฒ
SY WILDFLOWER ๐บ๐ธ Steve, Roan & Karrie โ Beneteau 54โฒ
PredictWind, the leading provider of weather forecasting and routing services for sailors, has announced the launch of a new feature that will revolutionize the way sailors and yacht enthusiasts monitor ship and yacht movements around the world. The company's new real-time satellite and terrestrial AIS display offers users the ability to view vessel positions and movements anywhere in the world over any satellite connection.
The AIS data is available on the PredictWind website, PredictWind App, and Offshore App, and provides a wealth of information for sailors, yacht enthusiasts, and maritime professionals. The Offshore App is the world's first app to provide AIS data via satellite, allowing users to download vessel positions within a 300 Nm radius.
With the new feature update, users can search for vessels by name or MMSI number and add them to their favorites list, allowing for easy tracking of friends or vessels of interest. The real-time satellite AIS feature allows users to view any vessel anywhere in the world, while the terrestrial AIS provides land-based AIS position feeds.
The system identifies all vessel types and allows users to filter by vessel type, providing greater control over what types of vessels are displayed on the map. Additionally, users can view speed, direction, draught, destination, and ETA information for any vessel on the map.
PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "We're excited to launch this new feature, which will provide mariners with a comprehensive and accurate view of ship and yacht movements around the world. With real-time satellite AIS and terrestrial AIS, our users can access a wealth of information that will help them make more informed decisions about their sailing or boating plans and adjust accordingly wherever they are."
PredictWind has also taken the integration of the DataHub with the AIS network even further. The DataHub collects AIS data from all surrounding vessels and transmits it back to the PredictWind servers via the existing satellite/cellular connection, improving the quality and safety of the global AIS network.
The AIS data feed can also be shared via wifi to compatible devices or apps on board, such as the Navionics Boating App, and recorded to the DataHub's SD card. This creates an accurate log of all nearby vessel positions, which is crucial for an insurance claim in the event of a collision.
PredictWind's CEO, Jon Bilger, said, "The integration of the DataHub into the AIS network will enhance the entire AIS network making the seas safer for all. The ability to share the data feed via wifi and record it to the DataHub's SD card will also help sailors and maritime professionals in the event of an insurance claim."
The new features are available now on the PredictWind App, PredictWind website, Offshore App. DataHub features require a DataHub. Users can sign up for a free version or purchase a subscription to access the full range of AIS features. For more information, please visit www.predictwind.com.
5) SUBMERGED ISLAND RE-DISCOVERED ๐๐๏ธ
OFF THE COAST OF FLORIDA
Devon Fogarty, a University of Miami graduate student, examining the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in Florida in August 2022.
Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press
About 200 years ago there were 11 islands in the Dry tortugas, now there are 6. Flying over them in 2016 marine archaeologist Joshua Marano noticed a strange pattern beneath the surface of the water. Time and investigation have led to the discovery of a submerged island. The side is about 70 miles west of Key West off the coast of Florida thought to have once been part of Civil War Era Fort Jefferson in the Dry tortugas. This discovery has been a great inspiration for maritime archaeologists prompting much investigation and hypotheses.
This image provided by the National Park Service shows an unsigned watercolor painting depicting a hospital and cemetery on an island in the Dry Tortugas.
One theory is that the island was like the watercolor above with a hospital and a cemetery.
An image provided by the National Park Service shows the headstone of John Greer, which was found underwater by archaeologists during a survey at Dry Tortugas National Park in August 2022, in Florida.
Credit...C. Sproul/National Park Service, via Associated Press
READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE >> https://www.nytimes.com/article...
Note: 5 minutes of research and we know where this site is >>
Thank you for choosing to visit our marina, Manzanillo Marina Club.
We would like to offer a special discount to all members of your company's Panama Posse program. We are providing a
15% discount on mooring fees for up to two months 10% discount on travel lift maneuvers 15% discount on land parking for up to two weeks. 10% discount on in-water hull cleaning.
We pride ourselves on providing top-notch facilities and service to our guests. We appreciate the opportunity to earn your business and hope that you will consider us for future visits.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
Maurice Lemaitre de la Espriella
7) GOOD ANCHORAGE โ IN GOOD NAUTICAL
LOS GATOS, BAJA DEL SUR, ๐ฒ๐ฝ MEXICO
Los Gatos, Sea of Cortez ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico
Gorgeous scenery at Los Gatos anchorage in the SOC. Love the colors. Like melting strawberry swirl ice cream.
Red Rocks in the Sea of Cortez
SV SERENITY ๐บ๐ธ Mark & Kathryn โ Antares 44โฒ
8) WAITING TO TRANSIT THE CANAL? ๐จ๐ด
VISIT CARTEGENA.
Above and below: Colorful streets of Cartegena, ๐ช๐จ Columbia
Old fort overlooking the modern downtown.
Above and below: Visiting Cartagena makes waiting for canal transit easy.
MY SEEKER ๐บ๐ธ John & Tammyโ Selene 62โฒ
1763 Vanni Map or Plan of Cartagena, Colombia
9) PASSING THE BARREL OF HOPE
AT MARINA PAPAGAYO ๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA
Andaz has great mixology cocktails (walking distance from papagayo marina) with ocean and marina views.
And with that, the Barrel is passed on from Maison de Santรฉ to Queso Grande. Thank you both for all your help with the Barrel of Hope.
SY MAISON DE SANTร ๐บ๐ธ Keenan & Nicole AND SY QUESO GRANDE II ๐บ๐ธ Lance & Sherri
10) LAND TRIP IN ๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA
VOLCANO, WATERFALL AND HOTSPRINGS
Tenorio Volcano Waterfall ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica
Notice the color of the water due to the minerals.
When two non-colored waterbodies Rio Buenavista (Buenavista River) and Quebrada Agria (Sour Creek) meet and mix the colors are incredible..
SY ROCHAMBEAU AND SY SALACHIA went on a land trip in northern Costa Rica.
It was really cool to wake up each morning and hear monsoon-like rain. We also went on hikes and saw tiny frogs, volcanoes, lush trees with symbiotic relationships of other things growing on them, without killing the trees, and a variety of tropical flowers.
SY ๐บ๐ธ ROCHAMBEAU ๐บ๐ธ Bev & Rolf โ Lagoon 39โฒ AND SY SALACIA ๐บ๐ธ Peter & Donna - Santa Cruz 53'
11) ADVENTURE MEDIA PARTNER LATITUDES AND ATTITUDES
Subscribe Now to the Lats & Atts Online Magazine!
For those who want digital kewlness only hereโs some love for ya:
Access all 4 Digital Issues for only $14.99/year! (Thatโs only $3.75/issue!)
Summer season is upon usโฆ. If the ground/sand is hot for our feet then itโs probably hot for our pets too! Also, dog shoes make great conversation starters with the locals.
SY MAISON DE SANTร ๐บ๐ธ Keenan, Nicole, and Jack โ Cal 46โฒ
The Panama Posse is continuing to meet and discuss the importance of safety for foreign flagged vessels in Panama following the attacks this year in the Las Perlas Islands and in Portobello, Panama. These security forums are being held on a regular basis on several levels from the local level to higher governmental officials within Panama.
Unfortunately, while many people are involved and concerned, the recent attacks in Panama are still not resolved meaning the attackers are still out there.
Senan has increased their patrols and rotations.
The current safety recommendation is that the Perlas Islands are 'CLOSED'.
If you do decide to go 1) stay in anchorages with other vessels 2) stand night watch 3) only anchor in areas which have VHF coverage and 4) cell # coverage ( dial 108 from a panama cell #) 5) take pictures of all fishing vessels in the area
The goal is the open these islands up again once the attackers have been found and are in custody. Only then vessels are safe to cruise in the Las Perlas. Recently, we were very encouraged to extend our discussions, most notably, with the US Coast Guard.
Thanks to a member of the Panama Posse with operational and professional ties to the US Coast Guard, the USCG has taken a keen interest in the threat to US flagged vessels in Pacific Panama.
EL NIรO
There is a 60% chance for a transition from ENSO-neutral to El Niรฑo during May-July 2023, and this will increase to about 70% in June-August and 80% between July and September, according to the Update, which is based on input from WMO Global Producing Centres of Long-Range Forecasts and expert assessment
During El Niรฑo years, the Atlantic Ocean tends to be cooler than normal, which can create a more stable atmosphere and increase wind shear, making it more difficult for hurricanes to form and intensify. Therefore, El Niรฑo years tend to have fewer and weaker hurricanes in the Atlantic basin.
During an El Niรฑo year, the sea surface temperatures in the eastern Pacific tend to be warmer than normal, which creates a more unstable atmosphere and decrease wind shear, making it easier for hurricanes to form and intensify.
As a result, El Niรฑo years tend to have more and stronger hurricanes in the eastern Pacific basin.
Sumidero Canyon Caรฑรณn del Sumidero is a deep natural canyon located just north of the city of Chiapa de Corzo in the state of Chiapas, in southern Mexico. The canyonโs creation began around the same time as the Grand Canyon in the U.S. state of Arizona, by a crack in the areaโs crust and subsequent erosion by the Grijalva River, which still runs through it.
Sumidero Canyon from the rim.
The canyon is surrounded by the Sumidero Canyon National Park, a federally protected natural area of Mexico which extends 53.000 acres.
At the north end of the canyon is the Chicoasรฉn Dam opened in 1980.
It's artificial reservoir is one of several on the Grijalva River, which is important for water storage and the generation of hydroelectric power in the region.
19) PANAMA CANAL AGENT CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ
To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse
โThe purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for a newer and richer experience.โ
โ Eleanor Roosevelt
TOP NEWS
PICTURES OF THE WEEK
PANAMA POSSE AWARDS PARTY ๐
PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION: FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON
SEASON 6 REFLECTIONS FROM SY FREEDOM
BOAT YOGA AND BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT ENTRIES
EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE PANAMA CANAL ๐ต๐ฆ
TURTLE CAY MARINA ๐ต๐ฆ SPONSORS THE PANAMA POSSE
GOOD NAUTICAL ANCHORAGE ISLAS SECAS ๐จ๐ท COSTA RICA
OPENCPN RELEASES UPDATED VERSION
GOING UP! FROM SEA LEVEL TO 4000M; BREATHTAKING CULTURE FOUND IN QUITO ๐ช๐จ ECUADOR
LAND TRIP TO THE FLOR DE CAรA DISTILLERY EL VIEJO ๐ณ๐ฎ NICRAGUA
MAY DEALS FROM MARINEU
MEET BOAT DOG SOPHIE
MUST SEE: LA RUTA DEL CAFร CHIAPAS, ๐ฒ๐ฝ MEXICO
1) PICTURES OF THE WEEK
"Land Ho" ๐จ๐ท Costa Rica
SY SALACIA ๐บ๐ธ Peter and Donna - Santa Cruz 53'
Flor de Caรฑa distillery tour in Chichigalpa, ๐ณ๐ฎ Nicaragua
SY FIREFLY ๐บ๐ธ Brenda & Ted - Catalina 47โฒ
Pathfinder officially cleared into Port in Puerto Amistad, ๐ช๐จ Ecuador
SY PATHFINDER ๐บ๐ธ Jean-Philippe & Nicole โ Lagoon 39โฒ
End of season award celebrations will be held at Vista Mar Marina
@ Panama Posse Pacific Headquarters
Sunday May 21st 16:00 โ 22:00
AWARD CATEGORIES
BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT*
PICTURE OF THE YEAR
YODA OF THE YEAR
SPEEDY AWARD โ SEVENSTAR AWARD
THE CAPTAIN RON AWARD
MOST UNWELCOME VISITOR ONBOARD
HIGHEST WIND RECORDED
SPIRIT OF EXPLORATION
2 X GALLEY GOD(ESS) โ
GOOD SAMARITAN OF THE YEAR
BOAT YOGA POSE OF THE YEAR
COURAGE AWARD
*no bill-fish entries โwinner announced already
Vista Mar Marina, ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA
3) MORE PICTURES OF THE WEEK:
MAY: THE RAINY SEASON BEGINS
First rain for Navigator since November. Now in ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
MV NAVIGATOR ๐บ๐ธ Dave - Nordhavn 46โฒ
Rain in Santa Marta ๐จ๐ด Columbia. Barley see the Cruise Ship that is in Port today.
SY TOKETEE ๐บ๐ธ Dar, Diane, & Kimberly - Skookum 53โฒ
4) PANAMA POSSE TRANSITION
๐ฉ
FROM SEASON 6 TO SEASON 7
Lucky number 7 is nearly upon us as the Posse nears the transition from Season 6 to Season 7. June is our official overlap month when all systems (chats, tracking, etcโฆ) and benefits (marina discounts, good nautical access, etcโฆ) are available to all members that have been a part of Season 6 and new members signing on with the Posse for Season 7.
Season 7 registration fee is $299 for new participants. There is a $50 discount for all prior participants who renew in June for $ 249.
As of July 5th Season 7 begins. Be sure to renew by July 4th 2023. Current Posse members that renew in June will enjoy the greatest discount and find their access to exclusive Posse systems and benefits uninterrupted. We are continuing to expand our relationships with sponsors, vendors, and service providers along the route and in the boating world to make the Panama Posse membership valuable to those who explore this amazing route.
The Panama Posse began as a resourceโฆHaving never โCruisedโ, we set out to move our boat from Southern CA to Southern FL, with 4.5 months to prepare. The Panama Posse website was and continues to be an amazing source of information. From logistics planning, understanding country procedures, access to additional resources for anchorages, marinas, and tours; the website is the most comprehensive tool we have found when planning our trip. The San Diego Launch party was the first of many opportunities to meet fellow cruisers, that are now lifelong friends. As we left southern CA, the information and contacts made through the line app was incredibly valuable. With boats in front and behind us sharing information, we always seemed to have information delivered to us with impeccable timing. Although much of this was available on the website, it was efficiently delivered as we approached our next location through the shared real-time experiences of other members.
What the Posse has become for us is an incredible group of people that have shared experiences, meals, cocktails and much more together. When members needed help, information or services, the group was incredibly responsive with providing options. Boaters in general have a Corinthian spirit. This group takes that to a whole new level. With each member planning their trip/adventure according to their specific needs/schedule, it allows a much larger group to be involved with broader perspectives and value. You can participate in as much or little as you desire. Although, the interactions online and meeting other Posse members was one of our favorite memories of the season resulting in. So so many new friends, with similar interests and experiences. We are still not fulltime cruisers, but plan to spend time exploring the Bahamas, Florida Keys and East Coast over the next few years.
We hope to continue building relationships and knowledge through the Panama Posse!
SY FREEDOM ๐บ๐ธ Dave & Sheri - Beneteau 55โฒ
6) PANAMA POSSE TWO ENTRIES INTO BOAT YOGA AWARDS
How did you get here?
SY YO-D-YO ๐บ๐ธ David & Mary - Hunter 45'
Not your standard inverted yoga pose, but clearly working the balance.
SY ENJOY ๐บ๐ธ Don & Nina -Lagoon 42โฒ
7) ENTRY INTO BIGGEST FISH CAUGHT
When one really DOESNโT want a contender for biggest fish caught!
This catch bent our gaff! This was a catch and release (alive).
SV SERENITY ๐บ๐ธ Mark & Kathryn - Antares 44'
8) EMMY KATE GOES THROUGH THE ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA CANAL
Standing by in one of the locks
Stress Free Transit
Mario, one of our professional line handlers, actually caught a fish IN the Lock!
SY EMMY KATE ๐บ๐ธ Eric and Sharon - Lagoon 40'
Turtle Cay Marina is in an eco friendly, private coconut finca,
secured by a guarded gate.
The marina has 70 fully functional slips up to 120 feet with 100 amp pedestals for yachts, sailboats and catamarans, with view to the beautiful virgin beaches of the Panama caribbean, only 30 miles away from San Blas! This first phase has been developed with a 10-feet short canal access and is surrounded by coral reefs, mountains and tropical flora and fauna.
fresh water
free Wi-Fi
fuel dock
haul out area
yacht club
beach bar
restaurant
laundry room
bathrooms
white sandy beaches
crystal clear ocean water
taxi service
24-hour security & much more.
Ten reasons for choosing Turtle Cay Marina ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
15 % discounts on slips; or stay 4 nights, pay for 3
Long term discounts of at least 15 %, depending on length of stay
15 % discount on metered electric service
Free delivery service to your yacht from Panama City
Unlimited use of our large shower- change- bathrooms and full coin operated laundry
Unlimited use of our covered social area and B-B-Q
Free unlimited use of our beaches, beach huts and bath rooms
Free unlimited use of our fresh water swimming pools except Saturdays or Sundays (Unless you're a hotel guest)
15 % discount on food and drinks at our restaurants
15 % discount at our hotelPLUS personnel transfer service to or from Panama City or airport for $50. (Max. 3 persons)
10) GOOD ANCHORAGE GOOD NAUTICAL
ISLA SECAS ๐ต๐ฆ PANAMA
Isla Secas is a small archipelago located in Western Pacific - the Gulf of Chiriqui in Panama. The two largest and named islands in this group are Isla Cavada and Isla Pargo. There are several small unnamed islands that are easily explored from the anchorages off both named islands. These islands are remote, tropical, and exceptionally beautiful above and below the waterline.
Isla Seca Anchorage at nightfall, Pacific ๐ต๐ฆ Panama
SY DIVERGENT ๐บ๐ธ Gary - Lagoon 420Fโ
11) OPENCPN RELEASES UPDATED VERSION 5.8.2
Supports Multiple Chart Formats
including MBTiles, BSB, S57, S63 chartsets.
AIS input with full target-tracking and collision alerting.
AIS support for SART with selectable MMSI for automatic MOB handling.
AIS support for DSC and GPSGate buddies.
Routes
Route planning with tidal support.
Built-in great-circle routing.
Integrated weather routing plugin.
20+ languages supported.
Performance
OpenGL support for enhanced performance on modern hardware.
GPS Tracking
Route navigation with ship tracking functions.
Waypoint navigation.
Autopilot output support.
Alarms
Anchor watch/alarm functions.
MOB Alarm with tracking.
GRIB and GRIB2 file input and display for weather forecasting.
NMEA Data
Dashboard for configurable on-screen display of ship's NMEA data
NMEA 0183 GPS interface at selectable baud rate
Advance NMEA message handling structure with built-in multiplexer.
Signal K network interface.
Data Transfer
GPX waypoints, Track and Route input and output file support.
BREATHTAKING CULTURE FOUND IN QUITO ๐ช๐จ ECUADOR
Anchorage in Puerto Amistad, Ecuador
Official arrival calls for celebration
The bus to the political and cultural center of Ecuador: Quito
We are grateful for every nautical mile that brought us here.
From 0 altitude to 4000 meters in a day has some special effects and wild views.
Some favorite adventures include:
Riding the Teleferico, or cable car, to the top of the city.
Swinging over the city at the top of the teleferico.
Reflection pool
Quito is known for well preserved historical landmarks
0ยบ latitude Museum has fun experiments
The UNESCO Historical Center has beautiful buildings
Standing on the steps to a grand cathedral
Incredible and ornate Architecture
If you like art, the Guayasamin Foundation, is absolutely outstanding.
SY PATHFINDER ๐บ๐ธ Jean-Philippe & Nicole โ Lagoon 39โฒ
13) LAND TRIP TO THE
FLOR DE CAรA DISTILLERY
Another great day trip with our guide and now friend Luis at #Pinoleratoursnicaragua.
SY Firefly is currently touring various sites near marina Puesta del Sol in Nicaragua. Last week they visited the Flor de Caรฑa distillery in nearby El Viejo. This award winning distiller has been in continuous operation since 1890. Their spirits are sugar free, gluten free, and kosher.
The Flor de Cana distillery offers private tours at $100 per person or group tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. The private tour go'ers also get a tasting of the 30 year aged rum.
Although we were in a group tour Flor de Caรฑa provided an english speaking guide to accompany us. And, what a treat to meet Bryanna whose impeccable English and newfound knowledge of Flor de Caรฑa as a new employee was a nice surprise. She is the recent recipient of a US scholarship for online study of English. You could tell she is a very excellent student by her near perfect English. I wish I could say my Spanish was half as good.
They reconstitute bourbon barrels from Kentucky which is my hometown, and also American whiskey distilleries. In this case she mentioned using Jack Daniels barrels.
Flor de Caรฑa is a privately held family company currently in its 5th generation. The company provides heath care and education benefits to the families who work at with them. They are one of the most well regarded companies in Nicaragua.
TO HEAD OUT ON THIS DAY TRIP LEAVE EARLY FROM MARINA CHIAPAS WITH MIGUEL ANGEL OF DISCOVERY TOURS+52 962 133 6820 TOURSDISCOVERCHIAPAS@HOTMAIL.COM
The highlands where the coffee grows are stunning.
The coffee production in Mexico is the worldโs 8th largest and is mainly concentrated to the south central to southern regions of the country. The coffee is mainly Arabica, and lately Robusta which grows particularly well in the coastal region of Soconusco, Chiapas, near the border of Guatemala.
ONCE A COFFEE PLANT IS MATURE, IT WILL PRODUCE FLOWERS;
THIS NORMALLY HAPPENS SHORTLY AFTER HEAVY RAINFALL.
...AND THEN, AFTER THE FLOWERS, COMES THE CHERRIES.
Only the ripe cherries are harvested and they are picked individually by hand. Pickers rotate among the trees every eight to ten days, choosing only the cherries which are at the peak of ripeness. It usually takes two to four years after planting for a coffee plant to produce coffee beans that are ripe enough to harvest. The plant eventually grows small white blossoms that drop and are replaced by green berries. These green berries will become a deep red color as they ripen. It takes about 9 months for the green cherries to reach their deepest red color. Because this kind of harvest is labor-intensive, and thus more costly, it is used primarily to harvest the finer arabica beans.
After harvest, Coffee cherries are laid out in the sun to dry before being roasted or.....
.....beans are put in a 100 year old coffee bean drying machine.
This machine is belt driven and uses water as the source of energy to run.
Last week a tour of 15 cruisers visited la Ruta del Cafe.
La Ruta del Cafe includes tours of Fincas that grow, harvest, roast, and sell coffee.
21) PANAMA CANAL AGENT CENTENARIO CONSULTING ERICK GALVEZ
To arrange for transit with the Panama Canal Authority please contact Eric Galvez our dedicated Panama Canal agent and sponsor of the Panama Posse and the Pacific Posse
Most curious phenomenon we encountered off the coast of La Paz, ๐ฒ๐ฝ Mexico.
This turtle sought refuge among floating debris and line. At first we thought it was entangled. We then saw a school of sharks circling underneath, and some scar marks on its hind quarters. It was trying to escape them! When we came close, it swam towards us! Hopefully, we scared the sharks away!
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