🇧🇸 BAHAMAS : 30 DAY ITINERARY
| Day | Location | Activities |
| 1–3 | Bimini & Gun Cay | Sapona wreck snorkel, stingrays at Honeymoon Harbor, beach time, prep for crossing |
| 4–5 | Great Harbour Cay (Berry Islands) | Long sail, marina or anchorage, Shark Creek exploration |
| 6–9 | East Berry Islands | Hoffman’s blue hole, Comfort Cay shallows, Whale & Soldier Cay snorkeling |
| 10 | Nassau / Rose Island | Quick city stop, optional Atlantis visit, resupply |
| 11–13 | Allen’s Cay & Highbourne (Exumas) | Iguanas, beach time, snorkeling, anchoring at Highbourne |
| 14–17 | Shroud Cay & Warderick Wells | Mangrove dinghy, Washing Machine, mooring in Land & Sea Park |
| 18–20 | Staniel Cay | Thunderball Grotto, swim pigs, snorkel, fuel and resupply |
| 21–22 | Current Cut (Eleuthera) | Cross Fleeming Channel, drift dive, peaceful anchorage |
| 23–25 | Spanish Wells & Glass Window Bridge | Preacher’s Cave, mooring or anchorage, light provisioning |
| 26–27 | Optional: Cat or Long Island | Hermitage hike (Cat), Hog Cay anchorage (Long), wildlife watching |
| 28–30 | Northern Abacos | Hope Town, Tahiti Beach, Man-O-War, prep for West Palm return |
🗓️ 30-Day Family Sailing Itinerary – Bimini to the Abacos (with Exumas highlights)
Days 1–3: Bimini & Gun Cay
• Snorkel the Sapona wreck
• Visit Honeymoon Harbor (stingrays!)
• Explore Bimini blue holes and enjoy beach time
• Prep and provision for Great Bahama Bank crossing
Days 4–5: Cross to the Berry Islands
• Long day sail to Great Harbour Cay
• Enjoy marina comforts or anchor at Bullocks Harbour
• Explore Shark Creek, hike, beach days
Days 6–9: East Berry Islands
• Hoffman’s Cay blue hole jump
• Comfort Cay shallows (great for snorkeling with kids)
• Whale Cay beach and Soldier Cay anchorage
• Light provisioning if needed
Day 10: Sail to Nassau (optional Atlantis stop)
• Stop at Rose Island or Paradise Island
• Use city amenities sparingly; continue quickly
Days 11–13: Highbourne Cay & Allen’s Cay (Northern Exumas)
• Allen’s Cay iguanas
• Snorkel around SW Allen’s
• Anchor at Highbourne for water clarity and beach time
Days 14–17: Shroud Cay & Warderick Wells
• Drift dinghy in mangroves
• Explore Land & Sea Park HQ
• Visit “The Washing Machine” (fun for kids!)
• Mooring balls, great protection
Days 18–20: Staniel Cay & Thunderball Grotto
• Swim pigs (optional)
• Grotto snorkel
• Fuel up and resupply at Staniel
Days 21–22: Sail to Eleuthera via Fleeming Channel
• Overnight at Current Cut
• Drift snorkel at slack tide
• Anchor at Meeks Patch (near Spanish Wells)
Days 23–25: Spanish Wells & Glass Window Bridge
• Walk Preacher’s Cave
• Local vibe and fishing community
• Good anchorage, moorings, groceries
Days 26–27: Optional: Cat Island or Long Island
• Short sail to see The Hermitage on Cat or Hog Cay anchorage in Long
• Or skip and head straight to Abacos if time/weather is tight
Days 28–30: Northern Abacos
• Explore Hope Town, Man-O-War Cay, or Great Guana
• Relax at Tahiti Beach or secluded coves
• Stage for Gulf Stream return (West End or Great Sale Cay)
🧭 Notes:
• Weather watching is critical during summer hurricane season.
• Use Explorer Charts (paper + AquaMaps) as standard.
• Prioritize quality over quantity – linger where the kids are happiest.
• Plan final departure from West End or Great Sale Cay for a clean 24–30 hr window to West Palm Beach.
Xunantunich 🇧🇿 BELIZE | Must See along the Panama Posse Route
Xunantunich 🇧🇿 BELIZE | Must See
Journeying through the Mysteries of Xunantunich: AN Explorer's Tale
In the heart of Belize's lush jungle, where the air is thick with the scent of ancient mysteries, lies Xunantunich – a Mayan marvel cloaked in history and legend. As an explorer venturing into the depths of Central America, we find ourselves irresistibly drawn to this enigmatic site, eager to uncover its secrets and experience the whispers of a giant past
Across the hand cranked river ferry and Into the Jungle
We trekked through the sunstrewn foliage of the Cayo District, guided by Gilberto and the promise of adventure and the distant echoes of ancient civilizations. The path to Xunantunich wound through towering trees, each step bringing us closer to the heart of Maya territory.
The Encounter with the Woman in White
Xunantunich was reportedly haunted by the spirit of a woman cloaked in white, who roamed the ruins at night, guarding its sacred secrets. Though skeptics dismissed her as a mere legend, we couldn't shake the feeling that all was being watched.
The Ascend of El Castillo
We began the ascent of El Castillo in the mid morning heat, our footsteps echoing against the weathered stone. Each terrace brought us closer to the summit, where panoramic views of the flora stretched out before us like a vast tapestry of history.
From this vantage point, we marveled at the intricate carvings that adorned the pyramid's facade – scenes of gods and warriors frozen in time, their stories etched into the very fabric of the stone. Amidst the ruins of a once-thriving civilization, we felt a profound sense of connection to the ancient Maya and their enduring legacy.
The Hieroglyphic Stairway
Adjacent to El Castillo stood Structure A-6, its Hieroglyphic Stairway a testament to the Maya's mastery of language and symbolism. Each glyph seemed to whisper secrets of dynasties long past, offering tantalizing glimpses into the rituals and beliefs that shaped their world.
Reflections on Cultural Significance
Beyond the allure of ancient mysteries, Xunantunich held profound cultural significance for the modern-day Maya and the people of Belize. It was a living link to their shared heritage, a reminder of the resilience and ingenuity of those who had come before us.
Xunantunich was more than just a relic of the past – it was a testament to the enduring power of exploration, discovery, and preservation. Belize is a guardian of this sacred heritage, it is a responsibility to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the wonders of the ancient Maya for themselves, to walk in the footsteps of those who came before and to forge their own connections
We vow to carry the spirit of Xunantunich with me wherever our travels may lead, knowing that the mysteries of the Maya would always beckon, waiting to be explored by those who seek them out.
LAMANAI 🇧🇿 BELIZE
Lamanai "submerged crocodile" in Yucatec May is a Mesoamerican archaeological site
It was a major city of the Maya civilization. The site is pre-Columbian, recorded by early Spanish missionaries, and documented over a millennium earlier in Maya inscriptions as Lam'an'ain.
Lamanai is renowned for its exceptionally long occupation spanning three millennia, beginning in the Early Preclassic Maya period and continuing through the Spanish and British Colonial periods, into the 20th century. 
Unlike most Classic-period sites in the southern Maya lowlands, Lamanai was not abandoned at the end of the 10th century
Lamanai was occupied as early as the 16th century BC. The site became a prominent centre in the Pre-Classic Period, from the 4th century BC through the 1st century CE. In 625 CE.
During the Spanish conquest of Yucatán Spanish friars established two Roman Catholic churches here, but a Maya revolt drove the Spanish out. 
Lamanai: The Ancient Mayan City of Submerged Crocodile
Introduction to Lamanai
Lamanai, one of the most significant and well-preserved Mayan archaeological sites in Belize, is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Maya civilization. The name "Lamanai" translates to "Submerged Crocodile," reflecting the site's deep connection with both the surrounding natural environment and the symbolism revered by the Maya. Located in the Orange Walk District, Lamanai is nestled on the banks of the New River Lagoon, providing a unique combination of archaeological wonders and lush tropical landscapes.
The History and Significance of Lamanai
Lamanai is one of the longest continuously occupied Mayan cities, with evidence of habitation dating back over 3,000 years, from around 1500 BCE to the 17th century CE. The site's extended occupation, which spans the Preclassic, Classic, and Postclassic periods, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding the development and evolution of Mayan society over time.
Unlike many other Mayan cities that were abandoned or diminished in significance after the collapse of the Classic Maya civilization around 900 CE, Lamanai continued to thrive. The city's strategic location along the New River facilitated trade and communication with other Mayan cities and cultures in the region, contributing to its resilience and longevity.
Lamanai's name, "Submerged Crocodile," is thought to be connected to the abundant crocodile population in the nearby waters and the site's ceremonial significance. The crocodile was a potent symbol in Mayan culture, representing the earth, fertility, and a connection to the underworld. This connection is reflected in the numerous crocodile motifs found in the site's architecture and artifacts.
The Layout and Architecture of Lamanai
Lamanai is spread over a vast area, with its core structures concentrated around a series of plazas connected by causeways. The city is notable for its monumental architecture, including temples, palaces, residential complexes, and ceremonial platforms. The site's architecture demonstrates the advanced engineering and construction techniques of the Maya, as well as their ability to integrate structures into the natural landscape.
- The Jaguar Temple (Structure N10-9)
- One of the most iconic structures at Lamanai is the Jaguar Temple, named for the jaguar masks that adorn its façade. This temple is believed to have been constructed during the Late Classic period (600-900 CE) and served as a ceremonial center. The temple's design features a stepped pyramid with a series of terraces leading to the summit, where rituals and offerings would have been conducted. The jaguar motifs, representing power and authority, highlight the temple's importance in the political and religious life of Lamanai.
- The High Temple (Structure N10-43)
- The High Temple, one of the tallest structures at Lamanai, stands at approximately 33 meters (108 feet) and offers a commanding view of the surrounding jungle and New River Lagoon. This temple, constructed during the Late Preclassic period (300 BCE - 250 CE), is a testament to the architectural prowess of the early Maya. The steep ascent to the temple's summit suggests that it was used for important religious ceremonies, possibly involving astronomical observations or offerings to the gods. Climbing to the top of the High Temple is a popular activity for visitors, providing a sense of the grandeur and scale of the ancient city.
- The Mask Temple (Structure N9-56)
- The Mask Temple, another prominent structure at Lamanai, is named for the large stucco masks that flank its central stairway. These masks, which depict the face of a Mayan ruler or deity, are among the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Mayan art at the site. The temple dates to the Early Classic period (250-600 CE) and reflects the Maya's sophisticated understanding of art, symbolism, and cosmology. The masks' intricate design and detailed craftsmanship provide insight into the religious and political significance of the temple within the Lamanai community.
- Residential and Ceremonial Complexes
- In addition to the monumental temples, Lamanai features several residential and ceremonial complexes that offer a glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Maya. These structures, which include plazas, ball courts, and residential platforms, were used for a variety of purposes, from religious ceremonies to communal gatherings. The ball courts, in particular, highlight the importance of the Mesoamerican ball game in Mayan culture, serving both as a sport and a ritualized form of conflict resolution.
- The Spanish Church and Colonial Influence
- One of the unique aspects of Lamanai is the presence of a 16th-century Spanish church, built during the early colonial period. The church, constructed by Spanish missionaries in an attempt to convert the local Maya population to Christianity, stands in stark contrast to the surrounding Mayan structures. The presence of the church and other colonial-era artifacts at Lamanai provides evidence of the interactions between the indigenous Maya and European colonizers. However, the resistance of the Maya to conversion and the eventual abandonment of the church by the Spanish highlight the resilience and cultural continuity of the Lamanai community.
Excavations and Discoveries
Archaeological work at Lamanai began in the early 20th century, but extensive excavations were carried out primarily in the latter half of the century. These excavations have revealed a wealth of information about the site's history, architecture, and the daily life of its inhabitants.
One of the most significant discoveries at Lamanai is the collection of crocodile effigies and other artifacts that reflect the site's symbolic connection to the reptile. These artifacts, which include pottery, jade, and stone carvings, provide insight into the religious beliefs and practices of the ancient Maya.
In addition to the crocodile motifs, archaeologists have uncovered a variety of artifacts that shed light on the trade networks, economy, and social structure of Lamanai. The discovery of ceramics, obsidian, and other trade goods suggests that Lamanai was a major hub in regional and long-distance trade routes, linking the city to other Mayan centers and Mesoamerican cultures.
Another notable discovery is the extensive burial sites found at Lamanai, which have provided valuable information about the mortuary practices, health, and social stratification of the ancient Maya. The burials, often accompanied by offerings of pottery, jewelry, and other goods, indicate the high status of certain individuals within the community and their connection to the religious and political elite.
The Natural Environment and Biodiversity
Lamanai's location along the New River Lagoon and within the lush rainforests of northern Belize provides a unique ecological setting that has remained largely undisturbed for centuries. The area's rich biodiversity, including its abundant birdlife, reptiles, and mammals, adds to the site's appeal for both archaeologists and nature enthusiasts.
The New River Lagoon, Belize's largest freshwater body, is home to a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles, turtles, and numerous fish species. The surrounding forests are inhabited by howler monkeys, jaguars, ocelots, and a diverse array of bird species, making Lamanai a popular destination for wildlife watching and eco-tourism.
The integration of Lamanai's architecture with its natural surroundings reflects the Maya's deep connection to the environment. The city's layout and construction demonstrate an understanding of the local topography, hydrology, and climate, allowing the Maya to build a sustainable and thriving community over millennia.
Visiting Lamanai
Lamanai is accessible primarily by boat, with the journey up the New River being an adventure in itself. The boat ride from Orange Walk Town to Lamanai offers visitors a chance to see the diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes of northern Belize. The approach to the site by river also provides a sense of the ancient Maya's reliance on waterways for transportation, trade, and communication.
Once at Lamanai, visitors can explore the site through a network of well-maintained trails that lead to the major structures and plazas. Guided tours are available, offering insight into the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the site. The site also features a visitor center with exhibits on the archaeology and history of Lamanai, as well as a small museum displaying artifacts uncovered during excavations.
Climbing the temples, particularly the High Temple and Jaguar Temple, is a popular activity for visitors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and lagoon. The experience of standing atop these ancient structures, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, provides a powerful connection to the history and spirituality of the Maya.
For those interested in birdwatching and wildlife, Lamanai offers a unique opportunity to see a variety of species in their natural habitat. The early morning and late afternoon are particularly good times for observing birds, including toucans, parrots, and herons, as well as other wildlife such as howler monkeys and iguanas.
Preservation and Conservation Efforts
Lamanai, like many other archaeological sites, faces challenges related to preservation and conservation. The tropical climate, with its high humidity and rainfall, can accelerate the deterioration of ancient structures and artifacts. In addition, the encroachment of modern development and agriculture poses a threat to the surrounding environment and the integrity of the site.
Efforts to preserve Lamanai are ongoing, with collaboration between the Belizean government, international organizations, and local communities. These efforts include the stabilization and restoration of structures, the protection of the surrounding rainforest, and the promotion of sustainable tourism practices. Education and community involvement are also key components of conservation efforts, ensuring that future generations can continue to learn from and enjoy this remarkable site
🇺🇸 CASTILLO SAN MARCOS
🇺🇸 CASTILLO SAN MARCOS, St Augustine Florida
The Castillo de San Marcos is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United Statesand is located on the western shore of Matanzas Bay in the city of St. Augustine, Florida. The Castillo was designed by the Spanish engineer Ignacio Daza and construction begn in 1672, 107 years after the city's founding by Spanish Admiral and conquistador Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, when Florida was part of the Spanish Empire.
Castillo de San Marcos was for many years the northernmost outpost of Spain's vast New World empire. It is the oldest masonry fort and the best-preserved ex-ample of a Spanish colonial fortification in the continental United States. It anchored East Florida's defenses, which extended northward to the St. Marys River, westward to the St. Johns, and southward to Fort Matanzas. It protected St. Augustine from pirate raids and from Spain's major rival, Great Britain, during a time when the Florida-Georgia-Carolina coastline was an explosive international battleground.
![When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763 pursuant to the Treaty of Paris, St. Augustine became the capital of British East Florida, and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark[8] until the Peace of Paris (1783) when Florida was transferred back to Spain and the fort's original name restored. In 1819, Spain signed the Adams–Onís Treaty which ceded Florida to the United States in 1821; consequently, the fort was designated a United States Army base and renamed Fort Marion, in honor of American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The fort was declared a National Monument in 1924, and after 251 years of continuous military possession, was deactivated in 1933. The 20.48-acre (8.29 ha) site was subsequently turned over to the United States National Park Service. In 1942 the original name, Castillo de San Marcos, was restored by an Act of Congress.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/castillossanmarcos-1024x637.jpg)
The roots of the Castillo's history reach back to the years just after Christopher Columbus's final transatlantic voyage, when conquistadors carved out a vast and wealthy overseas empire for Spain, first in the Caribbean and then on the mainlands of Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. Products of these tropical and mountainous territories brought high prices on the Continent, and Spanish galleons sailed home laden with exotic dyes, sugar, tobacco, chocolate, pearls, hardwoods, and silver and gold. These so-called "treasure fleets" made Spain the most powerful and envied nation in Renaissance Europe.
Thanks to the travels of Ponce de Leon in 1513, Spanish navigators knew that the best return route from Spain's rich Caribbean possessions was along the Gulf Stream, through the Bahama Channel, and past the shores of Florida. The Spanish knew they must defend this peninsula to prevent enemies from using its harbors as havens from which to raid the passing treasure fleets.
In 1513 Spain claimed Florida through the expedition of Ponce de Leon, but France gained the first foothold there by establishing Fort Caroline on the St. Johns River in 1564. Seeing this as both a challenge to Spain's claims and a menace to the treasure fleets, King Philip II sent an expedition under Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles to eliminate the French threat and establish settlements in Florida. It arrived at the mouth of the St. Johns River in September 1565.
After attempting unsuccessfully to board the French ships anchored there, Menendez sailed to a harbor farther south and established St. Augustine as a base for further operations. Almost immediately a French fleet sailed south to attack. But the ships were driven southward and wrecked by a violent storm and the mission failed. Realizing that Fort Caroline would be lightly guarded, the Spaniards marched north, captured the fort, and executed most of the inhabitants.
The same fate befell survivors from the French fleet, whom the Spaniards captured and killed at an inlet 14 miles south of St. Augustine. The episode gave a name to the area: Matanzas, Spanish for "slaughters."
England became Spain's next contender for Florida. The Spanish had watched the English warily ever since Sir Francis Drake attacked and burned St. Augustine in 1586. They became even more watchful after English-men settled Jamestown in 1607. British pirates sacked St. Augustine again in 1668, and this hit-and-run attack, followed by the English settlement of Charleston in 1670, caused Spain to build the Castillo de San Marcos.
Begun in 1672 and completed by 1695, the Castillo replaced nine successive wooden fortifications that had protected St. Augustine since its founding. The fort's commanding location on the west bank of Matanzas Bay allowed its guns to protect not only the harbor entrance but the ground to the north against a land attack.
The Castillo's baptism of fire came in 1702 during the War of the Spanish Succession, when the English occupied St. Augustine and unsuccessfully besieged the fort for 50 days. The English burned the town before they left, but the Castillo emerged unscathed, thereby making it a symbolic link between the old St. Augustine of 1565 and the new city that rose from the ashes.
When Britain gained control of Florida in 1763 pursuant to the Treaty of Paris, St. Augustine became the capital of British East Florida, and the fort was renamed Fort St. Mark[8] until the Peace of Paris (1783) when Florida was transferred back to Spain and the fort's original name restored. In 1819, Spain signed the Adams–Onís Treaty which ceded Florida to the United States in 1821; consequently, the fort was designated a United States Army base and renamed Fort Marion, in honor of American Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. The fort was declared a National Monument in 1924, and after 251 years of continuous military possession, was deactivated in 1933. The 20.48-acre (8.29 ha) site was subsequently turned over to the United States National Park Service. In 1942 the original name, Castillo de San Marcos, was restored by an Act of Congress.
Castillo SAN MARCOS Timeline
- 1513 Sailing from Puerto Rico, Spanish claim Florida.
- 1565 Spanish found St. Augustine and destroy French at Fort Caroline and Matanzas Inlet.
- 1672 Ground is broken on October 2 for Castillo de San Marcos.
- 1695 Castillo de San Marcos (curtain walls, bastions, living quarters, moat, ravelin, and sea-wall) is finished in August.
- 1702 War of the Spanish Succession pits Spain and France against Austria, Great Britain, and others. Coastal Georgia missions are destroyed by Carolinians en route to St. Augustine. Carolinians occupy and burn St. Augustine but the Castillo successfully resists their siege.
- 1738 Spanish governor at St. Augustine grants freedom to runaway British slaves. Black families settle at new town called Fort Mose.
- 1740 St. Augustine successfully endures siege by British, Georgian, and South Carolinian forces. Spanish attack and de-feat British Highland troops camped at Fort Mose.
- 1740-42 Fort Matanzas is built to block southern approach to St. Augustine.
- 1756-62 Fort Mose re-built in masonry. Earth-works at Mose extended to complete northern-most defense.
- 1763 Peace of Paris gives Florida to Great Britain in exchange for La Habana. Castillo becomes known as Fort St. Mark.
- 1783 Peace of Paris recognizes independence of the United States and returns Florida to Spain.
- 1821 Spain cedes Florida to the United States.
- 1825 Castillo de San Marcos renamed Fort Marion.
- 1924 Fort Marion and Fort Matanzas are proclaimed national monuments
- 1933 Transferred to the National Parks Service
- 1942 Original name Castillo San Marcos is restored
GET THERE BY YACHT
Sierra de San Francisco Murals 🇲🇽 Mexico
Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco 🇲🇽 BAJA CALIFORNIA Mexico
From c. 100 B.C. to A.D. 1300, the Sierra de San Francisco (in the El Vizcaino reserve, in Baja California) was home to a people who have now disappeared but who left one of the most outstanding collections of rock paintings in the world. They are remarkably well-preserved because of the dry climate and the inaccessibility of the site.
The central part of Baja California peninsula is a region of Mexico that concentrates one of the most extraordinary repertoires of rock art in the country, the Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco. The region is insular-like and kept the native peoples relatively isolated from continental influences, allowing the development of local cultural complex. One of the most significant features of the peninsular prehistory is the mass production of rock art since ancient times and the development of rock art tradition of the Great Murals.
The Sierra de San Francisco is the mountain range which concentrates the most spectacular and best preserved Great Mural sites, scale wise one of the largest prehistoric rock art sites in the world. Hundreds of rock shelters, and sometimes huge panels with hundreds and even thousands of brightly painted figures, are found in a good state of conservation. The style is essentially realistic and is dominated by depictions of human figures and marine and terrestrial fauna, designed in red, black, white and yellow, which illustrate the relationship between humans and their environment, and reveal a highly sophisticated culture. The paintings are found on both the walls and roofs of rock shelters in the sides of ravines that are difficult of access. Those in the San Francisco area are divided into four main groups – Guadalupe, Santa Teresa, San Gregorio and Cerritos. The most important sites are Cueva del Batequì, Cueva de la Navidad, Cerro de Santa Marta, Cueva de la Soledad, Cueva de las Flechas and Grutas del Brinco.
The landscape of the area is another significant attribute, understood as the extensive physical space in which, through rock art, the thoughts of their early dwellers, hunter-gatherers people who living here from the terminal Pleistocene (10,000 BP) until the arrival of Jesuit missionaries in the late seventeenth century, are expressed.
North of San Ignacio lies a mountain wilderness, the deeply eroded remains of layer upon layer of volcanic outpourings. This rugged mass rises from the surrounding desert to heights of more than 5,000 feet and covers an area 35 miles from north to south and half of that from east to west. From its uplands, there are views west to Scammon’s Lagoon and the Vizcaíno Desert, northwest to the even taller Sierra de San Borja, and east to the abrupt eminences of Las Tres Vírgenes, taller and more recent volcanos that tower in front of the Gulf. The sierra embraces a world that would never be suspected from the low, barren lands outside. Groves of palms and pools of water are set between walls of vertical grandeur water-carved from rich-colored rock. A few ranches, built by rustic and hospitable people, nestle near the few water sources. Here also are the grandest reminders of the Painters, corridors decorated by their hands and haunted by their spirits.
Showing human figures and many animal species and illustrating the relationship between humans and their environment, the paintings reveal a highly sophisticated culture. Their composition and size, as well as the precision of the outlines and the variety of colors, but especially the number of sites, make this an impressive testimony to a unique artistic tradition.
Cultural traditions, with roots back to the XVIII century, persist and the Sierra has a strong social value in the role that culture plays in the preservation of the traditional links between mountain communities and the South Californians and Mexicans in general.
Integrity
The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco encompass an area of 183, 956 ha, where more than 400 sites have been recorded, the most important of them within the reserve, near San Francisco and Mulege, over 250 in all. The inscribed property contains an exceptional repertoire of rock art that convey its Outstanding Universal Value. The sites have remained virtually intact and still have a good state of conservation. The integrity of rock painting sites and their surroundings has been maintained largely due to the situation of isolation and the low population density that prevails in the region.
Protection and management requirements
The Rock Paintings of the Sierra de San Francisco are protected by the 1972 Federal Law on Historic, Archaeological and Artistic Monuments and Zones and fall under the protective and research jurisdiction of National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). In addition, the property is entirely within the Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve; which grants it with additional protection. The Management Plan has been in operation since 1994 and has proved a successful strategy in the administration of cultural resources of the property. This model emphasizes the importance of defining the meaning of this heritage site, so that all management strategies are consistently directed toward the preservation of the values that make it important. Another key feature is the total involvement of all those groups that have an interest in the area under discussion. The Management Plan focuses on issues such as mitigation of the impact of visitors on sites and control and monitor of access. Some measures included the installation of reversible infrastructure in seven of the most visited rock painting sites and the definition of authorized access paths, the areas open to the public or restricted, and four levels of access for tourists. This system allows visitors to experience a wide range of sites and at the same time protects the majority of those who are very well preserved. In this sense the most popular sites have remained open under this Management Plan. Threats remain that have to be addressed, including those derived from the proposals to construct roads within the protected area which would jeopardize the existing integrity between the landscape and the rock art sites.
The medium and long term management expectations include obtaining additional legal protection through the presidential declaration of the area; allocating permanent custodian positions to improve monitoring, enhance the administrative and technological infrastructure of Sierra de San Francisco Information Unit located in San Ignacio town, capacity building for the custodians and guides and improvement of low-impact infrastructure for services.
more at https://www.bradshawfoundation.com/baja/great_mural_styles/index.php
JOIN THE OCEAN POSSE TO CRUISE AND SAIL 🇲🇽 THE SEA OF CORTES
Introduction
Nestled in the heart of Baja California, Mexico, the Sierra de San Francisco is home to some of the most remarkable and enigmatic prehistoric rock art in the world. The murals of Sierra de San Francisco, created by the ancient Cochimi people, offer a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich cultural history and prehistoric life. These murals are not just artistic expressions but are also a testament to the spiritual and social fabric of the ancient inhabitants.
Historical Background
The rock art of Sierra de San Francisco dates back to at least 1,000 BCE and continued to be created until the arrival of Europeans in the 18th century. The Cochimi, who were hunter-gatherers, are believed to have created these murals as part of their spiritual and social rituals. The Sierra de San Francisco murals were first brought to wider attention by European explorers in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
In 1989, UNESCO recognized the cultural significance of these murals by designating them a World Heritage Site. This designation has helped protect the site and promote it as an essential destination for historians, archaeologists, and travelers alike.
Geographical Setting
The Sierra de San Francisco is part of the Baja California Peninsula’s central mountain range. This rugged and remote area is characterized by steep canyons, dramatic cliffs, and arid desert landscapes. The isolation of the region has helped preserve the murals in a relatively untouched state, offering an authentic glimpse into the ancient world.
The rock art is located in numerous caves and rock shelters scattered throughout the region. Accessing these sites often requires a challenging journey by foot or mule, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery for visitors.
Artistic and Cultural Significance
The murals of Sierra de San Francisco are renowned for their size, complexity, and vivid colors. They depict a variety of subjects, including human figures, animals, and abstract symbols. The human figures are often shown in dynamic poses, engaging in activities such as hunting, dancing, and ritual ceremonies. Animals such as deer, rabbits, mountain lions, and birds are also frequently depicted, reflecting their importance in the daily life and spiritual beliefs of the Cochimi.
The use of color in these murals is particularly striking. The artists employed natural pigments derived from minerals and plants to create red, black, white, and yellow hues. These colors have remained remarkably vibrant over the millennia, a testament to the skill and knowledge of the ancient artists.
The murals are more than mere decorations; they are believed to have held significant spiritual and ceremonial importance. Many researchers suggest that the art was created as part of religious rituals, possibly to ensure successful hunts, invoke protection, or celebrate important community events.
Key Sites and Murals
Several key sites within the Sierra de San Francisco stand out for their exceptional rock art. Here are some of the most notable:
- Cueva del Ratón: This cave is one of the most accessible and well-known sites in the Sierra de San Francisco. The murals here depict a variety of human and animal figures in vivid colors, with some scenes showing groups of people engaged in what appears to be a ritual dance. The sheer scale and detail of the artwork make it a must-see for visitors.
- Cueva Pintada: Known as the “Painted Cave,” this site contains some of the most intricate and detailed murals in the region. The artwork here features large human figures adorned with headdresses and intricate patterns, suggesting a high degree of social and ceremonial importance.
- Cueva de las Flechas: This site is famous for its depiction of hunting scenes. The murals show human figures armed with bows and arrows, hunting deer and other animals. The dynamic poses and detailed rendering of the figures provide a fascinating insight into the hunting practices of the ancient Cochimi.
- Cueva de San Borjitas: This cave contains some of the oldest known murals in the region, with some estimates dating the artwork to around 7,500 years old. The murals here are notable for their abstract designs and symbols, which continue to intrigue researchers and archaeologists.
Preservation and Conservation
Preserving the Sierra de San Francisco murals is a critical concern for both the Mexican government and international organizations. The remote location of the murals has helped shield them from much of the damage caused by human activity, but they are still vulnerable to natural erosion and the impact of increasing tourism.
Efforts to protect the murals include restricting access to certain sites, providing guided tours to minimize damage, and educating visitors about the cultural and historical significance of the art. Local guides, often descendants of the Cochimi people, play a vital role in these conservation efforts by sharing their knowledge and fostering a deeper appreciation for the murals.
UNESCO’s designation of the area as a World Heritage Site has also been instrumental in securing funding and support for ongoing preservation efforts. These initiatives aim to ensure that the murals remain a source of cultural and historical knowledge for future generations.
Visitor Experience
Visiting the Sierra de San Francisco murals is a unique and rewarding experience, combining the thrill of exploration with the opportunity to connect with ancient history. The journey to the murals often involves traveling by mule or on foot through rugged terrain, offering a sense of adventure and a chance to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the region.
Local guides provide invaluable insights into the history and significance of the murals, enhancing the visitor experience with stories and explanations that bring the artwork to life. Many tours also include visits to traditional Cochimi settlements, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
The Future of the Sierra de San Francisco Murals
The future of the Sierra de San Francisco murals depends on a delicate balance between preserving these ancient treasures and promoting them as a cultural and tourist attraction. Sustainable tourism practices, ongoing conservation efforts, and increased awareness of the murals’ significance are all crucial to ensuring their survival.
As researchers continue to study the murals, new discoveries and insights are likely to emerge, further enriching our understanding of the ancient Cochimi people and their world. The murals of Sierra de San Francisco stand as a testament to human creativity and resilience, offering a window into a distant past that continues to inspire and captivate those who visit.
THE JOURNEY TO GET THERE – STAY AT PUERTO ESCONDIDO MARINA IN THE SEA OF CORTEZ
The journey to see the murals is an adventure in itself, offering stunning natural landscapes and a deep connection to the past. Through ongoing preservation efforts and sustainable tourism practices, we can ensure that these ancient masterpieces remain a source of wonder and inspiration for generations to come. The murals of Sierra de San Francisco are not just a testament to a lost civilization but a celebration of human creativity and the enduring power of art to transcend time.
🇺🇸 Fort Jefferson
🇺🇸 Fort Jefferson - Dry Tortugas
Bird Key Anchorage @ 24° 37.3033' N 82°52.7833' W
Dry Tortugas and Fort Jefferson lies about 60 nm due west of Key West
In 1513, Ponce de León led the first known European expedition to La Florida, which he named during his first voyage to the area and discovered the islands in 1513 and named them for the tortoises (Spanish tortugas) that abounded there.
In 1521, Ponce de León returned to southwest Florida with the first large-scale attempt to establish a Spanish colony in what is now the continental United States. However, the native Calusa people fiercely resisted the incursion, and he was seriously wounded in a skirmish. The colonization attempt was abandoned, and died from his wounds soon after returning to Cuba.
In 1821 Spain sold Florida to the United States for $5 million (Florida Purchase Treaty which remained in full effect for a whopping 183 days) and about 5 years later lighthouse was constructed on Garden Key in the dry Tortugas
During that time U.S. Navy Commodore David Porter inspected the Dry Tortugas island
s as he was on the lookout for a site for a naval station that would help suppress piracy in the Caribbean.
While Commodore Porter thought the Dry Tortugas were unfit for a naval station. He commanded a number of U.S. naval ships, including the famous USS Constitution and saw service in the First Barbary War. Porter was later court martialed and resigned and then -
joined and became commander-in-chief of the MEXICAN NAVY and inspired the songs "Hey Joe" and "I'm on the Mexican radio" (bad joke)
In 1829, under recommendations from Commodore John Rodgers, the survey ship Florida stopped at the Dry Tortugas to evaluate the anchorage. Contrary to Commodore Porter's experience, Josiah Tattnall was delighted with what he found. It consisted of 11 small keys and surrounding reefs and banks, over which the sea broke. There was an outer and an inner harbor which afforded a safe anchorage during all seasons and was large enough to let a large number of ships ride at anchor. The Dry Tortugas would constitute the advance post for a defense of the Gulf Coast.
300 years after Ponce's discovery it was of course prisoners, soldiers and hundreds of slaves who built the park’s centerpiece Fort Jefferson which constitues the largest all-masonry fortification in the Americas and is the largest brick masonry structure composed of over 16 million bricks. At 400 bricks per day it takes a lot of manpower ( 40,000 days to be exact ) to build as this building covers 16 acres. Among United States forts, only Fort Monroe in Virginia and Fort Adams in Rhode Island are larger.
Enslaved African Americans were responsible for the most difficult tasks at Fort Jefferson. They labored ten hours a day, six days a week. Using little more than wheelbarrows they offloaded arriving ships. The 16 million bricks were used in the fort’s construction. Perhaps their most arduous task was collecting and transporting large quantities of coral rock from nearby islands. This coral material served as the main ingredient in forming coral concrete, a vital component in the fort’s construction. Several of the enslaved men were permitted to bring their wives with them. These women often served as cooks and laundresses
One amazing story is that of an escape covered in the underground railroad documentation
ESCAPING
Early on July 10, 1847, under the cover of darkness, seven freedom seekers named Jerry, Jack, John, George, Ephraim, Howard and Robert fled Garden Key. They took with them every vessel that could float, a brilliant move that greatly reduced the risk of being pursued and captured. Without being detected the seven men removed the schooners Union, Virginia, and b, and a small boat belonging to the Garden Key lighthouse keeper.
Soon after fleeing Garden Key and entering the Loggerhead Channel, they disabled and abandoned the Virginia, the Activa, and the lighthouse keeper’s boat by cutting and smashing their hulls. Their escape went completely undetected until daylight when the boats and men were reported missing. Minutes later the Union was spotted from the Garden Key Lighthouse. By 7:00 AM, the group had traveled fifteen miles, and were spotted three miles west of Loggerhead Key heading south.
THE PURSUIT
With Lieutenant H.G. Wright away on business in Key West, Dr. Daniel W. Whitehurst, his second in command, organized the pursuit. Because of the freedom seekers’ thoroughness, only one old condemned vessel, the Victor, remained near the island. Work on refastening and caulking the Victor began immediately, and within two hours the vessel was repaired and outfitted.
By 9:00 AM the repaired Victor started in pursuit. On board were eight men led by lighthouse keeper Captain John Thompson. Since there was no wind, oars were hastily made and the men began an exhausting chase. Four hours later they had closed to within three miles of the Union. The freedom seekers, after making several course changes, hauled down the jib of the Union, cut away both masts, and disabled the rudder. At approximately 2:00 PM they scrambled into a small boat from the Activa and began “pulling to the southward with great force.” On board they carried a compass, clothing, spyglass, axes, and a small barrel of water.
Thompson and his crew continued the pursuit for several more hours until they lost sight of the lighthouse. Concerned because of a rapidly developing storm, the crew of the Victor returned to Garden Key by midnight. As the weather continued to deteriorate, Dr. Whitehurst waited and pondered the fate of the escapees. Understandably impressed with the careful planning and execution of the escape attempt, he speculated that their destination was the Bahamas
The Capture
The seven freedom seekers survived the powerful storm, but their hazardous journey was only beginning. They traveled eastward through the Straits of Florida where they were spotted two days later by a local captain near the island of Key Vacas, nearly 120 miles east of the Dry Tortugas.
An alarm was spread on Key Vacas, and several vessels began chase. The following day the boat was discovered on the beach at Long Key several miles to the east. Coming ashore, the pursuers began firing their weapons in an effort to frighten the fleeing men. To avoid capture, the freedom seekers ran for the beach on the other side of the island, near Indian Key, and then desperately fled into the water. The chase finally came to an end as a boat from the sloop Key West picked the fleeing men from the water and took them to Key West.
After an exhausting journey, the men had ultimately failed in their quest for freedom. Two leaders in the group were returned to their owners, and the remaining five men were sent back to Fort Jefferson
By 1863, with the arrival of hundreds of military convicts (sentenced to perform hard labor), the use of enslaved peoples was discontinued at this remote outpost. African Americans returned two years later, not in bondage, but as soldiers.
No longer denied their freedom, by 1865 African Americans had become the guardians of freedom.
Although the fort was never fully completed, it remained active throughout the Civil War and later housed prisoners – mainly Union deserters until 1873 – before being turned over to the Marine Hospital Service in 1888. The area around Fort Jefferson became a National Monument in 1935, and finally a national park in 1992.
The park can be reached only by boat or seaplane. Its waters contain abundant and varied marine life, including three species of sea turtles. Thousands of migrating birds stop at or nest on the islands. For Birders of note is a large flock of sooty terns that nests on Bush Key each spring and summer.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are two routes from Key West, one running north of the Marquesas Keys, Half-Moon Shoal and Rebecca Shoal, and the other going to the south. Both routes are about the same distance and easy to navigate with sat chartlets and provide good protection.
A shallow reef completely surrounds the southern main anchorage, protecting vessels from waves, if not the wind. The bottom is marl, so use your big-boy anchor and a lot of chain to prevent dragging during high, sustained winds.
“Public visiting hours” are a good time to stay away and wait for the ferry and seaplanes to leave an important part of your daily Dry Tortugas routine, providing a fairly high-end but nominally-priced lunch buffet, ice-cold drinks, clean heads, garbage drop-off and freshwater showers!
TO JOIN THE PANAMA POSSE WHICH FOCUSES ON FINDING INSPIRING DESTINATIONS FOR YOU AND YOUR VESSEL
SIGN UP FOR THE PANAMA POSSE
🇲🇽 YAXCHILAN
Yaxchilan is an ancient Maya city located on the bank of the Usumacinta River in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. During the height of its power the kings of Yaxchilan built gleaming temples, pyramids, and luxurious palaces clustered along the grand plaza and was one of the most powerful Maya states along the course of the Usumacinta River, with Piedras Negras as its major rival. Architectural styles demonstrate clear differences that mark a clear boundary between the two kingdoms.
In 1882 archeologist Desire Charnay named it City Lorilla but Yaxchilan was a large center, important throughout the Classic era, and the dominant power over such smaller sites as Bonampak and was a rival of Palenque, with which Yaxchilan warred in 654.
The site is particularly known for its well-preserved sculptured stone lintels set above the doorways of the main structures which contain hieroglyphic texts describing the dynastic history of the city.
Yaxchilan is located on the south bank of the Usumacinta River at the apex of a horseshoe-shaped river bend.
This loop defends the site on all sides except for a narrow land approach from the south. This natural barrier protected the city from invasion from outside forces. However, the river was in a high flood stage during the six month rainy season, during this time Yaxchilan became an island due to the swiftly flowing waters of the engorged river which encompassed the city. An all-weather passage across the treacherous river was a necessity in order to gain access to the farmlands to the north of the city.
Yaxchilan had long been known to include an unusual raised terrace beside the river and pier in the river; these structures were long theorized to be the remains of a bridge thought to have been a suspension bridge built by the Maya across the River. If so, it would have been the longest bridge discovered in the ancient world. Yaxchilan required a dependable passageway to provide an uninterrupted flow of traffic across the river on a year-round basis.
The prevailing theory is by constructing a 100-meter long suspension bridge featuring three spans extended from a platform on the grand plaza of Yaxchilan crossing the river to the northern shore. This span would be the longest in the world until the construction of the Italian Trezzo sull'Adda Bridge in 1377 and this unique feat of engineering has been virtually reconstructed by computer by archaeoengineering techniques by Engineer James A O'Kon PE. Results of this hypothesis were presented to the archaeological and engineering world in the pages of National Geographic magazine in 1995.
The First Panama Posse gang to visit Yaxchilan was SV RESPITE / MY CROSSROADS AND SV CARINTHIA utilizing local knowledge by LUIS a Chiapas based bilingual tour-guide which still operates in the area. The Area and adjacent world heritage sites are bets accessed via a multi-day excursion from Marina Chiapas a sponsor of the Panama Posse.
MY CROSSROADS
🇳🇮 Granada
🇳🇮 Granada is a stunning city on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and historically one of Nicaragua's most important cities, economically and politically.
Granada had a thriving Indigenous population, but in 1524 Francisco Córdoba a Spanish conquistador the city was renamed Granada
and registered as a city in official records of the Crown of Aragon, and the Kingdom of Castile in Spain.
It’s home to multiple Spanish colonial landmarks that have survived repeated pirate invasions.
The city’s main plaza, Central Park, is dominated by the colorful, neoclassical facade of the Cathedral of Granada, originally dating to 1583.
The Centro Cultural Convent San Francisco nearby is famed for its displays of per-Columbian statues.
Granada, Nicaragua was the sister capital to Antigua in Guatemala. During the colonial period, Granada maintained a flourishing level of commerce with ports on the Atlantic Ocean, through Lake Nicaragua ( Lago Cocibolca) and the San Juan River. As such the city was victim to many battles with invasions from English, French and Dutch pirates trying to take control by sailing up the San Juan River.
It was also where American William Walker attempted to take control of Central America as a ruling president. One of his generals, Charles Frederick Henningsen, set the city ablaze before escaping, destroying much of the ancient city and leaving printed the words "Here was Granada".
Agriculture around Granada is reflected by dry forests and humid forests which grow on the sides of the nearby 1,344 meter high Mombacho volcano. The volcano is also home to a wide array of wildlife. The lake is also home to many creatures, both marine and freshwater creatures. It is the only freshwater lake in the world where sharks live.
The Midas cichlid, native to the San Juan River basin in Nicaragua and Costar Rica, is now recognized as a species complex with dozens of species, most or all of them inhabiting extremely reduced ranges. Fishing in the lake is plentyful and fishermen regularly catch guapote and mojarras, as well as sardines.
Granada's restaurants have received international recognition by newspapers like the New York Times.
Not only do they serve a wide variety of delicious foods, but they seek to do so in a manner that is sustainable and beneficial to the larger community. Granada is quickly becoming a central hub for excursions to other areas of Nicaragua and Central America so if you are in the region, stop by one of the restaurants mentioned on this list for a taste of Latin American hospitality
- The Garden Cafe
- Cafe de los Sueños
- Cafe De Arte
- Miss Dell’s Kitchen
- Bocadillos Tapas Kitchen & Bar
- Monna Lisa
To stay overnight you can book any of these lovely boutique hotels
You can access this world heritage site from the Marina Puesta del Sol in an easy day trip via rental car -
stay a few days to soak in the magnificent history and culture.
Coronado San Diego Bay 🇺🇸 California USA
Coronado San Diego Bay 🇺🇸 California USA
CORONADO is a vibrant community with historic and present day navy heritage and offers a rich history. Just over the bridge from San Diego is this small, tree-lined beach haven island, which is really a peninsula connected to the mainland by a neck of land named the Silver Strand.
San Diego land boom
In the mid-1880s, the San Diego region was in the midst of one of its first real estate booms. At that time, it was common for a developer to build a grand hotel as a draw for what would otherwise be a barren landscape.
Coronado Beach Company
In November 1885, five investors went together to buy all of Coronado and North Island, approximately 4,000 acres and in April 1886, Babcock and Story created the Coronado Beach Company, after which they established a number of additional enterprises to support the development of Coronado. The Coronado Ferry Company built wharves and storage facilities and developed ferryboat service between Coronado and San Diego; The Coronado Water Company piped fresh water under San Diego Bay from the San Diego River; The Coronado Railroad Company provided rail lines in Coronado and eventually a "Belt Line" connected Coronado to San Diego via the Strand. Hotel del Coronado also boasted one of the largest electrical power plants in the state, providing service to the entire community of Coronado until the 1920s.
The men hired architect James W. Reid and his brother Watson Reid helped supervise the 2,000 laborers needed for the construction of the grand hotel.
" It would be built around a court... a garden of tropical trees, shrubs and flowers,... From the south end, the foyer should open to Glorietta Bay with verandas for rest and promenade. On the ocean corner, there should be a pavilion tower, and northward along the ocean, a colonnade, terraced in grass to the beach. The dining wing should project at an angle from the southeast corner of the court and be almost detached, to give full value to the view of the ocean, bay and city."
TREES ON CORONADO
There is a unique list of heritage trees on the island from many areas around the world.
- TORREY PINE / Pinus Torreyana is the rarest pine in the United States and is native to this area
Well-cared for, Coronado's Torreys grow to more than 50 feet in height. - STAR PINE located in Rotary Plaza was designated a Heritage Tree on April 3, 2008. This Araucaria Heterophylla is native to Norfolk Island in the SW Pacific and was transplanted to this location by Supt. Bandel in 1936.
- MORETON BAY FIG located adjacent to Star Park at 1121 Flora Avenue was designated a Heritage Tree on December 7, 2011. Ficus Macrophylla, native to northeastern Australia, has heavy buttressing trunks that spread to support a massive crown that can grow to more than 100 feet in diameter.
- FERN PINE / Afrocarpus Gracilior (previously known as podacarpus g.) are from eastern Africa.
- ITALIAN STONE PINE clearly visible from the streets is believed to be the largest in the City and was planted as a one foot Christmas tree in 1965. A native of southern Europe, Pinus Pinea grow well here, producing paired bright green needles in a dense umbrella shape.
- DEODAR CEDAR located in the second block of the Orange Avenue was planted in 1952 as one of the forty-two memorial trees to replace the trolley tracks that were removed after World War II. This Cedrus deodara, native to the Himalayas.
- SUGAR GUM is a stately Eucalyptus cladocalyx is representative of the Sugar Gums that were planted on this block at the beginning of the 20th century. Eucalyptus were imported from Australia soon after California's Gold Rush, 90% of them being Tasmanian Blue Gums. The Blue Gums are structurally weak and have other problems which these Sugar Gums lack.
- NORFOLK ISLAND PINE was designated a Heritage Tree on February 5, 2015. Araucaria heterophylla, sometimes called Star Pine, is native to a small beautiful southwest Pacific island. It grows wonderfully well and very tall in Coronado. This beautiful specimen about 100 years old is on the property of a historically designated home moved from Ocean Boulevard after the 1905 storm that washed away some of the boulevard.
DOG FRIENDLY BEACH
Voted one of America’s finest beaches Coronado is known for its pristine sandy beaches with sand courtesy of the mineral Mica.
You can even bring your four legged friends to North Beach, where dogs are allowed off-leash year round!
START STUDDED HISTORY
In 1958 a trio of actors checked into the Hotel Del Coronado to film what would become the most lauded comedy of all time – Billy Wilder’s SOME LIKE IT HOT.
A funny as hell screenplay with award-winning performances from screen legends Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe during what is said to be one of the happiest times in her life.
EXPENSIVE REAL ESTATE - NAVY SEAL HQ
Coronado is also home to some of the most expensive real estate per sqft in California with cultural attractions such as the world-famous, historic Hotel Del Coronado—visited by many U.S. Presidents and global dignitaries, the Coronado Museum of History and Art, and the U.S. Navy SEAL Headquarters.
MARINAS, FERRIES, BRIDGES AND ANCHORAGES
Public Docks
Glorietta Bay Marina is a Clean Marina Certified marina managed by California Yacht Marina.
Centrally located adjacent to the historic Hotel Del Coronado and Coronado's vibrant downtown mainstreet, Glorietta Bay Marina features brand new dock systems with 100 slips ranging in size from 20’ to 110’feet. Each slip includes electrical power, water and cable/internet connections. Showers, restrooms, and a coin operated laundry are provided on-site for tenants and guests.
The Glorietta Bay Marina offers both transient and permanent docks. There is currently a waitlist for dockage. For more information on slip availability and transient docking please contact California Yacht Marina at (619) 435-5203 or by email at gbm@californiayachtmarina.com.
THE CORONADO BRIDGE
In 1926, John D. Spreckels recommended that a bridge be built between San Diego and Coronado, but voters dismissed the plan. The U.S. Navy initially did not support a bridge that would span San Diego Bay to connect San Diego to Coronado. They feared a bridge could be collapsed by attack or an earthquake and trap the ships stationed at Naval Base San Diego.
In 1951–52, the Coronado City Council initiated plans for bridge feasibility studies. By 1964 the Navy supported a bridge if there was at least 200 feet (61 m) of clearance for ships which operate out of the nearby Naval Base San Diego to pass underneath it. To achieve this clearance with a reasonable grade, the bridge length was increased by taking a curved path, rather than a more direct path to Coronado. The clearance would allow an empty oil-fired aircraft carrier to pass beneath it
The principal architect was Robert Mosher. Construction on the San Diego–Coronado Bay Bridge started in February 1967. The bridge required 20,000 tons of steel and 94,000 cubic yards of concrete. To add the concrete girders, 900,000 cubic yards of fill was dredged and the caissons for the towers were drilled and blasted 100 feet into the bed of the bay. It is supported by 27 concrete girders, the longest ever made at the time of construction.
The center span of the Coronado Bay Bridge was designed to float in the event of a bombing, according to local urban legend. Though the 1,880-foot-long center section of the bridge is hollow, the circumstances that would allow it to fall 200 feet and somehow still float are beyond improbable.
FERRY FROM DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO
To get a across to Corando take a scenic boat ride across the bay to/from Coronado, aboard a piece of San Diego history with a scenic 15-minute ride to the Coronado Ferry Landing, a waterfront marketplace full of over 25 unique shops and restaurants, and convenient access to all that Coronado Island offers!
ANCHORAGES
Beginning July 1, 2021, the Port of San Diego’s Maritime Department will assume management responsibilities from the Harbor Police Department for anchorages on San Diego Bay, including the Glorietta Bay A5 anchorage, and the Port’s Shelter Island Guest Docks located at 1401 Shelter Island Drive on the southern end of Shelter Island at the entrance to the Shelter Island Yacht Basin.
The Port also provides two 72-hour anchorages and a “Cruiser Anchorage.” Aside from the management change, no additional changes are being made for the anchorages at this time. No fee is required to anchor in these areas; however, a permit is required. Permits for the A1 and A5 anchorages are still available online. For the A9 anchorage, permits still require a vessel inspection performed by a Harbor Police Officer and must be obtained in person at the Harbor Police substation located at 1401 Shelter Island Drive.
Anchorage locations are:
🇲🇽 COPPER CANON - BARRANCA DEL COBRE - EL CHEPE
🇲🇽 COPPER CANON - BARRANCA DEL COBRE - EL CHEPE
The Journey through the Copper Canyon by train is an experience of one of the most scenic train rides in the world. TAs El Chepe chugs along its 653 km (405 mi) of track, a journey which takes anywhere from 9 to 16 hours, it crosses over 37 bridges and through 86 tunnels. It crosses the Copper Canyon, called the Barranca del Cobre by Mexicans.
The Copper Canyon is one of Mexico's lesser-known gems. ...
is a group of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua
It is 65,000 sqk / 25,000 sqm in size.
The canyons were formed by six rivers that drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara (a part of the Sierra Madre Occidental).
![is a group of six distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico that is 65,000 square kilometres (25,000 sq mi) in size. The canyons were formed by six rivers that drain the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara (a part of the Sierra Madre Occidental). All six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Gulf of California. The walls of the canyon[1] are a copper/green color, which is the origin of the name.](https://oceanposse.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/coppercanon3-1024x548.jpg)
All six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into the Gulf of California. The walls of the canyon are a copper/green color, which is the origin of the name.
The Spanish arrived in the Copper Canyon area in the 17th century and encountered the indigenous locals throughout Chihuahua. For these New Spanish, America was a new land to explore for gold and silver and also to spread Christianity. The New Spanish named the people "Tarahumara", they encountered derived from the word Rarámuri, which is what the indigenous people call their men.
During the 17th century, silver was discovered by the Hispanic in the land of the Tarahumara tribe. Some were enslaved for mining efforts. There were small uprisings by the Tarahumara, but to little avail. They eventually were forced off the more desirable lands and up into the canyon cliffs.
The full journey takes either nine or sixteen hours
If you travel on the Chepe Express (Los Mochis to Creel and vice versa), your journey time will be nine hours, with the train leaving from Los Mochis at either 6am or 3.50pm. On the Chepe Regional (Los Mochis to Chihuahua and vice versa), the journey is around 16 hours from start to finish and the train leaves either Los Mochis or Chihuahua at 6am.
CLIMATE
The alpine climate of the mountainous regions of Copper Canyon has moderate temperatures from October to November and March to April. The bottom of the canyons are humid and warm and remain that way throughout the year. During the warmest months, April through June, drought is a chronic problem with little rainfall until July when the rainy season begins.
