S/Y Anastacia Circumnavigation We are a Swedish couple in their mid 50s who decided to live out our dream. This is our story. daily 1 https://sy-anastacia.skipperblogs.com Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 French Polynesia and the Tuamotus Malin <p class="MsoNormal">The sail from Nuku Hiva to the small atoll Kauehi in Tuamotu took four days and started with a surprisingly large pod of dolphins with over 50 individuals that joined us for an hour or so. We believe they were bottlenose dolphins. Wonderful to see! 😍 During the sail we had good wind but very variable weather. During the day we had strong sunshine and at night one small storm replaced another with so-called squalls which mean a sudden increase in wind that lasts for 15-20 minutes with thunder and sometimes rain. Neither the windvane nor the autopilot is able to keep the course during stronger squalls so you have to steer manually, follow the wind, and then slowly bring the boat back in the right direction. It was certainly good training because you learn to handle the boat in tougher weather but also tiring in the long run because we are alone on the shifts at night, when the other person is sleeping. At one point it rained so heavily that you couldn't even see the other side of the cockpit when you were at the helm. You just had to try to keep up, and steer the boat as best you could until it was all over. We also saw large illuminated ships at night without any AIS turned on, moving slowly a few nautical miles away. We suspected large trawlers that didn't want to be discovered. Later we also received confirmation that Chinese and Japanese fishing vessels are fishing illegally in Polynesian waters.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The entire Tuamotus consists of 78 atolls spread over an area that is about 2,000 km long. The atolls are all former underwater volcanoes that are now coral reefs. Kauehi is a small atoll that is relatively easy to get into and was therefore our beginner's choice 😊 The only entrance is on the southwest side of the atoll. We had managed to adjust the sailing so that there was just over an hour left until high tide when we reached the inlet and the current was about two knots into the atoll. We had a light wind against us which did not pose any major problems but we sailed through the mouth with some areas with "overfalls" and smaller so-called standing waves which are the result of when the current and waves/wind go in opposite directions. It was very deep both just outside and just inside the inlet. Once inside the atoll we noticed that it was much larger than we had first thought. It took us just over an hour to reach the northwestern, inhabited part. The rest of the atoll consists of reefs that are either just below the water surface or are lined with coconut palms. A strange feeling to sail into an old volcanic crater! Once we arrived at the village of Tearavero which is located at a shallower part of the lagoon we were lucky enough that the only remaining buoy was free and in good condition, so we moored at it. Apart from another sailboat that was in the same lagoon, we were the only visitors. The other boat turned out to belong to a Frenchman who had been in the area for 15 years!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kauehi has around 200 inhabitants. The village has everything you could need, shops, church, cemetery, school, a mayor, a small health centre etc. The island has also had its own small airport for a few years now, with flights 1-2 times a week. The main source of income comes from the coconut plantations owned by the various families on the atoll. There used to be pearl farms here, but these have now been closed down. Old pearl farm buoys are ideal for holding up the anchor chain (i.e. floating anchor chain) when anchoring near corals. With these buoys, the chain is kept slightly above the seabed and there is no risk of damaging the corals or getting stuck around the coral heads (boomies) when the boat turns around. We were looking to get hold of some of these buoys and to our delight got a couple from some kind villagers who had them in their gardens 😊We wanted to pay or exchange them for something, but they didn't want to hear about it!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We stayed a few days at Tearavero and enjoyed looking at the turquoise water with small darker boomies with small colorful reef fish. We got to know the retired captain Hiti who was born and raised on the island. He told us about his life and how he did his military service in the French navy as a young man. Throughout his adult life he has been a captain of cargo ships and traveled to many distant places. He knew all the islands and atolls in French Polynesia well. He himself thought that he and his wife were doing well in their nice house and were happy with their pension. We asked him how he viewed the issue of independence from France and he replied that few Polynesians talk about it out loud and the younger generation do not want to hear about completely freeing themselves from France. After all, France contributes economically and with infrastructure, education systems, etc., but the older generation may have a different view.<br> -We are not free, he said. Then he looked at us seriously and continued.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">- You know. During our military service, we were ordered to Moruroa 24 hours after they dropped the bomb. 24 hours! “It was nothing dangerous”, they said. We wondered. If it's not dangerous. Why don't they detonate the bombs in France? Why here? I remember what it looked like! Destruction everywhere, dead fish floating in the water...<br>Then he turned away and fell silent. We understood that this was hard to talk about, and didn't ask any more questions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hati changed the subject and told us that he now takes care of the family's coconut plantation and showed us his land and how to harvest the coconuts. He offered us fresh coconut water from still green coconuts. Then he showed us some young coconut palms that were only a year old. My grandchild planted these, he said and smiled broadly! He proudly told us about his children and grandchildren. The children were all well-educated. Some lived in Tahiti, others in France. None of them lived on the island, which is slowly being depopulated. On Kauehi, as on many other smaller islands, children go to school until they are around 10 years old. To continue their education (secondary school), they must be accommodated with a family in Tahiti, for example. If you don't know of a family the children can stay with, the parents may also have to move there and look for accommodation and support. Young Polynesians also choose to continue their studies at universities in France and it can be difficult to motivate themselves to move back to the island where the livelihoods are worse.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the little sightseeing, Hiti gave us two young coconuts to take on the boat and urged us to drink the water from them within a week because otherwise they would have time to go bad from being shaken around on the boat. He gave us advice on how to navigate into Fakarava, our next destination. When we asked if he knew the times for high and low tide for the next 24 hours, he said that nowadays he just went by what he had learned from his grandfather. When the moon was at its highest in its orbit, it was high tide. Then you can calculate the rest
 We thanked him for his hospitality and everything he had taught us with a gift in return and the next day we set off for Fakarava. We had studied the moon’s path in the evening and, sure enough, when we looked at the tide tables for the area, the theory was relatively correct. The time for the highest point on the moon’s path is high tide. If you add 6 hours and 15 minutes, you get the time for the next low tide, after another 6 hours and 15 minutes the next high tide will come, etc. Then you just have to consult the moon again
 Not an exact science but enough for us to navigate by😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Afterwards, we also read more about the nuclear weapons tests that France carried out on the uninhabited atolls of Moruroa and adjacent Fangataufa. We also remembered how the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior had been sunk in connection with these and the protests that arose around the world. Between 1966 and 1996, over 190 nuclear weapons tests were carried out on the atolls, both above and below ground. It was later shown that this had devastating consequences for both animal and plant life and, not least, all residents of the islands and the military personnel who participated in various missions in connection with the blasts. Primarily, the number of cases of thyroid cancer has increased significantly, but the frequency of other forms of cancer has also increased, as have deformities in newborns, birth defects, etc. since the test blasts were carried out, and the whole of Polynesia has been affected in various ways because the winds and water currents have brought radioactive particles with them. It can still be difficult to obtain compensation from the French governement, even though the regulations have changed somewhat over the years as more evidence has been produced of damage linked to the blasts. France was by no means the only country to have carried out this type of blast. The USA, Great Britain, the Soviet Union/Russia and China have also carried out test blasts, to name a few. These have also almost always taken place in occupied areas where the indigenous population has been affected
.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The sail to Fakarava, where we are now, took almost six hours. The island is the second largest in the Tuamotu and is part of one of the UNESCO biosphere reserves. The atoll and has two inlets/outlets. We entered through the (enormous) northern inlet, completely without any problems. Even in this atoll, it is the northern part that is inhabited with the largest village, Rotoava. Just outside Rotoava, about fifty sailboats were anchored. When we arrived, we looked for a free place to anchor and tried, for the first time, to float the anchor chain with our buoys as not to damage or get stuck to the corals on the seabed. However, the depth was so great that no corals probably grew there, but we practiced anyway. We were a little worried that if the chain came off the seabed, the anchor might not set properly, but we have now been here for four days without dragging, so it seems to be working. 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fakarava turned out to be much more tourist-oriented than little Kauehi and reminded us more of Nuku Hiva with large cruise ships that come in and unload passengers ashore for a day's experiences before they re-board for the onward journey to the next island. Craft shops, grocery stores and restaurants are open and taxis arrange transport and small excursions. It is important to make the most of the hours that tourists are ashore!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The atoll is so large that there is a lot of life in the large lagoon such as different species of sharks, turtles, rays, mantas, etc. Even dolphins are said to be here! The atmosphere is calm and relaxed and we were warmly welcomed by the staff at the mayor's office when we went in to pay the tourist and garbage fee.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the shallower parts of the lagoon, the water is turquoise blue and the sand is chalk white. For those who like sun, swimming and white beaches, this is pure paradise! Small boomies can be seen here and there in the water that you can cross between when you go ashore with the dinghy. We took the time to snorkel around a reef that was close to the boat and saw lots of reef fish and beautiful corals. Unfortunately, most of the corals were in poor condition and completely gray. We have also seen blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks and large water turtles. It also looks like we caught three suckerfish from Kauhei that probably hitchhiked with us by sitting under the Anastacia's hull. We had fed them small pieces of bread in Kauehi and were surprised when the same fish appeared again as soon as we anchored in Fakarava. They look funny with a big sucker plate on their heads
 Of course, they got some bread crumbs here too. Baguettes, naturally. These are French islands! 😁.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fakarava is perhaps best known for its pearl farms and that was something we wanted to learn more about. You can see the buoys of the farms floating in the water further out in the lagoon. We booked a small tour at Les Perles D'Havaiki. The guide showed the whole process, from surgically inserting a small mini-pearl made of seashells into the oyster's stomach to how to pick out a finished pearl after the oyster has grown for about two years. The finished pearl is then washed and classified by color, size, shape, etc. In Polynesia, mainly black pearls are cultivated, which have a special luster. The whole process requires clean water and a good environment for the oyster to thrive. An oyster can be allowed to produce several pearls one after the other until it is too old. In cases where the oyster can no longer be used, it is opened completely and the meat (muscle) is sold to restaurants. The shells are used to make jewelry and other works of art, as these also have a beautiful luster. To end the tour, we each got to choose an oyster that was ready to harvest and take home the pearl that had formed in it. Now we understand what a complicated process pearl farming is and involves many steps that require craftsmanship and several different professions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, we will soon set off again. There will be no more atolls for us, but we have a two-day sailing to Tahiti where we are also expecting a visit from our son and his friend.</p> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~~</div><p><br></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seglingen frĂ„n Nuku Hiva till den lilla atollen Kauehi i Tuamotu tog fyra dygn och började med en överraskande stor flock delfiner med över 50 individer som slog följe med oss under nĂ„gon timme. Vi tror det var flasknosdelfiner. Underbart att se! 😍 Under seglatsen hade vi bra vind men mycket varierande vĂ€der. PĂ„ dagarna hade vi starkt solsken och pĂ„ nĂ€tterna avlöste det ena lilla ovĂ€dret det andra med s k squalls som innebĂ€r plötslig vindökning som varar i 15-20 minuter med Ă„ska och ibland regn. Vare sig vindroder eller autopilot klarar att hĂ„lla kursen vid kraftigare squalls sĂ„ man fĂ„r handstyra och s a s följa med vinden, för att sedan sakta föra bĂ„ten tillbaka i rĂ€tt riktning. Bra trĂ€ning var det visserligen eftersom man lĂ€r sig hantera bĂ„ten i tuffare vĂ€der men ocksĂ„ tröttsamt i lĂ€ngden eftersom vi Ă€r ensamma pĂ„ passen nattetid, dĂ„ den andre sover. Vid ett tillfĂ€lle regnade det sĂ„ kraftigt att det inte ens gick att se andra sidan av sittbrunnen nĂ€r man stod vid rodret. Det var bara att försöka hĂ€nga med, och styra bĂ„ten sĂ„ gott det gick tills det hela var över. Vi fick ocksĂ„ Ă„terigen se stora upplysta fartyg pĂ„ nĂ€tterna utan nĂ„gon AIS pĂ„slagen som sakta rörde sig pĂ„ nĂ„gra sjömils avstĂ„nd. Vi misstĂ€nkte stora trĂ„lare som helst inte ville bli upptĂ€ckta. Senare har vi ocksĂ„ fĂ„tt bekrĂ€ftat att kinesiska och japanska fiskefartyg fiskar olovandes i de polynesiska vattnen.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hela Tuamotus bestĂ„r av 78 atoller utspridda pĂ„ ett omrĂ„de som Ă€r ca 2 000 km lĂ„ngt. Atollerna Ă€r alla före detta undervattensvulkaner som numera Ă€r korallrev. Kauehi Ă€r en liten atoll som Ă€r relativt enkel att ta sig in i och blev dĂ€rför vĂ„rt nybörjarval 😊 Det enda inloppet ligger pĂ„ atollens sydvĂ€stra sida. Vi hade lyckats anpassa seglingen sĂ„ det var drygt en timme kvar till högvatten nĂ€r vi nĂ„dde inloppet och strömmen var pĂ„ ca tvĂ„ knop in mot atollen. Vi hade svag vind emot oss som inte utgjorde nĂ„gra större problem utan vi seglade igenom mynningen med nĂ„gra omrĂ„den med ”overfalls” och mindre s k stĂ„ende vĂ„gor som Ă€r resultatet av nĂ€r ström och vĂ„gor/vind gĂ„r i motsatta riktningar. Det var brĂ„ddjupt bĂ„de strax utanför och strax innanför mynningen. VĂ€l inne i atollen konstaterade vi att den var mycket större Ă€n vi först hade trott. Det tog oss dryga timmen att nĂ„ den nordvĂ€stra, bebodda delen. Resten av atollen utgörs av rev som antingen ligger strax under vattenytan eller Ă€r beklĂ€dda med kokospalmer. En mĂ€rklig kĂ€nsla att segla in i en gammal vulkankrater! VĂ€l framme vid byn Tearavero som ligger vid en grundare del i lagunen hade vi sĂ„dan tur att den enda kvarvarande bojen var ledig och i gott skick, sĂ„ vi lade till vid den. Förutom en annan segelbĂ„t som lĂ„g i samma lagun var vi de enda besökarna. Den andra bĂ„ten visade sig tillhöra en fransman som vistats i omrĂ„det i 15 Ă„r!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ Kauehi bor runt 200 invĂ„nare. I byn finns det mesta som man kan behöva, affĂ€rer, kyrka, kyrkogĂ„rd, skola, en borgmĂ€stare, en liten vĂ„rdcentral etc. Ön har sedan nĂ„gra Ă„r tillbaka Ă€ven en egen mindre flygplats dĂ€r flygen gĂ„r 1-2 gĂ„nger i veckan. FrĂ€msta inkomstkĂ€llan kommer frĂ„n kokosplantagen som Ă€gs av de olika familjerna pĂ„ atollen. Tidigare fanns det Ă€ven pĂ€rlodlingar hĂ€r men dessa var nu nerlagda. Gamla pĂ€rlodlingsbojar Ă€r idealiska för att kunna hĂ„lla uppe ankarkĂ€ttingen (s k bojad kĂ€tting) nĂ€r man skall ankra i nĂ€rheten av koraller. Med dessa bojar hĂ„lls kĂ€ttingen lite ovanför botten och man riskerar inte att förstöra korallerna eller fastna runt korallhuvudena (boomies) nĂ€r bĂ„ten svĂ€nger runt. Vi var ute efter att fĂ„ tag i nĂ„gra sĂ„dana bojar och fick till vĂ„r förtjusning ett par av nĂ„gra snĂ€lla bybor som hade dem i sina trĂ€dgĂ„rdar 😊Vi ville betala eller byta med nĂ„got med det ville de inte höra talas om!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi stannade nĂ„gra dagar vid Tearavero och njöt av att titta pĂ„ det turkosa vattnet med smĂ„ mörkare boomies med smĂ„ fĂ€rgglada revfiskar. Vi lĂ€rde kĂ€nna den pensionerade kaptenen Hiti som Ă€r född och uppvuxen pĂ„ ön. Han berĂ€ttade om sitt liv och hur han gjort sin militĂ€rtjĂ€nst i den franska flottan som ung. Under hela sitt vuxna liv har han varit kapten pĂ„ fraktfartyg och rest till mĂ„nga avlĂ€gsna platser. Han kĂ€nde vĂ€l till alla öar och atoller i Franska Polynesien. Han tyckte sjĂ€lv att han och hans fru hade det bra i sitt fina hus och var nöjd med sin pension. Vi frĂ„gade om hur han sĂ„g pĂ„ frĂ„gan om sjĂ€lvstĂ€ndighet frĂ„n Frankrike. Han förklarade att fĂ„ polynesier pratar högt om det och de yngre vill inte höra talas om att helt frigöra sig frĂ„n Frankrike. Frankrike bidrar trots allt ekonomiskt och med infrastruktur, utbildningssystem m m men de Ă€ldre har kanske en annan syn, menade han.<br> -Vi Ă€r ju inte fria, sa han. Sedan sĂ„g han allvarligt pĂ„ oss och sa:<br> -Ni vet. Under militĂ€rtjĂ€nsten blev vi kommenderade till Moruroa 24 timmar efter att de slĂ€ppte bomben. 24 timmar! ”Det var inget farligt”, sa de. Vi undrade. Om det inte Ă€r farligt. Varför sprĂ€nger de dĂ„ inte bomberna i Frankrike? Varför hos oss? Jag minns hur det sĂ„g ut! Förstörelse överallt, döda fiskar flöt i vattnet
<br>Sedan vĂ€nde han sig bort och tystnade. Det hĂ€r var jobbigt att tala om, förstod vi och stĂ€llde inga fler frĂ„gor.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hati bytte samtalsĂ€mne och berĂ€ttade att han numera sköter om familjens kokosplantage och visade oss sina marker och hur man skördar kokosnötterna. Han bjöd pĂ„ fĂ€rskt kokosvatten frĂ„n Ă€nnu gröna kokosnötter. Sedan visade han oss nĂ„gra spĂ€da kokospalmer som bara var ett Ă„r gamla. De hĂ€r har mitt barnbarn planterat, sa han och log stort! Han berĂ€ttade stolt om sina barn och barnbarn. Barnen var alla vĂ€lutbildade. NĂ„gra bodde pĂ„ Tahiti, andra i Frankrike. Ingen av dem fanns kvar pĂ„ ön som sakta hĂ„ller pĂ„ att avfolkas. PĂ„ Kauehi liksom pĂ„ mĂ„nga andra mindre öar gĂ„r barnen i skola tills de Ă€r runt 10 Ă„r gamla. För att fortsĂ€tta sin utbildning (secondary school) mĂ„ste de inkvarteras hos nĂ„gon familj i exempelvis Tahiti. KĂ€nner man ingen familj barnen kan fĂ„ bo hos, mĂ„ste kanske förĂ€ldrarna ocksĂ„ flytta dit och söka bostad och försörjning. Unga polynesier vĂ€ljer ocksĂ„ att lĂ€sa vidare pĂ„ universitet i Frankrike och det kan vara svĂ„rt att motivera sig att flytta tillbaka till ön dĂ€r försörjningsmöjligheterna Ă€r sĂ€mre. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Efter den lilla sightseeingen gav Hiti oss tvĂ„ spĂ€da kokosnötter att ta med pĂ„ bĂ„ten och uppmanade oss att dricka vattnet frĂ„n dem inom en vecka eftersom de annars skulle hinna bli dĂ„liga av att skakas runt pĂ„ bĂ„ten. Han gav oss rĂ„d om hur vi skulle navigera in i Fakarava, vĂ„r nĂ€sta destination. NĂ€r vi frĂ„gade om han visste tiderna för hög- och lĂ„gvatten det nĂ€rmste dygnet sa han att han numera bara gick efter vad han lĂ€rt av sin morfar. NĂ€r mĂ„nen stod som högst pĂ„ sin bana sĂ„ var det högvatten. Sedan kan man rĂ€kna ut resten
Vi tackade för hans gĂ€stfrihet och allt han lĂ€rt oss med en gĂ„va tillbaka och dagen efter gav vi oss ivĂ€g till Fakarava. Vi hade studerat mĂ„nens bana pĂ„ kvĂ€llen och, mycket riktigt, nĂ€r vi tittade i tidvattentabeller för omrĂ„det sĂ„ stĂ€mde teorin relativt bra. Tiden för högsta punkten pĂ„ mĂ„nbanan rĂ„der högvatten. LĂ€gger man till 6 timmar och 15 minuter sĂ„ fĂ„r man tiden för nĂ€sta lĂ„gvatten, efter ytterligare 6 timmar och 15 minuter kommer nĂ€sta högvatten o s v. Sedan Ă€r det bara att konsultera mĂ„nen igen
 Ingen exakt vetenskap men tillrĂ€ckligt för oss att navigera efter😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">EfterĂ„t lĂ€ste vi ocksĂ„ pĂ„ mer om de kĂ€rnvapenprovsprĂ€ngningar som Frankrike gjorde pĂ„ de obebodda atollerna Moruroa och intilliggande Fangataufa. Vi mindes ocksĂ„ hur Greenpeacefartyget Rainbow Warrior hade sĂ€nkts i samband med dessa och protesterna som uppstod vĂ€rlden över. Mellan Ă„ren 1966 och 1996 genomfördes över 190 kĂ€rnvapenprov pĂ„ atollerna bĂ„de ovan och under mark. Det har senare visat sig att det fick förödande konsekvenser för bĂ„de djur och vĂ€xtliv och, inte minst, alla boende pĂ„ öarna och de militĂ€rer som deltog i olika uppdrag i samband med sprĂ€ngningarna. FrĂ€mst har fallen av sköldkörtelcancer blivit mĂ„nga fler men frekvensen av andra cancerformer har ocksĂ„ ökat liksom missbildningar hos nyfödda, fosterskador m m sedan provsprĂ€ngningarna genomfördes och hela Polynesien har drabbats pĂ„ olika sĂ€tt eftersom vindarna och vattenströmmar fört med sig radioaktiva partiklar. Fortfarande kan det vara svĂ„rt att fĂ„ ersĂ€ttning av franska staten Ă€ven om regelverket förĂ€ndrats nĂ„got genom Ă„ren i takt med att man kunnat ta fram fler bevis för skador knutna till sprĂ€ngningarna. Frankrike var ingalunda det enda land som genomfört den hĂ€r typen av sprĂ€ngningar. USA, Storbritannien, Sovjet/Ryssland och Kina har ocksĂ„ genomfört provsprĂ€ngningar, för att nĂ€mna nĂ„gra. Dessa har ocksĂ„ nĂ€stan alltid skett i ockuperade omrĂ„den dĂ€r ursprungsbefolkningen drabbats
.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seglingen till Fakarava, dĂ€r vi nu befinner oss, tog nĂ€stan sex timmar. Ön Ă€r den nĂ€st största i Tuamotu och ingĂ„r i ett av UNESCO:s biosfĂ€romrĂ„den. Atollen och har tvĂ„ in-/utlopp. Vi kom in genom det (enormt stora) norra inloppet, helt oproblematiskt. Även i denna atoll Ă€r det den norra delen som Ă€r bebodd med den största byn Rotoava. Strax utanför Rotoava lĂ„g ett femtiotal segelbĂ„tar ankrade. NĂ€r vi kom fram letade vi upp en ledig plats att ankra pĂ„ och provade, för första gĂ„ngen, att kroka fast bojar lĂ€ngs ankarkĂ€ttingen för att inte skada eller fastna vid korallerna pĂ„ botten. Djupet var dock sĂ„ pass stort att det troligen inte vĂ€xte nĂ„gra koraller dĂ€r men vi övade Ă€ndĂ„. Vi var lite oroliga för att om kĂ€ttingen lĂ€ttar frĂ„n botten sĂ„ kanske ankaret inte skulle sĂ€tta sig ordentligt men vi har nu legat hĂ€r i fyra dygn utan att dragga sĂ„ det verkar fungera. 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fakarava visade sig vara mycket mer turistinriktat Ă€n lilla Kauehi och pĂ„minde oss mer om Nuku Hiva med stora kryssningsfartyg som kommer in och lastar av passagerare i land för en dags upplevelser innan de Ă„ter gĂ„r ombord för vidare fĂ€rd till nĂ€sta ö. Hantverksbutiker, mataffĂ€rer och restauranger hĂ„ller öppet och taxibilar ordnar med transporter och smĂ„ exkursioner. Det gĂ€ller att ta vara pĂ„ de timmar som turisterna Ă€r i land!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Atollen Ă€r sĂ„ stor att det ryms mycket liv i den stora lagunen som olika hajarter, sköldpaddor, rockor, mantor etc. T o m delfiner skall finnas hĂ€r! AtmosfĂ€ren Ă€r lugn och avslappnad och vi blev hjĂ€rtligt vĂ€lkomnade av personalen pĂ„ borgmĂ€starens kansli nĂ€r vi gick in för att betala turist- och sopavgiften.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I lagunens grundare delar Ă€r vattnet turkosblĂ„tt och sanden kritvit. För den som gillar sol, bad och vita strĂ€nder Ă€r detta rena paradiset! SmĂ„ boomies syns hĂ€r och var i vattnet som man fĂ„r kryssa emellan nĂ€r man Ă„ker in till land med dingen. Vi tog oss tid att snorkla runt ett rev som lĂ„g nĂ€ra bĂ„ten och fick se massor av revfiskar och vackra koraller. Dock var tyvĂ€rr merparten av korallerna i dĂ„ligt skick och alldeles grĂ„.  Vi har Ă€ven sett svartfenad revhaj, sköterskehaj och stora vattensköldpaddor. Dessutom ser det ut som att vi fĂ„tt med oss tre sugfiskar frĂ„n Kauhei som troligen liftat med oss genom att sitta under Anastacias skrov. Vi hade matat dem med smĂ„ brödbitar i Kauehi och blev förvĂ„nade nĂ€r samma fiskar dök upp igen sĂ„ fort vi ankrat i Fakarava. De ser lustiga ut med en stor sugplatta pĂ„ huvudet
 SjĂ€lvklart fick de nĂ„gra brödsmulor hĂ€r ocksĂ„. Baguetter, sĂ„klart. Det Ă€r ju franska öar! 😁.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Fakarava Ă€r kanske mest kĂ€nt för sina pĂ€rlodlingar och det var nĂ„got vi gĂ€rna ville fĂ„ lĂ€ra oss mer om. Man kan se odlingarnas bojar flyta i vattnet lĂ€ngre ut i lagunen. Vi bokade en liten visning pĂ„ Les Perles D'Havaiki. Guiden visade hela processen, frĂ„n det att man kirurgiskt opererar in en liten minipĂ€rla av snĂ€ckskal i ostronets mage till hur man plockar ut en fĂ€rdig pĂ€rla efter att ostronet fĂ„tt vĂ€xa till sig i ungefĂ€r tvĂ„ Ă„r. Den fĂ€rdiga pĂ€rlan skall sedan tvĂ€ttas och klassificeras efter fĂ€rg storlek form etc. I Polynesien odlas frĂ€mst de svarta pĂ€rlorna som har en speciell lyster. Hela processen krĂ€ver rena vatten och bra miljö för att ostronen skall trivas. Man kan lĂ„ta ett ostron producera flera pĂ€rlor efter varandra tills det blivit för gammalt. I de fall ostronet inte kan anvĂ€ndas lĂ€ngre öppnas det helt och köttet (muskeln) sĂ€ljs till restauranger. Av skalen görs smycken och andra konstverk dĂ„ Ă€ven dessa har en vacker lyster. Som avslut pĂ„ visningen fick vi vĂ€lja ut varsitt ostron som s a s var fĂ€rdigt att skörda och ta med oss pĂ€rlan som bildats i djuret. Nu förstĂ„r vi vilken komplicerad process pĂ€rlodling innebĂ€r med mĂ„nga steg som krĂ€ver hantverksskicklighet och involverar flera olika yrkesgrupper.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nu skall vi strax ge oss av igen. Det blir inte fler atoller för vĂ„r del utan nu vĂ€ntar tvĂ„ dygns segling till Tahiti dĂ€r vi ocksĂ„ vĂ€ntar besök av son med kompis.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Kauehi</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Kauehi_GoogleMaps.png?1741418696" loading="lazy" data-original-width="728" data-original-height="695" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Kauehi_GoogleMaps.png?1741418696 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Kauehi_GoogleMaps.png?1741418696 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f/userfiles/Tuamotus/Kauehi_GoogleMaps.png?1741418696" width="150" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250302_095143.jpg?1741420108?1741420108" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250228_122719.jpg?1741420108?1741420108" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_114649.jpg?1741420107?1741420107" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250301_113836.jpg?1741420107?1741420107" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Fakarava</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Fakarava_GoogleMaps.png?1741419675" loading="lazy" data-original-width="761" data-original-height="778" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Fakarava_GoogleMaps.png?1741419675 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Fakarava_GoogleMaps.png?1741419675 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Fakarava_GoogleMaps.png?1741419675 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/Fakarava_GoogleMaps.png?1741419675?1741419675" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103033.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103033.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103033.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103033.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103033.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103212.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103212.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103212.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103212.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250306_103212.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="2250" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_082144.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_081936.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250305_104039.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_083156.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="450" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_093843.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_094058.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_122644.jpg?1741420263" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_122644.jpg?1741420263 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_122644.jpg?1741420263 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_122644.jpg?1741420263 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Tuamotus/20250307_122644.jpg?1741420263?1741420263" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/march-2025/french-polynesia-and-the-tuamotus /blog/march-2025/french-polynesia-and-the-tuamotus French Polynesia, Nuku Hiva and the Marquesas Malin <div> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesia (meaning roughly the many islands) is a large cultural and geographical region in the Pacific Ocean consisting of a variety of islands, archipelagos and nations where the people share the same origin and speak one of the many Polynesian languages. Polynesia is bordered by Hawaii (to the north), New Zealand (to the southwest) and Easter Island (to the southeast). The area is sometimes referred to as the Polynesian Triangle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">French Polynesia is part of Polynesia and is almost as large as Europe and consists of 118 islands and atolls, of which 67 are inhabited. The islands are divided into different archipelagos; Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Society Islands, Gambier Islands and Austral Islands. There are long distances between the archipelagos with the Gambier Islands and Austral Islands being the southernmost. We will probably not be able to visit these two southern archipelagos. Further north, from east to west lie the Marquesas, Tuamotu and Society Islands, where Tahiti with its capital Papeete is perhaps the best known. We plan to visit a few islands on each of these archipelagos before heading further west to other Polynesian islands/nations.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The islands in French Polynesia have all been formed from volcanoes and the youngest are about 1-5 million years old, such as the islands in the Marquesas. The oldest islands are in the Austral Islands and Tuamotu and are around 50 million years old. The oldest islands are no longer real islands, but millions of years of erosion have transformed them into atolls where only some parts protrude from the sea surface.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The islands in French Polynesia were first settled by Austronesian-speaking Polynesians, who probably originated from Southeast Asia (Taiwan-Philippines) and migrated east via Samoa and Tonga. This migration was part of the great Polynesian expansion across the Pacific. In French Polynesia, it began in the Marquesas a few hundred years BC and the last islands colonized by Polynesians are believed to have been the Gambier Islands, which also became the islands from which a group of inhabitants probably emigrated and continued the long journey to Easter Island and later Hawaii, which began to be populated around the 11th and 13th centuries AD. A prerequisite for this strong expansion, despite the great distances in the Pacific Ocean, was the sophisticated navigational skills that the Polynesians had developed. They navigated with the help of stars, ocean currents and bird migration patterns. They used the characteristic wooden canoes with an outrigger (additional hull) attached to one side of the canoe. These canoes were very stable and could be both paddled and sailed. Today, the same type of canoe is still used, but made of more modern materials.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first time Europeans came into contact with the islands was in the 16th century when the Portuguese and Spaniards noted that the islands existed but they probably had little contact with the inhabitants. In 1767, the British Samuel Wallis landed on Tahiti and declared the island British. Protestantism was then introduced to the island. The French eventually took over Tahiti after disputes and battles with the British and the population of the islands under the then Polynesian regent Queen Pomare IV. In the early 20th century, all five island groups belonged to France and Catholicism became the official religion. Today, French Polynesia has more autonomy but is still considered one of France's so-called overseas collectivity where France retains control over defense, foreign policy, justice and law enforcement and currency/economy (the CFP franc is tied to the euro). French Polynesia now controls its own laws, economy, budget, health, education (partially) and internal security. From what we understand, there no longer seems to be majority support among the population on the islands for complete independence from France, but instead they are trying to make better use of their own old culture and have, with the help of historians and archaeologists, begun to rediscover and embrace parts of it, such as dances, crafts and food traditions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Polynesian indigenous culture and its traditions vary between the islands but have a common core. Before European colonization, the population was organized into hierarchical chiefdoms ruled by<em> Ari’i</em> (chiefs). Below the chiefs there were several different social classes and the lowest were the slaves who were often convicted criminals or captured enemies. The Polynesians could build impressive structures such as <em>marae </em> which were sacred temples for religious and social purposes. They lived on what the sea could provide and cultivated and planted many different crops such as breadfruit and fruit trees of various kinds which were harvested and stored in various ways to last longer than the harvest season. Fermentation was used as a method. For example, <em>mahi </em>or <em>pƍpoi </em>as it is also called was made. It is breadfruit that has been mashed and left to lie in a low-oxygen environment in a leaf-lined pit where it eventually fermented (by lactic acid bacteria). Mahi could be stored for several years and is said to be both nutritious and healthy. When the Polynesians colonized new islands, they brought with them many of the important fruits and seeds and some domesticated animals such as pigs and dogs that they needed to survive on the previously uninhabited islands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Polynesians were very trade-oriented but were also warlike and fights between the islands/kingdoms occurred. They practiced a complex polytheistic religion that was intertwined with daily life and social structure. Their spiritual beliefs revolved around <em>atua </em> (gods), ancestors, <em>mana </em>(spiritual power) and <em>tapu </em>(sacred restrictions). The word taboo comes from the Polynesian word tapu.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mana was a supernatural force that existed not only in all living things but also inanimate things such as objects and places. Chiefs and priests had strong mana, which gave them divine authority. Women's mana was usually greater than men's because they could give bearth (give life). Losing mana, through defeat in battle or breaking a tapu, resulted in dishonor and loss of status. For example, it was tapu for a woman to step in a canoe because her mana was much more powerful than that of the canoe and the canoe would lose its power. This was especially important to consider when the canoes were to be used in battle. Similarly, it could be tapu to step over a chief's shadow if one was lower in rank. Serious violations of a tapu could sometimes be punished by death.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesians believed in a balance of masculine and feminine energies, rather than fixed gender roles based on physical appearance, and some myths describe gods or spirits who change sex or are androgynous. Mana was therefore not strictly tied to biological sex, but rather one's role in society. French Polynesia, like other parts of Polynesia, had a recognized "third sex" known as <em>māhĆ«</em>. These were people who embodied both male and female characteristics. They were biological males who took on female gender roles, including clothing, speech, and occupations. In some cases, there were also female māhĆ« who took on male roles. MāhĆ« had several important roles in society. They could often be priests, healers, teachers or artists, specialized in oral traditions, dance forms and were responsible for the care of children and the elderly. They were seen as guardians of knowledge, and were a kind of cultural bearer of information about different lineages, old stories and religious customs that they passed on between generations. Chiefs could turn to a māhĆ« for advice before important decisions. After European colonization and the introduction of Christianity, māhĆ« were seen as an abomination and Western gender roles were introduced and many māhĆ« were subjected to social oppression and avoided showing their identity. Today, however, māhĆ« are still present in Polynesian and Hawaiian culture and are more accepted, although their role has evolved and adapted to today's way of life. Many today work in various service professions, for example.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The Polynesians were also known for their <em>tikis</em>, human-like anthropomorphic figures carved from stone, wood or bone. According to Polynesian mythology, the tiki is sometimes considered to be the first human created by the gods, but interpretations vary between the different island groups. In the Marquesas, tikis primarily represent ancestors and protective spirits. They were often designed as half human and half animal or God with enlarged heads and eyes. One interpretation of the large eyes (which almost look like glasses) is that through the eyes one comes into contact with the spirit world. Tikis are also often connected to spiritual protection, strength and guidance.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have now been anchored for just over two weeks outside the capital Taiohae on the island of Nuku Hiva, which is also the main island of the Marquesas. As soon as the hurricane season (cyclone season) ends in April, the actual tourist season begins and many boats and tourists come to the islands. We are early in the season so there is plenty of space in the bay and few tourists on the island, except when the cruise ships dock, when Taiohae is packed with people for a day. The lady in the tourist office next to the port has all the information of when the cruise ships arrive and makes sure to book the local ensemble of dancers and drummers who have their shows for the fascinated cruise tourists. The trade in crafts, fruit and vegetables is flourishing and the small local cafes are full. It is understandable that tourists are an important source of income for the islands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The clearance process was painless. We rang the doorbell of the French gendarmes and even though we arrived outside office hours, they received us and the procedure was completed in 10 minutes. We had prepared ourselves by filling in our details digitally in a system used on the islands and had our passports and boat papers with us. As EU citizens, the rules for visiting and staying in French Polynesia are incredibly favorable.” This is how easy it should be to get to France. Welcome!”, one of the gendarmes said in broken English. Or, to be more precise. The guy started speaking in English but as soon as he noticed that we knew a little French he switched to his native language. 😊After customs we took out some cash, got ourselves a local SIM card and topped up with data. Finally connected again!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nuku Hiva is a very beautiful island with high mountain peaks and steep cliffs towards the sea with fantastic views. There are several bays with good anchorages around the island. The second highest (longest?) waterfall in the world is also said to be here. We rented a car and drove on the few roads that exist. First, we went east and came to some smaller towns with small fishing ports, shops and restaurants. The mango trees along the road were full of half-ripe fruits and we took the liberty of picking some. The island is lushly green and along the roadsides you can see pigs, horses and goats and the occasional cow wandering around freely. Roosters and chickens can be seen running around everywhere. Some horses are kept tethered and you can see fenced areas, but there are just as many animals outside as inside the enclosures.</p><p class="MsoNormal">In the small town of Hatiheu we had a fantastic meal. A stew made from goat meat and coconut milk served with cassava, fried breadfruit and rice. What we couldn't finish we then had to throw into a small stream, right next to the restaurant where two large eels appeared and feasted on the leftovers. The eels were "regulars" at the restaurant and part of the experience the restaurant is known for.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Outside Hatiheu is one of several historical remains from the time before European colonization. The place we visited is called Kamuihei and is one of the largest archaeological excavations on the island. Here there are sacred places, rebuilt houses and areas for various social purposes and we saw tikis, sacrificial pits and small pits carved into rocks similar to those we can see in rock carvings in Sweden. In addition, there were several petroglyphs on large stone slabs with depictions of animals, gods, people and symbols that are also found in the many tattoos of the Polynesians. Since the Polynesian culture was a culture that was carried by oral stories and lacked written language, interpretations are difficult to make and the meanings are said to vary somewhat between the island groups, but archaeologists believe that they almost always involve representations of gods, ancestors, travel, celestial bodies and protective symbols. There was also a gigantic banyan tree at the site that is said to be 600 years old!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The last part of our drive went west towards the airport. Now we came to higher mountain areas, deep valleys and in the distance, we could see a very long and very narrow waterfall. Instead of palm trees and fruit trees, the road was lined with pine plantations with a species of pine that originally comes from the Caribbean. The pines have been planted mainly for the sake of the wood but have, of course, also changed the conditions for the native species that lived there before.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the beach in Taiohae almost every day we saw young guys riding back and forth on their horses. Sometimes they competed along a given distance to be first. It was impressive to see because they were riding bareback (without a saddle) at a fast gallop with only a blanket to sit on. They looked mighty proud when we wanted to take pictures. However, we never saw a girl riding. Horses now seem to be an integral part of Polynesian life but the origin of horses is somewhat unclear. The most likely is that the Europeans introduced different animals like horses, goats and cows to the islands.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The waters around the Marquesas Islands are rich in life. The local fishermen come into the harbor almost every day with fine catches of fish that they sell directly on site. The leftover fish after cleaning is thrown into the harbor to the delight of the sharks. The sharks are of the species (greater) blacktip reef shark. Not all residents in the area are delighted with the spectacle in the water when the sharks fight over the leftovers, but it is a good tourist magnet
 😊 In addition to the sharks, which are not particularly dangerous to humans, we have also seen many manta rays swimming around our boat. Unfortunately, we have not been able to get any good pictures of them and when we snorkeled in the bay and tried to film, the visibility was too poor. Hopefully there will be more opportunities. One morning we heard a terrible splash behind the boat and when we ran out onto the deck to see what had happened, we saw a sea turtle trying to free itself from the dinghy's mooring line that it had managed to wrap around its neck. After a few fruitless attempts to untie the rope, we were forced to cut it. As soon as the turtle felt it was free, it took a big, loud breath before diving into the water and disappearing. How it managed to get tangled up so strangely, we could never figure out
</p><p class="MsoNormal">On Valentine's Day we took the opportunity to have a three-course dinner at a restaurant in Taiohae where local musicians performed languid ballads. The next day we were also able to take part in a Valentine's Day party where both locals and tourists were welcome. The meal was accompanied by a show that was over an hour long and was more like a long danced story. We showed up later in the evening but still saw parts of the show. Later we were able to dance a little ourselves to deafening Polynesian popular music 😁</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In recent days, we have been stocking up on supplies at the local store and buying a souvenir in the form of a mini-tiki made of wood made by a local artist on the island.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now we are waiting out some rough weather before we can set off for the Tuamotu atolls. Since these are shallow reefs with few entrances or exits and where the currents are strong, we have to adjust to the tides so that we enter when it is slack water. We hope to be able to practice on a simpler atoll with more room for the boat to enter, before we set off to reach the Fakarava atoll where we hope to see pearl farms!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br></p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesien (betyder ungefĂ€r de mĂ„nga öarna) Ă€r en stor kulturell och geografisk region i Stilla havet bestĂ„ende av en mĂ„ngfald av öar, ögrupper och nationer dĂ€r mĂ€nniskorna delar samma ursprung och pratar nĂ„got av de mĂ„nga polynesiska sprĂ„ken. Polynesien avgrĂ€nsas av Hawaii (i norr), Nya Zeeland (i sydvĂ€st) och PĂ„skön (i sydöst). OmrĂ„det benĂ€mns ibland som den polynesiska triangeln.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Franska Polynesien Ă€r en del av Polynesien och Ă€r till ytan nĂ€stan lika stort som Europa och bestĂ„r av 118 öar och atoller varav 67 Ă€r bebodda. Öarna Ă€r indelade i olika ögrupper; Marquesas Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago, Society Islands (SĂ€llskapsöarna), Gambier Islands och Austral Islands. Det Ă€r lĂ„nga avstĂ„nd mellan ögrupperna dĂ€r Gambieröarna och Australöarna ligger lĂ€ngst söderut. Dessa sydligare ögrupper kommer vi troligen inte att besöka. LĂ€ngre norrut, frĂ„n öst till vĂ€st ligger Marquesas, Tuamotu och SĂ€llskapsöarna dĂ€r Tahiti med huvudstaden Papeete kanske Ă€r den mest kĂ€nda. NĂ„gon ö pĂ„ var och en av dessa ögrupper har vi tĂ€nkt besöka innan vi ger oss av lĂ€ngre vĂ€sterut till andra Polynesiska öar/nationer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Öarna i Franska Polynesien har alla bildats frĂ„n vulkaner och de yngsta Ă€r ungefĂ€r 1-5 miljoner Ă„r gamla, som t ex öarna pĂ„ Marquesas, De Ă€ldsta öarna ligger i Australöarna och Tuamotu och Ă€r runt 50 miljoner Ă„r gamla. De Ă€ldsta öarna Ă€r inga egentliga öar lĂ€ngre utan Ă„rmiljonernas erodering har förvandlat dem till atoller dĂ€r bara vissa delar sticker upp ur havsytan.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Öarna i Franska Polynesien bosattes först av austronesisktalande polynesier, som troligen hĂ€rstammade frĂ„n Sydostasien (Taiwan-Filippinerna) och migrerade österut via Samoa och Tonga. Denna migration var en del av den stora polynesiska expansionen över Stilla havet. I Franska Polynesien började den vid Marquesas nĂ„gra hundra Ă„r f Kr och de sista öarna som koloniserades av polynesier tror man var Gambieröarna som ocksĂ„ blev de öar dĂ€r en grupp invĂ„nare förmodligen emigrerade och fortsatte den lĂ„nga fĂ€rden till PĂ„skön och senare Hawaii som började befolkas runt 1000 respektive 1200-talet e Kr. En förutsĂ€ttning till den starka expansionen, trots de stora avstĂ„nden i Stilla havet, var de sofistikerade navigeringsfĂ€rdigheter som Polynesierna hade utvecklat. De navigerade med hjĂ€lp av stjĂ€rnor, havsströmmar och fĂ„glars migrationsmönster. De anvĂ€nde sig av de karakteristiska trĂ€kanoterna med en utriggare (extra skrov) fĂ€st pĂ„ ena sidan av kanoten. Dessa kanoter var mycket stabila och kunde bĂ„de paddlas och seglas. Idag anvĂ€nds fortfarande samma typ av kanoter men tillverkade av modernare material.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Första gĂ„ngen europĂ©er kom i kontakt med öarna var pĂ„ 1500-talet dĂ„ portugiser och spanjorer noterade att öarna fanns men de hade troligen ingen större kontakt med invĂ„narna. 1767 landsteg britten Samuel Wallis pĂ„ Tahiti och deklarerade ön som brittisk. Protestantism infördes sedan pĂ„ ön. FransmĂ€n tog sĂ„ smĂ„ningom över Tahiti efter dispyter och strider med britter och befolkningen pĂ„ öarna under den dĂ„varande polynesiska regenten Drottning Pomare IV.  I början av 1900-talet tillhörde alla fem ögrupperna Frankrike och katolicismen blev den officiella religionen. Idag har Franska Polynesien mer sjĂ€lvstyre men rĂ€knas fortfarande som ett av Frankrikes sĂ„ kallade utomeuropeiska förvaltningsomrĂ„den dĂ€r Frankrike behĂ„ller kontrollen över försvar, utrikespolitik, rĂ€ttsvĂ€sende och valuta (CFP-francen Ă€r knuten till euron). Franska Polynesien kontrollerar numera sina egna lagar, ekonomi, budget, hĂ€lsa, utbildning (delvis) och inre sĂ€kerhet. Vad vi förstĂ„tt verkar det inte lĂ€ngre finnas majoritetsstöd hos befolkningen pĂ„ öarna för fullstĂ€ndig sjĂ€lvstĂ€ndighet frĂ„n Frankrike men man försöker istĂ€llet ta vara pĂ„ den egna gamla kulturen bĂ€ttre och har, med historikers och arkeologers hjĂ€lp, börjat Ă„terupptĂ€cka och omfamna delar av den som exempelvis danser, hantverk och mattraditioner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Den Polynesiska ursprungskulturen och dess traditioner varierar mellan öarna men har en gemensam kĂ€rna. Innan den europeiska koloniseringen var befolkningen organiserad i hierarkiska hövdingadömen styrda av <em>Ari’i </em>(hövdingar). Under hövdingarna fanns flera olika samhĂ€llsskikt och lĂ€gst stĂ„ende var slavarna som ofta var dömda brottslingar eller tillfĂ„ngatagna fiender. Polynesierna kunde bygga imponerande strukturer som <em>marae </em>som var heliga tempel för religiösa och sociala Ă€ndamĂ„l. Man levde pĂ„ vad havet kunde ge samt odlade och planterade mĂ„nga olika grödor som exempelvis brödfrukt och frukttrĂ€d av olika slag som man skördade och lagrade pĂ„ olika sĂ€tt för att vara lĂ€ngre Ă€n skördesĂ€songen. Bl a anvĂ€ndes fermentering som en metod. T ex gjorde man <em>mahi </em>eller <em>pƍpoi </em>som det ocksĂ„ kallas. Det Ă€r brödfrukt som mosats och fĂ„tt ligga syrefattigt i en lövbeklĂ€dd grop dĂ€r den sĂ„ smĂ„ningom fermenterade (genom mjölksyrabakterier). Mahin kunde lagras i flera Ă„r och sĂ€gs vara bĂ„de nĂ€ringsrik och nyttig. NĂ€r polynesierna koloniserade nya öar hade de med sig mĂ„nga av de viktiga frukter och frön och vissa tamdjur som grisar och hundar som de behövde för att överleva pĂ„ de tidigare obebodda öarna.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesierna idkade mycket handel men var ocksĂ„ stridslystna och krig mellan öarna/kungadömen förekom. De utövade en komplex polyteistisk religion som var sammanflĂ€tad med det dagliga livet och den sociala strukturen. Deras andliga övertygelser kretsade kring <em>atua </em>(gudar), förfĂ€der, <em>mana </em> (andlig kraft) och <em>tapu </em>(heliga begrĂ€nsningar). Ordet tabu kommer just frĂ„n polynesiskans tapu.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Mana var en övernaturlig kraft som inte bara fanns i alla levande varelser utan Ă€ven döda ting som föremĂ„l och platser. Hövdingar och prĂ€ster hade stark mana, vilket gav dem gudomlig auktoritet. Kvinnors mana var vanligen större Ă€n mĂ€nnens pĂ„ grund av att de kunde föda barn (ge liv). Att förlora mana, genom nederlag i strid eller bryta en tapu, resulterade i vanĂ€ra och förlust av status. T ex var det tapu för en kvinna att kliva pĂ„ en kanot dĂ„ hennes mana var mycket mĂ€ktigare Ă€n kanotens och kanoten s a s förlorade sin kraft. Detta var sĂ€rskilt viktigt att ta hĂ€nsyn till nĂ€r kanoterna skulle anvĂ€ndas i strider. LikasĂ„ kunde det vara tapu att kliva över en hövdings skugga om man stod lĂ€gre i rang. Att allvarligt bryta mot en tapu kunde ibland bestraffas med döden.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesier trodde pĂ„ en balans mellan maskulina och feminina energier, snarare Ă€n bestĂ€mda könsroller beroende pĂ„ hur man sĂ„g ut fysiskt och vissa myter beskriver gudar eller andar som byter kön eller Ă€r androgyna. Manan var dĂ€rför inte strikt knuten till biologiskt kön, utan snarare ens roll i samhĂ€llet. Franska Polynesien, liksom andra delar av Polynesien, hade ett erkĂ€nt "tredje kön" kĂ€nt som <em>māhĆ«</em>. Dessa var mĂ€nniskor som förkroppsligade bĂ„de manliga och kvinnliga egenskaper. De var biologiska mĂ€n som tog pĂ„ sig kvinnliga könsroller, inklusive klĂ€der, tal och yrken. I vissa fall fanns det Ă€ven kvinnliga māhĆ« som tog pĂ„ sig manliga roller. <a name="_Hlk191066362">MāhĆ« </a>hade flera viktiga roller i samhĂ€llet. Ofta kunde de vara prĂ€ster, helare, lĂ€rare eller konstnĂ€rer, specialiserade pĂ„ muntliga traditioner, dansformer och ansvarade för omsorg av barn och Ă€ldre. De sĂ„gs som kunskapens vĂ€ktare, och var en slags kulturbĂ€rare av informationen om olika slĂ€ktled, gamla berĂ€ttelser och religiösa sedvĂ€njor som de förde vidare mellan generationer. Hövdingar kunde vĂ€nda sig till en māhĆ« för att fĂ„ rĂ„d inför viktiga beslut. Efter den europeiska koloniseringen och införandet av kristendom sĂ„gs MāhĆ« som en styggelse och vĂ€sterlĂ€ndska könsroller infördes och mĂ„nga māhĆ« utsattes för socialt förtryck och undvek att visa sin identitet. Idag Ă€r dock māhĆ« fortfarande nĂ€rvarande i den polynesiska och hawaiianska kulturen och Ă€r mer accepterade, Ă€ven om deras roll har utvecklats och anpassats till dagens levnadssĂ€tt. MĂ„nga arbetar idag exempelvis inom olika serviceyrken.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Polynesierna var ocksĂ„ kĂ€nda för sina <em>tikis</em>, mĂ€nniskoliknande antropomorfiska figurer, uthuggna ur sten, trĂ€ eller ben. Enligt polynesisk mytologi anses tiki ibland vara den första mĂ€nniskan som skapats av gudarna men tolkningarna varierar pĂ„ de olika ögrupperna. PĂ„ Marquesas representerar tikis frĂ€mst förfĂ€der och skyddande andar. Ofta utformades de som hĂ€lften mĂ€nniska och hĂ€lften djur eller gud med förstorade huvuden och ögon. En tolkning av de stora ögonen (som nĂ€stan ser ut som glasögon) Ă€r att genom ögonen kommer man i kontakt med andevĂ€rlden. Tikis Ă€r ofta ocksĂ„ kopplade till andligt skydd, styrka och vĂ€gledning.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi har nu legat för ankar i drygt tvĂ„ veckor utanför huvudorten Taiohae pĂ„ ön Nuku Hiva som ocksĂ„ Ă€r huvudön i Marquesas. SĂ„ fort orkansĂ€songen (cyklonsĂ€songen) Ă€r avslutad i april börjar den egentliga turistsĂ€songen och dĂ„ kommer mĂ„nga bĂ„tar och turister till öarna. Vi Ă€r tidigt ute pĂ„ sĂ€songen sĂ„ det Ă€r gott om plats i viken och fĂ„ turister pĂ„ ön, förutom nĂ€r kryssningsfartygen lĂ€gger till för dĂ„ kryllar det av folk Taiohae under en dag. Damen i turistbyrĂ„n intill hamnen har full koll pĂ„ nĂ€r kryssningsfartygen kommer och ser till att boka den lokala ensemblen av dansare och trumslagare som har sina uppvisningar inför hĂ€nförda kryssningsturister. Kommersen med hantverk, frukt och grönt blommar upp och de smĂ„ lokala cafĂ©erna fylls. Man förstĂ„r att turisterna utgör en viktig inkomstkĂ€lla för öarna.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Inklareringen gick smĂ€rtfritt. Vi ringde pĂ„ dörren hos de franska gendarmerna och fast vi kom utanför kontorstid tog de emot oss och proceduren var klar pĂ„ 10 minuter. Vi hade förberett oss genom att fylla i vĂ„ra uppgifter digitalt i ett system som anvĂ€nds pĂ„ öarna och hade passen och bĂ„tpapprena med oss. Som EU-medborgare Ă€r reglerna för att besöka och stanna i Franska Polynesien otroligt förmĂ„nliga.” SĂ„ hĂ€r enkelt skall det vara att komma till Frankrike. VĂ€lkomna!”, sa en av gendarmerna pĂ„ knagglig engelska. Eller, rĂ€ttare sagt. Killen började prata pĂ„ engelska men sĂ„ fort han konstaterade att vi kunde lite franska gick han över till sitt modersmĂ„l. 😊Efter inklareringen tog vi ut lite kontanter, skaffade oss ett lokalt sim-kort och fyllde pĂ„ med data. Äntligen uppkopplade igen!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nuku Hiva Ă€r en vĂ€ldigt vacker ö med höga bergstoppar och branta stup mot havet med fantastiska vyer. Det finns flera vikar med bra ankringsplatser runt ön. HĂ€r lĂ€r ocksĂ„ den nĂ€st högsta (lĂ€ngsta?) vattenfallet i vĂ€rlden finnas. Vi hyrde en bil och körde pĂ„ de fĂ„ vĂ€garna som finns. Först Ă„kte vi österut och kom till nĂ„gra mindre orter med smĂ„ fiskehamnar, affĂ€rer och restauranger. MangotrĂ€den lĂ€ngs vĂ€gen dignade av halvmogna frukter och vi tog oss friheten att plocka nĂ„gra. Ön Ă€r frodigt grön och vid vĂ€gkanterna kan man se grisar, hĂ€star och getter och en och annan ko vandra runt fritt. Tuppar och hönor syns sprĂ€tta överallt. Vissa hĂ€star hĂ„lls tjudrade och man ser inhĂ€gnade omrĂ„den men det gĂ„r lika mĂ„nga djur utanför som innanför hĂ€gnen.</p><p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ den lilla orten Hatiheu Ă„t vi en fantastiskt god mĂ„ltid. En gryta gjord pĂ„ getkött och kokosmjölk serverat med kassava, friterad brödfrukt samt ris. Det vi inte orkade Ă€ta upp fick vi sedan slĂ€nga i en liten bĂ€ck, precis intill restaurangen dĂ€r det dök upp tvĂ„ stora Ă„lar som kalasade pĂ„ resterna. Ålarna var ”stammisar” pĂ„ restaurangen och en del av upplevelsen restaurangen Ă€r kĂ€nd för.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Utanför Hatiheu finns en av flera historiska lĂ€mningar frĂ„n tiden innan europĂ©ernas kolonisering. Platsen vi besökte heter Kamuihei och Ă€r en av de största arkeologiska utgrĂ€vningarna pĂ„ ön. HĂ€r finns heliga platser, Ă„teruppbyggda hus och ytor för olika sociala Ă€ndamĂ„l och vi sĂ„g tikis, offergropar och skĂ„lgropar uthuggna i stenar liknande dem vi kan se pĂ„ hĂ€llristningar i Sverige. Dessutom fanns flera petroglyfer pĂ„ stora stenhĂ€llar med avbildningar av djur, gudar, mĂ€nniskor och symboler som ocksĂ„ Ă„terfinns i polynesiernas mĂ„nga tatueringar. Eftersom den polynesiska kulturen var en kultur som bars av muntliga berĂ€ttelser och saknade skriftsprĂ„k Ă€r tolkningar svĂ„ra att göra och betydelserna sĂ€gs variera nĂ„got mellan ögrupperna men arkeologerna menar att det nĂ€stan alltid handlar om representationer av gudar, förfĂ€der, resor, himlakroppar och skyddssymboler. PĂ„ platsen fanns ocksĂ„ ett gigantiskt banjantrĂ€d som pĂ„stĂ„s vara 600 Ă„r gammalt!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sista delen av vĂ„r bilfĂ€rd gick vĂ€sterut mot flygplatsen. Nu kom vi till högre bergsomrĂ„den, djupa dalgĂ„ngar och pĂ„ hĂ„ll kunde vi se en mycket lĂ„ngt och vĂ€ldigt smalt vattenfall. IstĂ€llet för palmer och frukttrĂ€d kantades vĂ€gen av tallplanteringar med en art av tall som ursprungligen kommer frĂ„n Karibien. Tallarna har frĂ€mst planterats för virkets skull men har, sĂ„klart, ocksĂ„ förĂ€ndrat villkoren för de inhemska arterna som levde dĂ€r tidigare.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ stranden i Taiohae sĂ„g vi nĂ€stan varje dag unga killar som red fram och tillbaka pĂ„ sina hĂ€star. Ibland tĂ€vlade de lĂ€ngs en given strĂ€cka om att komma först. Det var imponerande att se eftersom de red barbacka (utan sadel) i snabb galopp med endast en filt att sitta pĂ„. De sĂ„g mĂ€kta stolta ut nĂ€r vi ville ta kort. Vi sĂ„g dock aldrig nĂ„gon tjej rida. HĂ€starna verkar numera vara en integrerad del av polynesiernas liv men hĂ€starnas ursprung Ă€r nĂ„got oklart. Det troligaste Ă€r att europĂ©erna införde flera djur som hĂ€star, getter och kor till öarna.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vattnen kring öarna i Marquesas Ă€r rika pĂ„ liv. De lokala fiskarna kommer in till hamnen nĂ€stan varje dag med fina fiskfĂ„ngster som de sĂ€ljer direkt pĂ„ plats. Fiskresterna efter rensningen kastas i hamnen till hajarnas förtjusning. Hajarna Ă€r av arten större svartfenad revhaj. Inte alla boende i omrĂ„det Ă€r förtjusta över spektaklet i vattnet nĂ€r hajarna slĂ„ss om resterna men det utgör en bra turistmagnet
 😊 Förutom hajarna, som trots allt inte Ă€r sĂ€rskilt farliga för mĂ€nniskor, har vi ocksĂ„ sett mĂ„nga mantor simma runt vĂ„r bĂ„t. TyvĂ€rr har det inte gĂ„tt att fĂ„ nĂ„gra bra bilder pĂ„ dem och nĂ€r vi snorklade i viken och försökte filma var sikten för dĂ„lig. Förhoppningsvis kommer fler tillfĂ€llen. En morgon hörde vi ett fasligt plaskade bakom bĂ„ten och nĂ€r vi sprang ut pĂ„ dĂ€ck ut för att se vad som hĂ€nt sĂ„g vi en havssköldpadda som försökte komma loss frĂ„n dingens förtöjningslina som den lyckats linda runt halsen. Efter nĂ„gra fruktlösa försök att vrida loss linan blev vi tvungna att kapa den. SĂ„ fort sköldpaddan kĂ€nde att den var fri tog den ett stort och ljudligt andetag innan den dök ner i vattnet och försvann. Hur den lyckats trassla in sig sĂ„ konstigt kunde vi dock aldrig lista ut
</p><p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ alla hjĂ€rtans dag passade vi pĂ„ att Ă€ta en trerĂ€tters middag pĂ„ en restaurang i Taiohae dĂ€r lokala musiker framförde smĂ€ktande ballader. Dagen efter kunde vi ocksĂ„ ta del av en alla hjĂ€rtans dag-fest dĂ€r bĂ„de lokalbor och turister var vĂ€lkomna. Till maten framfördes en show som var över en timme lĂ„ng och var mer som en dansad lĂ„ng berĂ€ttelse. Vi dök upp senare pĂ„ kvĂ€llen men sĂ„g Ă€ndĂ„ delar av uppvisningen. senare kunde vi sjĂ€lva dansa lite till öronbedövande polyneisisk populĂ€rmusik 😁 </p> <p class="MsoNormal">De senaste dagarna har vi provianterat lite i den lokala affĂ€ren och köpt en souvenir i form av en mini-tiki i trĂ€ gjord av en lokal konstnĂ€r pĂ„ ön.</p> <p>Nu vĂ€ntar vi ut lite oroligt vĂ€der innan vi kan ge oss av till atollerna i Tuamotu. Eftersom det rör sig om grunda rev med fĂ„ in- eller utgĂ„ngar och dĂ€r strömmarna Ă€r starka mĂ„ste vi passa tidvattentiderna sĂ„ att vi kommer in nĂ€r det Ă€r slack. Vi hoppas kunna trĂ€na pĂ„ en enklare atoll med större utrymme för bĂ„ten att komma in, innan vi ger oss pĂ„ att nĂ„ atollen Fakarava dĂ€r vi hoppas kunna fĂ„ se pĂ€rlodlingar!</p><p><br></p><p><em>Show for tourists</em></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ezxgysC0OJI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><br></p><p><em>Different tikis. Some old and some new</em></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153642.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153918.jpg?1740271343?1740271343" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_152953.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250205_153734.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094639.jpg?1740271343?1740271343" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_094725.jpg?1740271343?1740271343" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095118.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_095443.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111618.jpg?1740271343?1740271343" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_111947.jpg?1740271342?1740271342" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><br></p><p><em>Views from land</em></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_093308.jpg?1740271599?1740271599" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_111212.jpg?1740271599?1740271599" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_102837.jpg?1740271599?1740271599" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><br></p><p><em>Animals pasturing freely</em></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_154500.jpg?1740271748?1740271748" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WYwB6cWdUCQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><br></p><p><em>Hatiheu. eels feasting on leftovers</em></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7jH2Oq1laO4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><p><br></p><p><em>Kamuihei arheological site</em></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114849.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120000.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114332.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_114640.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120127.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120009.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120143.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p> <br></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121701.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_120942.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_121804.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123052.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250212_123207.jpg?1740271996?1740271996" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><br></p><p><em>Horse riding</em></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WBR_pHo89Bw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><p><br></p><p><em>Sharks at the harbour</em></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IQW7ruvLkCk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><p><br></p><p><em>Polynesian Traditional Canoes </em></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250206_164107.jpg?1740290992?1740290992" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250221_163610.jpg?1740290992?1740290992" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250220_171206.jpg?1740290992?1740290992" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250210_100248.jpg?1740290992?1740290992" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><br></p><p><em>Valentine's Day (Malin WAS happy!)</em></p><p> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192021.jpg?1740291240?1740291240" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_194632.jpg?1740291240?1740291240" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Nuku%20Hiva/20250214_192014.jpg?1740291240?1740291240" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ez_m9Hdbaeg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br> Sat, 22 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/february-2025/french-polynesia-nuku-hiva-and-the-marquesas /blog/february-2025/french-polynesia-nuku-hiva-and-the-marquesas Pacific crossing Malin <div> <p class="MsoNormal">The entire 3100 nautical miles crossing from Galapagos to French Polynesia took us just under 22 days to complete. We had favorable winds for most of the crossing as well as a westerly current of about 1 knot. Despite the fact that the weather files we downloaded every day recommended other routes, we were able to maintain a fairly straight course towards our destination, the island of Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas archipelago. The average speed we maintained was almost 6 knots, which can be considered a good average speed for Anastacia.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On all longer crossings, we write down our position every few hours and plot it on a paper chart as part of “dead reckoning”. The data we obtained showed that on some days we maintained a good speed and covered 170 nautical miles/day with an average speed of over 7 knots. One day we had almost no wind at all and did 75 nautical miles in a whole day. Then we took the opportunity to swim holding on to a rope behind the boat. A wonderful experience to get a proper clean! 😊. Then we also discovered how much growth Anastacia had on her hull. A lot of gooseneck barnacles had gotten stuck under her
 That means more hull cleaning in the future for us
😒</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During most of the sailing we were able to use our downwind sail (Blue water runner) either fully on both sides of the boat (goose wing) or double-folded as a large gennaker. The experience from the Atlantic crossing, where the halyard was chafed in the mast, had taught us the importance of sewing in extra chafing protection in the halyard where the wear was the greatest and also being careful to, at regular intervals, change the positions of both halyard and sheet to avoid too much chafing at the same spot. It paid off and despite the hundreds of hours the sail was up, nothing serious happened. The only thing that occurred was that a small line in the halyard fastening broke one night, but we were able to quickly fix that by hauling down the sail and securing it with a new piece of rope. Our third crew member, the wind rudder, had to work non-stop and had done its job brilliantly. We are still amazed by this mechanical marvel that steers the boat after the wind with such elegance. The autopilot has been allowed to rest during the entire trip, which also contributed to low power consumption. We are also a little proud that we have not had to use the engine for anything other than sporadically charging the boat's batteries and running the water maker. We have really been able to sail the whole time! 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have also taken the opportunity to practice the so called heave to, which we have never done before with Anastacia. It required a little trimming of the sail and rudder until we could reduce the speed from 7 to 0.8 knots in relatively high waves. Now we have agreed that we will practice heave to until both of us can solve it on our own. It can be important to slow down the boat in rough weather or emergencies.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">At regular intervals, we have had text contact with family via Iridium Go (satellite phone) and the crew of the Swedish boat S/Y Kerpa who also sailed to the Marquesas but started the crossing from Panama. Being without internet for so long was a challenge for us at the beginning but something we also got used to relatively quickly and eventually didn't miss at all
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The voyage has otherwise been quite uneventful. We created routines to be able to get through the days. We ate all meals together and made sure they ended up between our four-hour watch shifts. The waves were sometimes big and caused the boat to roll a lot. Sleeping was sometimes a challenge and we had to help each other give each other extra sleep time when possible. We have done daily inspection rounds of the boat to check the ropes, mast, boom and sails. We have devoted ourselves to cooking in a kitchenette, where just about everything is moving all the time and, at regular intervals, baked bread, made yogurt, etc. We have spent time on maintenance, such as renovating the chafing protections for the ropes and stays. We have read books, learned a little more about sea weather and navigation with a sextant. At night we could observe the starry sky of the southern hemisphere where only a few stars and constellations were familiar to us. The North Star had disappeared below the northern horizon and the guidance for the compass directions was replaced instead by the constellation of the Southern Cross to the south. The moon appeared to lie like a small smiley in the sky when it was new. We noted that at no time during the voyage did we see any airplanes in the sky, nor have we seen any other boats. We have seen storm-petrels, however, almost every day. It is incredible that these birds can fly out to sea when the nearest landmass is 1,500 nautical miles away! We have looked in vain for whales. However, we were able to see large schools of dolphins in the distance, a few days after we left the Galapagos. They jumped several meters into the air before landing with a thunderous splash! A real spectacle! Christer caught two tunas (Skipjack tuna). They were enough for a week's dinner for the two of us, but after that there was a fishing ban on Anastacia! Sometimes you can have too much of a good thing! 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, after the longest sailing we have ever done, we have finally reached land and are anchored outside the village of Taiohae on the main island of Nuku Hiva. We celebrated with a beer and some chips in the cockpit. A bit festive as there is an absolute ban on alcohol on the boat while sailing
 After an uncomplicated clearance at the French gendarmerie on the island, we went to bed and slept for over 12 hours! Now a few months of exploring the different island in Polynesia awaits 😊</p><p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> </div> <p class="MsoNormal">Hela överfarten pĂ„ 3100 sjömil frĂ„n Galapagos till Franska Polynesien tog oss knappt 22 dygn att genomföra. Vi hade gynnsamma vindar den största delen av överfarten liksom medström med ca 1 knops fart. Trots att vĂ€derfilerna vi laddade ner varje dag rekommenderade andra rutter kunde vi hĂ„lla en nĂ„gorlunda rak kurs mot mĂ„let, ön Nuku Hiva i ögruppen Marquesas. Snittfarten vi höll var nĂ€stan 6 knop vilket fĂ„r anses vara en bra medelfart för Anastacia.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vid alla lĂ€ngre överfarter skriver vi upp vĂ„r position med nĂ„gra timmars mellanrum och plottar ut pĂ„ ett papperssjökort som en del i ”dead reckoning”. Den data vi fick fram visade att vi vissa dygn höll god fart och tillryggalade 170 nautiska mil/dygn med en snittfart pĂ„ över 7 knop. En dag hade vi nĂ€stan ingen vind alls och gjorde 75 nautiska mil pĂ„ ett helt dygn. DĂ„ passade vi pĂ„ att bada hĂ„llandes i ett rep efter bĂ„ten. En underbar upplevelse att fĂ„ bli ordentligt ren! 😊. DĂ„ upptĂ€ckte vi ocksĂ„ sĂ„ mycket pĂ„vĂ€xt Anastacia hade fĂ„tt pĂ„ sin botten. En massa s k lĂ„nghalsar (Gooseneck barnacles) hade fastnat under henne
 Det innebĂ€r mer bottenskrapning framöver för vĂ„r del
😒</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under större delen av seglingen kunde vi anvĂ€nda vĂ„rt medvindssegel (Blue water runner) Antingen fullt ut pĂ„ bĂ„da sidor om bĂ„ten (goose wing) eller dubbelvikt som en stor gennaker. Erfarenheterna frĂ„n Atlantöverfarten, dĂ€r fallet skavts sönder i masten, hade lĂ€rt oss vikten av att sy in extra skavskydd i fallet dĂ€r nötningen var som störst och dessutom vara noga med att, med jĂ€mna mellanrum, Ă€ndra pĂ„ positionerna för bĂ„de fall och skot för att undvika för stort skav pĂ„ samma punkt. Det betalade sig och trots de hundratals timmar seglet var uppe skedde inget allvarligt. Det enda som hĂ€nde var att en liten tamp i fĂ€stet mot fallet brast en natt men det kunde vi snabbt Ă„tgĂ€rda genom att hala ner seglet och fĂ€sta med en ny repstump. VĂ„r tredje besĂ€ttningsmedlem, vindrodret, har fĂ„tt arbeta oavbrutet och skötte sitt arbete med bravur. Vi Ă€r fortfarande förundrade över detta mekaniska underverk som styr bĂ„ten efter vinden med sĂ„dan elegans. Autopiloten har fĂ„tt vila under hela resan vilket ocksĂ„ bidragit till lĂ„g strömförbrukning. Lite stolta Ă€r vi ocksĂ„ över att inte ha behövt anvĂ€nda motorn till annat Ă€n att sporadiskt ladda bĂ„tens batterier och köra watermakern för att göra vatten. Vi har verkligen kunnat segla hela tiden! 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi har ocksĂ„ passat pĂ„ att öva pĂ„ att dreja bi, vilket vi aldrig gjort tidigare med Anastacia. Det krĂ€vde lite trimning av segel och roder tills vi kunde fĂ„ ner farten frĂ„n 7 till 0,8 knop i relativt höga vĂ„gor. Nu Ă€r vi överens om att vi skall trĂ€na pĂ„ att dreja bi tills bĂ„da kan lösa det pĂ„ egen hand. Det kan vara viktigt att fĂ„ ner bĂ„tens fart vid hĂ„rt vĂ€der eller nödsituationer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Med jĂ€mna mellanrum har vi haft sms-kontakt med familjen via Iridium Go (satellittelefon) samt besĂ€ttningen pĂ„ den svenska bĂ„ten S/Y Kerpa som ocksĂ„ seglade till Marquesas men startade överfarten frĂ„n Panama. Att vara utan internet sĂ„ lĂ€nge var en utmaning för oss i början men nĂ„got vi ocksĂ„ vande oss vid relativt snabbt och till slut inte saknade alls
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">FĂ€rden har i övrigt varit ganska hĂ€ndelsefattig. Vi skapade rutiner för att kunna fĂ„ dagarna att gĂ„. Alla mĂ„ltider Ă„t vi tillsammans och sĂ„g till att de hamnade mellan vĂ„ra fyratimars vaktpass. VĂ„gorna var tidvis stora och gjorde att bĂ„ten rullade en hel del. Att sova blev ibland en utmaning och vi fick hjĂ€lpas Ă„t att ge varandra extra sömntid nĂ€r det var möjligt. Vi har gĂ„tt dagliga kontrollrundor pĂ„ bĂ„ten för att se över tampar, mast, bom och segel. Vi har Ă€gnat oss Ă„t matlagning i ett pentry, dĂ€r precis allting rör sig hela tiden och, med jĂ€mna mellanrum, bakat bröd, gjort yoghurt mm. Vi har Ă€gnat tid Ă„t underhĂ„ll, som att renovera skavskydd till tampar och stag. Vi har lĂ€st böcker, lĂ€rt oss lite mer om sjövĂ€der och navigation med sextant. PĂ„ nĂ€tterna kunde vi betrakta södra halvklotets stjĂ€rnhimmel dĂ€r bara nĂ„gra fĂ„ stjĂ€rnor och stjĂ€rnbilder var bekanta för oss. PolstjĂ€rnan hade försvunnit under norra horisonten och vĂ€gledningen för vĂ€derstrecken ersattes istĂ€llet av stjĂ€rnbilden södra korset mot syd. MĂ„nen syntes liggandes som en liten smiley pĂ„ himlavalvet nĂ€r den var ny. Vi noterade att vi inte under nĂ„gon tidpunkt pĂ„ seglatsen sett nĂ„gra flygplan pĂ„ himlen inte heller har vi sett nĂ„gra andra bĂ„tar. Stormsvalor har vi dĂ€remot sett nĂ€stan varje dag. Otroligt att dessa fĂ„glar kan flyga ute till havs nĂ€r nĂ€rmaste landmassa ligger 1500 sjömil bort! Vi har förgĂ€ves spanat efter valar, utan att se nĂ„gra. Stora flockar med delfiner kunde vi dock beskĂ„da pĂ„ avstĂ„nd, nĂ„gra dygn efter att vi lĂ€mnat Galapagos. De hoppade flera meter upp i luften innan de landade med ett hejdundrande plask! Ett riktigt skĂ„despel! Christer fick upp tvĂ„ tonfiskar (Skipjack tuna). De rĂ€ckte till en veckas middagar för oss tvĂ„ men dĂ€refter rĂ„dde fiskeförbud pĂ„ Anastacia! Det kan ibland bli för mycket av det goda! 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nu, efter den lĂ€ngsta seglats vi nĂ„gonsin gjort har vi Ă€ntligen nĂ„tt land och ligger för ankar utanför byn Taiohae pĂ„ huvudön Nuku Hiva. Vi firade med varsin öl och lite chips i sittbrunnen. Lite högtidslikt dĂ„ det rĂ„der absolut alkoholförbud pĂ„ bĂ„ten under fĂ€rd
 Efter en okomplicerad inklarering vid det franska gendarmeriet pĂ„ ön lade vi oss och sov i över 12 timmar! Nu vĂ€ntar nĂ„gra mĂ„naders utforskande av de olika ögrupperna i Polynesien 😊</p><p><br></p><p><em>A short video from the crossing</em></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X3kdFzUfXxc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>A happy fisherman</em> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250116_133014.jpg?1738988587" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250116_133014.jpg?1738988587 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250116_133014.jpg?1738988587 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250116_133014.jpg?1738988587 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250116_133014.jpg?1738988587?1738988587" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250122_155402.jpg?1738988587" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250122_155402.jpg?1738988587 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250122_155402.jpg?1738988587 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250122_155402.jpg?1738988587 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250122_155402.jpg?1738988587?1738988587" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Chafing protection. Before and after...</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141526.jpg?1738988762" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141526.jpg?1738988762 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141526.jpg?1738988762 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141526.jpg?1738988762 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141526.jpg?1738988762?1738988762" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141925.jpg?1738988762" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141925.jpg?1738988762 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141925.jpg?1738988762 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141925.jpg?1738988762 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Pacific/20250203_141925.jpg?1738988762?1738988762" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> Thu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/february-2025/pacific-crossing /blog/february-2025/pacific-crossing Galapagos Malin <p class="MsoNormal">The entire Galapagos archipelago and its waters belong to Ecuador. The area is considered the world's second largest marine reserve with its 133,000 km2 and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a unique animal and plant life. The archipelago consists of 19 larger islands, 4 of which are inhabited, plus a further 110 uninhabited small islets and rocks. The islands are all volcanic islands and lie at the intersection of three continental plates. The islands belong to the northern part of the Nazca plate, on the border with the so-called Cocos plate in the north. To the west, it borders the South American continental plate. The Nazca plate is slowly drifting in a southeasterly direction towards the South American continental plate at a speed of about 5 cm per year. The movement causes new volcanoes to arise to the west and the most recent eruption on the Galapagos took place in March 2024 on the westernmost island of Fernandina. It is believed that the islands began to form five to ten million years ago and the difference in age between the islands varies, with the oldest, easternmost islands (San CristĂłbal and Española) being several million years older than the westernmost (Isabela and Fernandina). The islands are believed to have been uninhabited until the first Spaniards from Panama arrived there in the 16th century. When we spoke to residents of Santa Cruz, many referred to the “Pirate age”. It turned out to be a period in the 16th and 17th centuries when many pirate ships, who made plundering raids on the mainland, were able to escape to the archipelago and, among other things, feed on the large land tortoises that were on the islands. In fact, the name Galapagos means tortoise.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Unfortunately, the first visitors to the islands brought with them other animal species that caused damage to the islands. Perhaps the worst was the rats, which multiplied rapidly and fed on the animals that were already on the islands; baby turtles, lizards, small iguanas, etc. The lack of mammals and larger predators meant that the species that lived on the islands became easy prey as they were completely fearless. To solve the rat problem, cats were eventually introduced, but they found lizards, iguanas and fearless birds being easier prey than the cautious rats. On several islands, entire species got extinguished because of this. Goats and stray dogs have also been major problems. Dogs are now only kept as pets and under control. Feral cats are still found on some islands. We ourselves saw a small wild cat chasing a lizard when we walked to a beach on Santa Cruz. In recent years, it has been possible to remove all foreign species on some islands and several projects are underway to replant many of the animals and plants that have disappeared. However, it is also known that several species have unfortunately become completely extinct.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the 25 days we stayed in the Galapagos, we stayed anchored in Academy Bay near the town of Puerto Ayora on the main island of Santa Cruz. It is also allowed to sail to three more islands in the archipelago, but after just a few days, we didn't think it was worth the trouble with the permits that we had to arrange with our agent for each island. At each island you have to clear in and out and pay a small national park fee in addition to the fees we had already paid to be able to sail here at all. In addition, Puerto Ayora was the port with the best facilities and where it was easiest to refuel the boat and be able to clear out of the Galapagos when leaving. It is clear that the islanders focus on tourists who come to the islands by plane to be able to service them when they ask for accommodations, food, activities, etc. Leisure boat tourists, like us, requires more work with checks of the boat and crew and less income for the islands. To get to and from the island from the boat, we could call a taxi boat. It cost a dollar per person and was well worth the small fee. You can use your own dinghy if you want, but in reality, it is not possible as there is nowhere to dock on land. In addition, the sea lions could quickly take possession of the boat for their rest when they are not catching fish in the sea outside. When we stepped ashore on Santa Cruz, it was amazing to see how fearless all the animals we encountered were. Sea lions and iguanas lay calmly sunbathing in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city of Puerto Ayora and various birds sat completely fearlessly in the middle of visitors and preened their feathers. Tourism makes up more than 80% of the islands' economy and we quickly realized that here, as in many other places we have visited, they do everything they can to make a few pennies from visitors. The taxi boats were just one example. In Puerto Ayora, the streets were full of small travel agencies offering tickets for fast ferries between the islands, sightseeing tours on land as well as diving or snorkeling trips. Drivers hailed from their white pickup taxis and asked if we wanted a ride. There are very few areas on the islands where you can roam freely in nature or snorkel on your own. Basically, all places require you to have a guide with you. The lasting impression was like being in a gigantic zoo. However, it must be admitted that the guided tours were well organized and the guides were consistently very knowledgeable. We also made sure that they were kept busy, as inquisitive as we are
😊. Nowadays, all guides and park rangers in the Galapagos must be certified and continuously trained and also reside on one of the islands. Everyone we met was also really professional and concerned that we would have a good experience but also very clear about the rules that applied so as not to harm animals or plants in any way.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The first visit we made, was to the Charles Darwin Research Station. Here we were given a brief overview of Darwin's visit to the islands in 1835 and how his studies of life on the Galapagos played a role in his theory of natural selection. Among other things, he was able to see with his own eyes how finches had adapted over time on the different islands depending on what food they could mainly eat. The shape of the beaks had changed and looked different depending on which island the finches lived on. It was a somewhat reverent moment for us to visit places that have become so important for our understanding of how species developed on earth... The research center also breeds several of the 15 different species of large tortoises found on the different islands. They wait until the tortoises are 5 years old before they are released. Only then are the tortoises' shells hard enough to prevent them from falling victim to rats. 5 years may seem like a lot, but on the other hand, tortoises live around 150 years! The research center is very active in various educational projects for both residents and visitors. Scientists from all over the world come here to study animal and plant life on land and in the sea. Many projects are focused on the conservation of endangered species and restoration. Other projects aim to find more sustainable energy alternatives on the islands and how to tackle the problem of the enormous amount of plastic waste that flows ashore on the islands via ocean currents. Illegal fishing in the seas outside is another major problem that is being addressed, where unfortunately China stands out as being particularly active. Since the fishing boats turn off their transponders, AIS, etc., they become almost impossible to track for the few coast guard vessels that patrol the entire reserve. We ourselves have been surprised when we have sailed at night and suddenly seen lights from fishing boats appear just a few nautical miles away that we have not been able to track via our plotter (AIS). When we have sailed past them, they have turned off their lanterns again and thus made themselves completely invisible again. Now we understand what could have been the reason
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also visited a reserve for land tortoises and saw them roaming around completely freely. They like to graze together with the cows that are kept on the island and the tortoises are so big that they sometimes force their way through the cow enclosures so that the cows also come out – much to the farmers’ annoyance. On the way there, we saw giant land tortoises crossing the roads in slow motion, where traffic had to stop to let them pass. The taxi driver told us that only park rangers are allowed to move tortoises that are on the road and drivers can be fined the equivalent of several months’ wages and even jail time if they hit a tortoise. It’s simply a matter of being patient
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also booked a snorkeling trip to the small island of PinzĂłn to see more of the underwater life. Unfortunately, the visibility was poor but we managed to film some of it. In fact, where Anastacia was lying, there was also a lot of life, both in and on the water. Reef sharks, large sea turtles and iguanas swam around the boat. A lot of different seabirds, in addition to the more common frigate birds and pelicans, visited us. We saw several Blue Footed Boobys which have become a bit of a symbol of the Galapagos. Then we have a special relationship with a Galapagos heron which often returned and almost settled on the boat. We called the bird Sture but had no idea if it was a female or a male. Sture seemed to think the boat was a perfect place to stand to watch for fish. We also saw him catch a fish which turned out to be too big for him to swallow. After several failed attempts Sture released the fish into our cockpit and watched for more fish. The next day the fish was still there and had probably been desperately squirming around before it finally died so we had to clean up the entire cockpit. Christer threw the fish into the sea and Sture, who was still sitting on the railing, looked at him angrily. Apparently, he thought it was a shame to throw away the food he had spent so much energy catching
 We were also soon visited by a sea lion who parked on Anastacia’s small swimming platform. We had thought that the platform was too small for sea lions, but this individual didn’t think so and stayed there all night. Unfortunately, the sea lion left a big business card behind on the platform that smelled really bad and we had to spend a good while washing everything off. After that, we placed two large ball fenders in the stern and avoided further visits.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christmas was celebrated with traditional Christmas porridge made from plain rice and other improvised food for our small Christmas table on the boat. Of course, we had made sure to bring the obligatory Italian Panettone, bought in Panama, which we enjoyed with our coffee. New Year's Eve, which was also Christer's birthday, was first celebrated with breakfast on the boat with cream cake and a little later in the day, homemade birthday panna cotta garnished with toasted, candied coconut flakes was served, followed by gift-giving and beautiful singing performed by the lady on the boat. In the evening, we had a delicious sea-inspired dinner at a nice restaurant where we got a table on a balcony overlooking the water. Then we celebrated the old year with thousands of other Galapagos residents from both Santa Cruz and other islands + a lot of tourists who strolled the streets and bought something from the street vendors who crowded along the main street in Puerto Ayora. A small funfair with a train track for the youngest visitors had been set up at one end of the street. To our surprise, we saw that the staff, with young, enthusiastic helpers, were helping to push the train with all the carriages around the track. The children rode and screamed with delight and had fun and the parents watched. Just like at any other funfair, although this one was operated by hand without motors or electricity 😊. The city had also arranged entertainment throughout the evening and night in the square, with artists from Colombia, among others. At midnight, the cheers broke out. No fireworks or light shows but a thunderous roar from the stage and cheering people everywhere. At two o'clock we took a boat taxi back to Anastacia and heard the music from the harbor well into the morning. When we, on January 2nd, went ashore again to buy some vegetables, we were surprised that so few shops were open. Now we found out that the Ecuadorian president, Daniel Noboa, had declared a national holiday from New Year's until after the Epiphany! We had to wait with the vegetables
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The only disappointment during our visit was that we had a cold last week, which meant we had to cancel a diving trip to the island Isla Seymour Norte, just north of Santa Cruz. There we could have seen more species, including reef sharks and hammerhead sharks! However, we hope to have that chance later on in our sailing. Now we are preparing the boat for the longest crossing we will make. We have just over 3000 nautical miles to sail to the island of Nuku Hiva, in the Marquesas archipelago, French Polynesia. After a few administrative procedures, we will set off tomorrow and expect to arrive in 25-30 days. We also operate a postal service, albeit on a very small scale. On the way here, we delivered a small oil pump that the agent here had ordered from Panama. We will bring a package to Polynesia for a sailor who had to leave the Galapagos before the package from his parents arrived here. To be safe, we check the contents before we set off 😊 If we had visited the island of Floreana here in the Galapagos, we could have visited Post Office Bay founded in 1793 where former whalers could leave letters and at the same time see if there were letters addressed to the destination they were sailing to... This unofficial post office is said to still be used today by sailors.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <div> <p class="MsoNormal">Hela Galapagos-arkipelagen med tillhörande vatten tillhör Ecuador. OmrĂ„det rĂ€knas som vĂ€rldens nĂ€st största marina reservat med sina 133,000 km2 och Ă€r klassat som ett UNESCO vĂ€rldsarv med ett unikt djur- och vĂ€xtliv. Arkipelagen utgörs av 19 större öar varav 4 Ă€r bebodda plus ytterligare ca 110 obebodda smĂ„ holmar och klippor. Öarna Ă€r alla vulkanöar och ligger i skĂ€rningspunkten mellan tre kontinentalplattor. Öarna hör till den norra delen av Nazca-plattan, pĂ„ grĂ€nsen till den sĂ„ kallade Cocosplattan i norr. VĂ€sterut grĂ€nsar den till den sydamerikanska kontinentalplattan. Nazcaplattan driver lĂ„ngsamt i sydostlig riktning mot den sydamerikanska kontinentalplattan med en hastighet av cirka 5 cm per Ă„r. Rörelsen gör att nya vulkaner uppstĂ„r vĂ€sterut och det senaste utbrottet pĂ„ Galapagos skedde i mars 2024 pĂ„ den vĂ€stligaste ön Fernandina. Man tror att öarna började bildas fem till tio miljoner Ă„r sedan och skillnaden i Ă„lder mellan öarna varierar, dĂ€r de Ă€ldsta, östligaste öarna (San CristĂłbal and Española) Ă€r flera miljoner Ă„r Ă€ldre Ă€n de vĂ€stliga (Isabela och Fernandina). Öarna tros ha varit obebodda varit fram till att de första spanjorerna frĂ„n Panama kom dit pĂ„ 1500-talet. NĂ€r vi talade med invĂ„nare pĂ„ Santa Cruz sĂ„ var det mĂ„nga som hĂ€nvisade till ”Pirate age”. Det visade sig vara en period pĂ„ 1500 och 1600-talet dĂ„ mĂ„nga piratbĂ„tar, som gjorde plundringsrĂ€der pĂ„ fastlandet, kunde fly till ögruppen och bl a livnĂ€ra sig pĂ„ de stora landsköldpaddorna som fanns pĂ„ öarna. Namnet Galapagos betyder just sköldpadda. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">De första besökarna till öarna förde tyvĂ€rr med sig andra djurarter som stĂ€llt till skada pĂ„ öarna. VĂ€rst var kanske rĂ„ttorna som förökade sig snabbt och livnĂ€rde sig pĂ„ de djur som redan fanns pĂ„ öarna; sköldpaddsungar, ödlor, smĂ„ leguaner etc. Avsaknaden av dĂ€ggdjur och större rovdjur gjorde att de arter som levde pĂ„ öarna blev lĂ€tta byten dĂ„ de var helt orĂ€dda. För att lösa rĂ„ttproblemet infördes sĂ„ smĂ„ningom katter som dock tyckte att ödlor, leguaner och orĂ€dda fĂ„glar var enklare byten Ă€n de skygga rĂ„ttorna. PĂ„ flera öar dog hela arter ut p g av detta. Getter och lösspringande hundar har ocksĂ„ utgjort stora problem. Hundar hĂ„lls nu endast som sĂ€llskapsdjur och under kontroll. Förvildade katter finns fortfarande pĂ„ vissa öar. Vi sĂ„g sjĂ€lva en liten vildkatt jaga en ödla nĂ€r vi promenerade till en strand pĂ„ Santa Cruz. PĂ„ senare Ă„r har man kunnat fĂ„ bort alla frĂ€mmande arter pĂ„ vissa öar och flera Ă„terplanteringsprojekt pĂ„gĂ„r för att kunna Ă„terinplantera mĂ„nga av de djur och vĂ€xter som försvunnit. Dock vet man ocksĂ„ att flera arter tyvĂ€rr dött ut helt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under de 25 dagar vi stannat pĂ„ Galapagos sĂ„ har vi hela tiden legat för ankar i Academy Bay vid staden Puerto Ayora pĂ„ huvudön Santa Cruz. Det Ă€r tillĂ„tet att ocksĂ„ segla till ytterligare tre öar i arkipelagen men redan efter nĂ„gra dagars vistelse tyckte vi inte att det var vĂ€rt besvĂ€ret med de tillstĂ„nd som vi hade behövt ordna med vĂ„r agent för respektive ö. Vid varje ö mĂ„ste man nĂ€mligen klarera in respektive ut och betala en liten nationalparksavgift förutom de avgifter vi redan betalat för att över huvud taget fĂ„ segla hit. Dessutom var Puerto Ayora den hamn med bĂ€st faciliteter och dĂ€r det enklast gick att fĂ„ tanka bĂ„ten och kunna klarera ut ur Galapagos vid avfĂ€rd. Det Ă€r tydligt att man fokuserar pĂ„ turister som kommer via flyg till öarna och service till dem dĂ„ de efterfrĂ„gar övernattningsmöjligheter, mat, aktiviteter o s v. FritidsbĂ„tturister, som vi, innebĂ€r mer jobb med kontroller av bĂ„t och besĂ€ttning och mindre intĂ€kter till öarna.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">För att ta oss till och frĂ„n ön frĂ„n bĂ„ten kunde vi kalla pĂ„ en taxibĂ„t. Det kostade en dollar per person och var vĂ€l vĂ€rt den lilla avgiften. Man fĂ„r anvĂ€nda den egna dingen om man vill men i praktiken gĂ„r det inte dĂ„ det inte finns nĂ„gonstans att lĂ€gga till pĂ„ land. Dessutom kunde sjölejonen snabbt ta gummibĂ„ten i besittning för sina vilopauser nĂ€r de inte fĂ„ngar fisk i havet utanför.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€r vi steg iland pĂ„ Santa Cruz var det fantastiskt att se hur orĂ€dda alla djur var som vi stötte pĂ„. Sjölejon och leguaner lĂ„g lugnt och solade mitt i stadsvimlet i Puerto Ayora och olika fĂ„glar satte sig helt orĂ€dda mitt bland besökare och putsade fjĂ€drarna. Turismen utgör mer Ă€n 80% av öarnas ekonomi och vi insĂ„g snabbt att hĂ€r, liksom pĂ„ mĂ„nga andra stĂ€llen vi besökt, gör man allt för att kunna tjĂ€na nĂ„gra slantar av besökarna. TaxibĂ„tarna var bara ett exempel. I Puerto Ayora var gatorna fulla av smĂ„ resebyrĂ„er som erbjöd biljetter till snabbfĂ€rjor mellan öarna, sightseeingturer pĂ„ land liksom dyk- eller snorkelturer. Chaufförer hojtade frĂ„n sina vita pickup-taxis och frĂ„gade om vi ville ha skjuts. Det finns vĂ€ldigt fĂ„ omrĂ„den pĂ„ öarna dĂ€r man kan fĂ„ ströva fritt i naturen eller snorkla pĂ„ egen hand. I princip alla stĂ€llen krĂ€ver att man har med sig en guide. Det bestĂ„ende intrycket var som att befinna sig pĂ„ en gigantisk djurpark. Det mĂ„ste dock erkĂ€nnas att de guidade turerna var vĂ€lorganiserade och guiderna var genomgĂ„ende mycket kunniga. Vi sĂ„g ocksĂ„ till att de fick fullt upp att göra, sĂ„ frĂ„gvisa som vi Ă€r
😊. Numera skall alla guider och parkvakter pĂ„ Galapagos vara certifierade och vidareutbildas kontinuerligt och dessutom vara bosatta pĂ„ nĂ„gon av öarna. Alla vi mötte var ocksĂ„ verkligen seriösa och mĂ„na om att vi skulle fĂ„ en bra upplevelse men ocksĂ„ mycket tydliga med vilka regler som gĂ€llde för att inte pĂ„ nĂ„got sĂ€tt skada djur eller vĂ€xter. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Första besöket blev pĂ„ Charles Darwin Research Station, HĂ€r fick vi en kort genomgĂ„ng av Darwins besök pĂ„ öarna 1835 och hur hans studier av livet Galapagos spelat en roll för hans teori om det naturliga urvalet. Bl a kunde han med egna ögon se hur en finkar med tiden hade anpassat sig pĂ„ de olika öarna beroende pĂ„ vilken föda de frĂ€mst kunde Ă€ta. NĂ€bbarnas form hade Ă€ndrats och sĂ„g olika ut beroende pĂ„ vilken ö finkarna levde pĂ„. Det blev en lite andĂ€ktig stund för oss att fĂ„ besöka platser som fĂ„tt sĂ„dan betydelse för vĂ„r förstĂ„else av hur arter uppkommit pĂ„ jorden
 PĂ„ forskningscentret bedrivs Ă€ven uppfödning av flera av de totalt 15 olika arter av stora landsköldpaddor som finns pĂ„ de olika öarna. Man vĂ€ntar tills sköldpaddorna Ă€r 5 Ă„r gamla innan de slĂ€pps ut. Först dĂ„ Ă€r sköldpaddornas skal tillrĂ€ckligt hĂ„rda för att de inte skall falla offer för bl a rĂ„ttor. 5 Ă„r kan verka mycket men Ă„ andra sidan blir landsköldpaddor runt 150 Ă„r gamla! Forskningscentret Ă€r vĂ€ldigt aktivt bl a i olika utbildningsprojekt för bĂ„de invĂ„nare och besökare. Forskare frĂ„n hela vĂ€rlden kommer hit för att studera djur och vĂ€xtliv pĂ„ land och i havet. MĂ„nga projekt Ă€r inriktade pĂ„ bevarandet av hotade arter och restaurering. Andra projekt syftar till att hitta mer hĂ„llbara energialternativ pĂ„ öarna och hur man skall angripa problemet med den enorma mĂ€ngd plastskrĂ€p som via havsströmmar flyter i land pĂ„ öarna. Olovligt fiske i haven utanför Ă€r ett annat stort problem man försöker adressera dĂ€r tyvĂ€rr Kina sticker ut som sĂ€rskilt aktiva. Eftersom fiskebĂ„tarna stĂ€nger av sina transpondrar, AIS etc. blir de nĂ€stan omöjliga att spĂ„ra för de fĂ„ kustbevakningsfartyg som patrullerar hela reservatet. Vi har sjĂ€lva varit förvĂ„nade nĂ€r vi seglat nattetid och plötsligt sett ljus frĂ„n fiskebĂ„tar dyka upp pĂ„ bara nĂ„gon sjömils avstĂ„nd som vi inte kunnat spĂ„ra via vĂ„r plotter (AIS). NĂ€r vi seglat förbi dem har de Ă„ter slĂ€ckt lanternorna och pĂ„ sĂ„ sĂ€tt gjort sig helt osynliga igen. Nu förstĂ„r vi vad det kan ha berott pÄ </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi besökte Ă€ven ett reservat för landsköldpaddor och fick se dem strosa runt helt fritt. De betar gĂ€rna tillsammans med de kor som hĂ„lls pĂ„ ön och sködpaddorna Ă€r sĂ„ stora att de ibland forcerar igenom inhĂ€gnaderna till korna sĂ„ Ă€ven korna kommer ut – till böndernas förtret. PĂ„ vĂ€gen dit sĂ„g vi gigantiska landsköldpaddor korsa vĂ€garna i sakta mak, dĂ€r trafiken fick stanna för att lĂ„ta dem passera. Taxichauffören berĂ€ttade att det bara Ă€r parkvakter som fĂ„r flytta sköldpaddor som ligger i vĂ€gen och förare kan fĂ„ böter motsvarande flera mĂ„nadslöner och t o m fĂ€ngelsestraff om de skulle köra pĂ„ en sköldpadda. Det gĂ€ller helt enkelt att ha tĂ„lamod
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi bokade ocksĂ„ en snorkeltur till den lilla ön PinzĂłn för att fĂ„ se mer av livet under vattnet. TyvĂ€rr var sikten dĂ„lig men vi fick filmat en del. Faktum Ă€r att dĂ€r Anastacia lĂ„g vimlade det ocksĂ„ av liv, bĂ„de i och pĂ„ vattnet. Revhajar, stora vattensköldpaddor och leguaner simmade runt bĂ„ten. En massa olika sjöfĂ„glar, förutom de mer vanliga fregattfĂ„glarna och pelikanerna, besökte oss. Vi sĂ„g flera blĂ„fotade sulor (Blue Footed Booby) som blivit lite av Galapagos symbol. Sedan har vi ett sĂ€rskilt förhĂ„llande till en GalapagoshĂ€ger som ofta Ă„terkom och nĂ€stan bosatte sig pĂ„ bĂ„ten. Vi kallade fĂ„geln för Sture men hade egentligen ingen aning om det var en hona eller hane. Sture verkade tycka bĂ„ten var en perfekt plats att stĂ„ pĂ„ för att spana pĂ„ fisk. Vi sĂ„g honom ocksĂ„ fĂ„nga en fisk som visade sig vara för stor för honom att svĂ€lja. Efter flera misslyckade försök slĂ€ppte Sture fisken i vĂ„r sittbrunn och spanade efter fler fiskar. Dagen efter lĂ„g fisken kvar och hade antagligen förtvivlat sprattlat runt innan den slutligen dog sĂ„ vi fick sanera hela sittbrunnen. Christer kastade i fisken i havet och Sture, som fortfarande satt pĂ„ relingen, tittade surt pĂ„ honom. Tydligen tyckte han att det var synd att kasta maten som han lagt sĂ„ mycket energi pĂ„ att fĂ„nga
 Vi fick ocksĂ„ snart besök av ett sjölejon som parkerade pĂ„ Anastacias lilla badplattform. Vi hade trott att plattformen var för liten för sjölejon men det tyckte inte den hĂ€r individen som lĂ„g kvar en hel natt. TyvĂ€rr lĂ€mnade sjölejonet ett rejĂ€lt visitkort efter sig pĂ„ badplattformen som luktade riktigt illa och vi fick lĂ€gga en bra stund pĂ„ att tvĂ€tta bort allt. DĂ€refter placerade vi tvĂ„ stora kulfendrar i akterna och slapp vidare besök.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Julen firades med julgröt gjord pĂ„ vanligt ris och annan improviserad mat till vĂ„rt lilla julbord pĂ„ bĂ„ten. SĂ„klart hade vi sett till att fĂ„ med den obligatoriska italienska Panettonen, inköpt i Panama, som vi avnjöt till kaffet. NyĂ„r tillika Christers födelsedag firades först med frukost pĂ„ bĂ„ten med grĂ€ddtĂ„rta och lite senare pĂ„ dagen serverades hemgjord födelsedags-pannacotta garnerad med rostade, kanderade kokosflarn följd av presentutdelning och skönsĂ„ng framförd av frun pĂ„ bĂ„ten. PĂ„ kvĂ€llen Ă„t vi en god havsinspirerad middag pĂ„ en trevlig restaurang dĂ€r vi fick ett bord pĂ„ en balkong med utsikt över vattnet. Sedan firade vi ut det gamla Ă„ret med tusentals andra Galapagosbor frĂ„n bĂ„de Santa Cruz och andra öar + en massa turister som flanerade pĂ„ gatorna och köpte nĂ„got frĂ„n gatuförsĂ€ljarna som trĂ€ngdes lĂ€ngs huvudgatan i Puerto Ayora. Ett litet tivoli med en tĂ„gbana för de minsta besökarna hade satts upp vid ena Ă€nden av gatan. Till vĂ„r förvĂ„ning sĂ„g vi att personalen med unga, entusiastiska medhjĂ€lpare, hjĂ€lptes Ă„t att putta tĂ„get med alla vagnarna runt pĂ„ banan. Barnen Ă„kte och skrek förtjust och hade roligt och förĂ€ldrarna tittade pĂ„. Precis som pĂ„ vilket annat tivoli som helst fast detta drevs för hand utan motorer eller elektricitet 😊. Staden hade ocksĂ„ ordnat med underhĂ„llning under hela kvĂ€llen och natten pĂ„ torget, med artister frĂ„n bl a Colombia. Vid tolvslaget sĂ„ bröt jublet ut. Inga fyrverkerier eller ljusshower men ett hejdundrande hĂ„lligĂ„ng frĂ„n scenen och jublande mĂ€nniskor överallt. Vid tvĂ„tiden tog vi en bĂ„ttaxi tillbaks till Anastacia och hörde musiken frĂ„n hamnen lĂ„ngt in pĂ„ morgonen. NĂ€r vi, den 2:e januari, Ă„ter gick i land för att köpa lite grönsaker blev vi förvĂ„nade över att sĂ„ fĂ„ butiker hade öppet. Nu fick vi reda pĂ„ att den ecuadorianske presidenten, Daniel Noboa, hade utlyst nationell helg frĂ„n nyĂ„r till efter trettonhelgen! Vi fick vĂ€nta med grönsakerna
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Enda smolket i glĂ€djebĂ€garen under vĂ„rt besök var att vi sista veckan legat förkylda vilket gjort att vi fĂ„tt avboka en dyktur till ön Isla Seymour Norte, strax norr om Santa Cruz. DĂ€r hade vi kunnat fĂ„ se fler arter av bl a revhaj och hammarhaj! Vi hoppas dock kunna fĂ„ den chansen senare pĂ„ vĂ„r seglats. Nu förbereder vi bĂ„ten för den lĂ€ngsta överfarten vi kommer att göra. Vi har lite drygt 3000 sjömil att segla till ön Nuku Hiva, i ögruppen Marquesas, franska Polynesien. Efter lite administrativa procedurer, ger vi oss ivĂ€g imorgon och rĂ€knar med att vara framme om 25-30 dagar. Vi agerar dessutom postservice om Ă€n i mycket liten skala. PĂ„ vĂ€gen hit levererade vi en liten oljepump som agenten hĂ€r hade bestĂ€llt frĂ„n Panama. Till Polynesien kommer vi att ta med ett paket till en seglare som hann lĂ€mna Galapagos innan paketet frĂ„n hans förĂ€ldrar hann fram hit. För sĂ€kerhets skull kontrollerar vi innehĂ„llet innan vi ger oss ivĂ€g 😊 Hade vi besökt ön Floreana hĂ€r pĂ„ Galapagos hade vi kunnat besöka Post Office Bay, grundad 1793, dĂ€r tidigare valfĂ„ngare kunde lĂ€mna brev och samtidigt se om det finns brev som var adresserade till den destination de skulle segla till
 Detta inofficiella postkontor sĂ€gs anvĂ€ndas Ă€n idag av sjöfarare.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>A heartwarming Christmas carol performed to us by youngsters from the Molas club. Molas Club promotes ecological and biodiversity conservation projects for young people in Galapagos . The performance was part of a competition and we really hope these four won the competition! ❀</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7sN4DUsKg5M" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Animal encounters at Puerto Ayora and the fish market in Santa Cruz</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241221_121712.jpg?1736821098" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241221_121712.jpg?1736821098 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241221_121712.jpg?1736821098 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241221_121712.jpg?1736821098 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241221_121712.jpg?1736821098?1736821098" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105001.jpg?1736820950?1736820950" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20250111_110415.jpg?1736821610?1736821610" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_110302.jpg?1736820036?1736820036" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105335.jpg?1736820036?1736820036" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241223_105708.jpg?1736820036?1736820036" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u>Giant Tortoises</u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_115049.jpg?1736820036?1736820036" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241226_124424.jpg?1736820036?1736820036" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143102.jpg?1736821447" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143102.jpg?1736821447 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143102.jpg?1736821447 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143102.jpg?1736821447 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143102.jpg?1736821447?1736821447" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241222_143132.jpg?1736821447?1736821447" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">At the beach. Santa Cruz<iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WLQlL9-BFUc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal">Under water videos. Galapagos islands<iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uFhLVkZGBDc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kWNwCqRPqzc" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>At our boat</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Galapagos/20241227_221953.jpg?1736821447?1736821447" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nrCMGxZyFp4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> </div> Tue, 14 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/january-2025/galapagos /blog/january-2025/galapagos From Panama to Galapagos Malin <p class="MsoNormal">You are never so close to death on a sailboat as when you have your pants pulled down over your knees! We both experienced this fact several times during the sail to the Galapagos. It was our first real long-distance sailing after the Atlantic crossing and we had kind of forgotten how rough it can be at sea and the most critical moments are when visiting the toilet and when you have to take your sailing clothes off or on
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It may not seem like a big problem, but if you are a little tired and inattentive, you can easily go straight across the floor if you don't look up when Anastacia goes over a wave. Now we both managed fine but there were a few times it could have gone wrong. This and other similar topics were things we liked to discuss during the sail. Then you know the quality of our discussions 😊. Except of course, when Christer shared his thoughts on whether time is just a representation of the expansion of the universe. At the Big Bang, time began
 If you travel at the speed of light with the expansion or against it, does time change for the traveller? Without the Internet at sea, we had to guess as best we could on our own
 Time may be affected by the speed of expansion depending on where you are, but was there nothing before the Big Bang? Not even time?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In this way we passed the time by in the 10 days it took to sail the 900 nautical miles to the Galapagos. As the crow flies, it is shorter, but to avoid headwinds, we needed to take a more southerly direction along the coast of Colombia and Ecuador before we could turn further west, towards the islands. We had light winds the whole way and sailed on a tack. The first day, the mainsail's trailing edge broke against the boom, the so-called clew. It had chafed against the boom without us noticing. Now we could only sail with a reef up, which was OK but gave Anastacia a lower speed and sometimes we had to use the engine as support. We had rain and thunder at one point where we temporarily changed direction but otherwise it was a fairly uneventful but quite bumpy sail as the waves came from slightly different directions. A few seabirds followed along and hitched a ride on the boat when they got too tired.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christer surprised me as Lucia (Swedish traditional celebration) when I was about to get off my night shift on December 13th. He showed up with a handmade Lucia crown decorated with a little Santa Claus and holding a candle in his hand serving me cofee. The next day he surprised me again! He caught a two-kilo bluefin tuna which he then prepared and served. It was enough for two dinners. What a wonderful man! ❀</p><p class="MsoNormal">The next time there was some excitement on the boat was when we were close to passing the equator. We make sure to write down our position every few hours and plot the distance we have sailed on a paper chart. This way you can manually calculate your position (dead reckoning) if necessary, for example if the power on the boat were to go out. We soon saw that we were approaching latitude 00 degrees. This set Christer off and he wanted to immortalize the moment. This should be celebrated! After studying the chart carefully, he went over to the digital plotter and saw a blue line that matched the chart's line for the equator. When there were a few minutes left, we loaded up a bottle of Prosecco bought for the purpose and two plastic champagne glasses were found. Now we would first offer a glass to Poseidon and then the moment we crossed the equator would be immortalized with a selfie. Said and done. The sea god was appeased with a glass and we toasted solemnly and took a picture when we passed the blue line. Shouldn't we see our position? I asked. No need! Christer said confidently. He had a rock-solid grasp of the situation! It wasn't until a long time later that he realized his mistake. We were still about 80 nautical miles north of the equator (!?) and that blue line on the plotter was something completely different from an equator line. A little disappointed, we realized that there was almost a day left until we could start writing an S after the longitude measurements. The next morning, we could see on the plotter how we slowly passed the 00 line but now the Prosecco was gone and the mood was pretty bad for both of us so a screenshot on the plotter had to suffice to immortalize the event
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The last few nautical miles to the main island of Santa Cruz we had good wind but risked arriving in the dark so we had to reef and sail really slowly so as not to arrive before the morning light appeared 😊.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The same day we anchored at Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz a delegation from various authorities came together with our agent and checked the boat inside and out to make sure we hadn't brought anything illegal in terms of animals or plants + they asked us about waste management etc. on board. We were approved on all counts and received our tourist visas and were welcomed to stay at the Galapagos nature reserve. We took down the yellow Q flag and hoisted the Ecuadorian and Galapagos courtesy flags on Anastacia. Now a time of exploring the islands and the privilege of following in Darwin's footsteps awaits!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <div> <p class="MsoNormal">Man Ă€r aldrig sĂ„ nĂ€ra döden pĂ„ en segelbĂ„t som nĂ€r man har byxorna nerdragna över knĂ€na! Detta faktum fick vi bĂ„da erfara flera gĂ„nger under seglatsen till Galapagos. Det var vĂ„r första riktiga lĂ„ngfĂ€rdssegling efter Atlantöverfarten och vi hade liksom glömt hur det kan krĂ€nga till pĂ„ havet och de mest kritiska stunderna Ă€r vid toalettbesök och vid passbyten nĂ€r seglarklĂ€derna skall av eller pÄ </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Inget stort problem kan tyckas men Ă€r man lite trött och ouppmĂ€rksam sĂ„ kan man lĂ€tt fara ivĂ€g tvĂ€rs över golvet om man inte ser upp nĂ€r Anastacia far över en vĂ„g. Nu klarade vi oss bĂ„da fint men det var nĂ„gra gĂ„nger det kunde gĂ„tt illa. Detta och andra liknande Ă€mnen var sĂ„dant vi gĂ€rna diskuterade under seglatsen. DĂ„ vet ni nivĂ„n pĂ„ diskussionerna 😊. Förutom förstĂ„s nĂ€r Christer delgav sina funderingar över om tid bara Ă€r en representation över universums expansion. Vid Big Bang sĂ„ började s a s tiden
 Om man fĂ€rdas med ljusets hastighet med expansionen eller mot den, förĂ€ndras tiden för den som fĂ€rdas? Utan Internet till sjöss fick vi spĂ„na bĂ€st vi kunde pĂ„ egen hand
 Tiden kanske pĂ„verkas av expansionens hastighet beroende pĂ„ var man befinner sig, men fanns inget före Big Bang? Inte ens tid?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">SĂ„ fördrev vi tiden de knappa 10 dagar det tog att segla de runt 900 sjömilen till Galapagos. FĂ„gelvĂ€gen Ă€r det kortare men för att undvika motvind, behövde vi ta en sydligare riktning lĂ€ngs Colombias och Ecuadors kust innan vi kunde vika av mer vĂ€sterut, mot öarna. Vi hade svag vind hela vĂ€gen och seglade pĂ„ en kryssbog. Första dygnet brast tampen till storseglets bakkant mot bommen, det s k bomuthalet. Det hade skavt mot bommen utan att vi mĂ€rkt det. Nu kunde vi bara segla med ett rev uppe vilket var OK men gav Anastacia lĂ€gre fart och ibland fick vi anvĂ€nda motorn som stöd. Vi fick regn och Ă„ska vid nĂ„got tillfĂ€lle dĂ€r vi tillfĂ€lligt byta riktning men annars en blev det en ganska hĂ€ndelsefattig men rĂ€tt skumpig seglats dĂ„ vĂ„gorna kom frĂ„n lite olika riktningar. NĂ„gra sjöfĂ„glar följde med och liftade pĂ„ bĂ„ten nĂ€r de blev för trötta.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Christer överraskade som lucia nĂ€r jag skulle gĂ„ av mitt nattpass den 13:e december. Han dök upp med egenhĂ€ndigt tillverkad luciakrona prydd med en liten tomte och med ljus i handen och serverade nybryggt kaffe. Dagen dĂ€rpĂ„ överraskade han igen! Han fiskade upp en tvĂ„kilos blĂ„fenad tonfisk som han sedan tillredde och bjöd pĂ„. Den rĂ€ckte till tvĂ„ middagar. Vilken underbar man! ❀</p><p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€sta gĂ„ng det blev lite liv pĂ„ bĂ„ten var nĂ€r vi var nĂ€ra att passera ekvatorn. Vi ser till att skriva upp vĂ„r position med nĂ„gra timmars mellanrum och plotta ut pĂ„ ett papperssjökort den strĂ€cka vi seglat. PĂ„ sĂ„ sĂ€tt kan man manuellt rĂ€kna ut sin position (död rĂ€kning) om det skulle behövas, t ex om strömmen pĂ„ bĂ„ten skulle slĂ„s ut. Vi sĂ„g snart att vi nĂ€rmade oss latituden 00 grader. Det satte fart pĂ„ Christer som ville föreviga ögonblicket. Detta skall firas! Efter att ha studerat sjökortet noga gick han över till den digitala plottern och fick syn pĂ„ en blĂ„ linje som stĂ€mde vĂ€l överens med sjökortets linje för ekvatorn. NĂ€r det var nĂ„gra minuter kvar sĂ„ laddade vi med, en till Ă€ndamĂ„let inköpt, flaska Prosecco och tvĂ„ champagneglas i plast letades fram. Nu skulle vi först skĂ€nka ett glas till Poseidon och sedan skulle tillfĂ€llet vi passerade ekvatorn förevigas med en selfie. Sagt och gjort. Havsguden blidkades med ett glas och vi skĂ„lade högtidligt och tog en bild nĂ€r vi passerade den blĂ„ linjen. Skall vi inte se vĂ„r position? FrĂ„gade jag. Behövs inte! Sa Christer sjĂ€lvsĂ€kert. Han hade stenkoll pĂ„ lĂ€get! Inte förrĂ€n en lĂ„ng stund senare insĂ„g han sitt misstag. Vi var fortfarande ca 80 distansminuter norr om ekvatorn (!?) och det dĂ€r blĂ„ strecket pĂ„ plottern var nĂ„got helt annat Ă€n en ekvatorlinje. Lite snopet konstaterade vi att det nĂ€stan var ett dygn kvar tills vi kunde börja skriva ett S efter longitudmĂ€tningarna. NĂ€sta morgon kunde vi se pĂ„ plottern hur vi sakta passerade 00-linjen men nu var Proseccon slut och humöret ganska uselt pĂ„ oss bĂ„da sĂ„ det fick duga med en skĂ€rmdump pĂ„ plottern för att föreviga hĂ€ndelsen
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">De sista sjömilen till huvudön Santa Cruz hade vi bra vind men riskerade att komma fram i mörker sĂ„ vi fick reva och segla riktigt sakta för att inte komma före morgonljuset visade sig 😊.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Samma dag som vi ankrade vid Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz kom en delegation frĂ„n olika myndigheter tillsammans med vĂ„r agent och kontrollerade bĂ„ten in- och utvĂ€ndigt sĂ„ att vi inte fĂ„tt med oss nĂ„got otillĂ„tet i djur- eller vĂ€xtvĂ€g + att de förhörde oss om avfallshantering m m ombord. Vi fick godkĂ€nt pĂ„ alla punkter och fick vĂ„ra turistvisum och vĂ€lkomnades att vistas pĂ„ Galapagos naturreservat. Vi tog ner den gula Q-flaggan och hissade Ecuadors och Galapagos gĂ€stflaggor pĂ„ Anastacia. Nu vĂ€ntar en tid av utforskade av öarna och privilegiet att fĂ„ gĂ„ i Darwins fotspĂ„r!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Royal tern and juvenile Blue-footed Boobies hitchhiking</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184855.jpg?1734887322?1734887322" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_184811.jpg?1734887322?1734887322" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>A loving husbandÂŽs contributions to a happy marriage</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241213_093234.jpg?1734887382?1734887382" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241216_142215.jpg?1734887382?1734887382" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Crossing the eequatorial line - or not?</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1980" data-original-height="2640" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241218_161000.jpg?1734887427?1734887427" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/ScreenShot002.png?1734887427" loading="lazy" data-original-width="800" data-original-height="480" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/ScreenShot002.png?1734887427 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/ScreenShot002.png?1734887427 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/ScreenShot002.png?1734887427 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/ScreenShot002.png?1734887427?1734887427" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>We made it!</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing to galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Sailing%20to%20galapagos/20241220_104915.jpg?1734887510?1734887510" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> </div> Sat, 21 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/december-2024/from-panama-to-galapagos /blog/december-2024/from-panama-to-galapagos Crossing the Panama Canal Malin <p class="MsoNormal">One of the requirements to be allowed to pass through the Panama Canal is that you must have four linehandlers on board in addition to the captain. There is therefore a WhatsApp group that mediates contact between captains who are looking for linehandlers and sailors who will pass the canal themselves and want to gain some experience before their own crossing. The only requirement apart from food and accommodation during the canal passage is that you compensate their journey back to the port they started from. Through that group and our sailing friends Jodi and Magnus, we had three volunteers ready for Anastacia's crossing. Unfortunately, our third volunteer got other, more urgent obligations to take care off, in the days before departure. Via the WhatsApp group we quickly got a new contact, Charles, who turned out to have the boat on the same dock as our friends. We were lucky! Together with me (Malin) we were now full crew.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The day before the canal crossing, we were able to collect long, sturdy lines and fenders that we rented from our agent. Eight ball-fenders and four ropes barely made it into our dinghy. Add to that a Malin sitting on top and it was a miracle that the whole construction didn't fall over. Christer drove the dinghy veery slowly back to Anastacia, without losing any of the precious cargo 😊. The agent also informed us that we were booked on a two-day canal crossing starting at 3pm.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the boat we prepared food in advance that would be enough for the two days for us and the rest of the crew and took out water bottles that we had bought in advance. Everything according to the careful instructions we received from the agent 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We lowered the Bimini to give more room to handle the lock lines aft and covered the solar panels with pads to protect them from the lines that the lock crew would throw from the lock edge and that we are expected to catch. The next morning, we called up the canal station (Cristobal Signal Station) who confirmed our position and advised that our canal Advisor would show up at 17:30. We then agreed with our linehandlers to pick them up a little later than planned. Once we picked them up there was still a long wait and not until after 18:30 did a pilot boat appear to drop off Advisor Carlos, on Anastacia. The delay was due to another boat that was also due to lock at the same time as us waiting for a crew. Unfortunately, it was now so late in the day that it had gotten dark so we didn't see much of the surroundings or the canal. However, the locks were beautifully lit. Carlos instructed Christer on how to navigate and told us that we would be tied to the outer side with another sailboat in the middle and a powerboat at the far end towards the canal wall. Once at the first lock, discussions arose between the pilots on each boat as they did not all agree on the formation. Carlos was right in the end though. We drove slowly towards the lock and then the boats were lashed together. As Anastacia was towards the middle of the lock, we never had to handle any lines from shore, but only had to keep up with the other boats. The worst were for the powerboat that had the lock wall on the starboard side and two sailboats on the port side.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When you lock up, you always let the smaller boats lie behind the larger ships in the lock. On the way down, you do the opposite. In this way, the smaller boats are not affected so much by the turbulence in the water that occurs when the ships run their engines, combined with how the water rushes when it is let in and out of the lock. Consequently, a large freighter lay first in the lock and after it we lay in our "package" of boats. At the first lock, we also took the opportunity to eat dinner that we had prepared before. All three locks up to Lake GatĂșn ran without problems. On the boat, we in the crew kept an eye on the lines towards the other boat and Christer drove. Carlos supervised it all and gave directions. He was constantly in contact with the other pilots and via his mobile phone he could follow how all the boats were positioned in the canal.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Once in Lake GatĂșn we were soon able to lay by a giant mooring buoy and a pilot boat appeared and took Carlos back to shore. The rest of us were really tired and agreed to go to bed in order to get up at half past seven when the next Advisor would appear at half past eight in the morning. When we, the next morning, had just managed to prepare breakfast for the crew, the Advisor Hector suddenly appeared, almost an hour early! Sitting in peace and eating your breakfast was simply something to forget. Now, it was full speed again and the food had to be consumed as best we could on the way... At this point several hours of driving through the lake followed until we reached the last three locks that would carry us down towards the Pacific ​​side. This time with freighters behind us and in the last two locks we lay with the powerboat between the two sailboats. Now we finally got to try handling ropes against the lock wall. Canal workers threw thin pilot lines with a monkey fist knot at the end which we would catch and lash to the lines we had on the boat. However, once the pilot lines got going, it turned out that we had been unnecessarily careful with covering our solar panels. The staff threw them so far that they ended up on the boat next to us and the crew there was quick to throw the lines back to us. Then the canal crew pulled back the pilot line and secured the boat's line to the lock bollards. In this way, we could manage the lines completely from the boat. We had our lines against one lock wall and the other sailboat against the other wall. Now the powerboat only had to maintain a steady course as the water poured into the lock. The sluicing then ran completely undramatically and even now there was some waiting for all the boats before each lock, so we took the opportunity to have lunch when there was a break. After the last lock we concluded that these two days had been warmer and sunnier than in a long time and that it would probably have been better to have the Bimini up all the time. Now we were crazy hot, sunburned and tired, but happy that everything went well even though a lot had not gone as we had planned 😊.</p><p class="MsoNormal">After the last lock, at Balboa Harbor, we waved off all our guests and steered Anastacia towards the La Playita marina on the Pacific side, grateful to have had such a capable and pleasant crew with us. Jodi and Magnus wanted to join in order to gain some experience before taking their boat through the canal themselves. Charles had lined up as a linehandler before and already had some experience but thought it was fun to be involved once more. He will also cross the canal himself with his boat in a week or so. Many thanks to you! Many thanks also to our experienced Advisors who were both calm, educational and took no risks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now we are in the marina and will soon clear out of Panama. We need to arrange some documents and certificates to then be able to set off on a week-long sailing trip to the Galapagos. We have reactivated our satellite phone which will update Anastacia's position on the front page of the blog every hour. The family is notified and
 Pacific Ocean, here we come! 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <br></p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <br></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ett av kraven för att fĂ„ passera Panamakanalen Ă€r att man mĂ„ste ha fyra ”linehandlers” ombord förutom kaptenen. Det finns dĂ€rför en WhatsApp-grupp som förmedlar kontakt mellan kaptener som söker linehandlers och seglare som sjĂ€lva skall passera kanalen och vill fĂ„ lite erfarenhet innan den egna överfarten. Enda kravet förutom mat och husrum under kanalpassagen Ă€r att man ersĂ€tter deras resa tillbaka till den hamn man startade frĂ„n. Via den gruppen och vĂ„ra seglarvĂ€nner Jodi och Magnus hade vi tre volontĂ€rer redo för Anastacias överfart. TyvĂ€rr fick vĂ„r tredje frivillige förhinder, dagarna innan avfĂ€rd. Via WhatsApp-gruppen fick vi snabbt en ny kontakt, Charles, som visade sig ha bĂ„ten pĂ„ samma brygga som vĂ„ra vĂ€nner. DĂ€r hade vi tur! Tillsammans med mig (Malin) var vi nu fulltaliga.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Dagen innan kanalöverfarten kunde vi hĂ€mta lĂ„nga, rejĂ€la linor och fendrar som vi hyrt av vĂ„r agent. Åtta kulfendrar och fyra linor fick, med nöd och nĂ€ppe, plats i vĂ„r dinge. LĂ€gg dĂ€rtill en Malin sittandes uppepĂ„ sĂ„ var det ett under att inte hela ekipaget vĂ€lte. Christer körde dingen vÀÀldigt lĂ„ngsamt tillbaka till Anastacia, utan att tappa nĂ„got av den dyrbara lasten 😊. Av agenten fick vi ocksĂ„ besked om att vi var bokade pĂ„ en tvĂ„dagars kanalöverfart med start kl 15. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ bĂ„ten lagade vi mat i förvĂ€g som skulle rĂ€cka för de tvĂ„ dagarna för oss och övrig besĂ€ttning och tog fram vattenflaskor som vi köpt i förvĂ€g. Allt enligt de noggranna instruktioner vi fĂ„tt av agenten 😊 </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi monterade ner biminin för att ge mer plats att kunna hantera slusslinorna i aktern och tĂ€ckte solpanelerna med dynor för att skydda dem för de linor som slusspersonalen kastar frĂ„n slusskanten och som vi förvĂ€ntas fĂ„nga upp. Morgonen dĂ€rpĂ„ ropade vi upp kanalstationen (Cristobal Signal Station) som bekrĂ€ftade vĂ„r position och meddelade att vĂ„r kanalrĂ„dgivare/lots skulle dyka upp vid 17:30. Vi kom dĂ„ överens med vĂ„ra linehandlers att hĂ€mta upp dem lite senare Ă€n planerat. NĂ€r vi vĂ€l hĂ€mtat dem följde Ă€ndĂ„ en lĂ„ng vĂ€ntan och inte förrĂ€n efter 18:30 dök en lotsbĂ„t upp som slĂ€ppte av kanalrĂ„dgivaren/lotsen Carlos, pĂ„ Anastacia. Förseningen berodde pĂ„ att en annan bĂ„t som ocksĂ„ skulle slussa samtidigt med oss vĂ€ntade pĂ„ besĂ€ttning. TyvĂ€rr var det nu sĂ„ sent pĂ„ dagen att det hunnit mörkna sĂ„ vi sĂ„g inte sĂ„ mycket av omgivningarna eller kanalen. Slussarna var dock vackert upplysta. Carlos instruerade Christer om hur han skulle köra och berĂ€ttade att vi skulle ligga ytterst i bredd med en annan segelbĂ„t i mitten och en motorbĂ„t lĂ€ngst mot kanalvĂ€ggen. VĂ€l framme vd första slussen uppstod diskussioner mellan lotsarna pĂ„ respektive bĂ„t dĂ„ alla inte var överens om formationen. Carlos fick dock rĂ€tt till slut. Vi körde sakta mot slussen och sedan surrades bĂ„tarna intill varandra. Eftersom Anastacia lĂ„g mot slussens mitt behövde vi aldrig hantera nĂ„gra linor frĂ„n land utan behövde bara hĂ€nga med de andra bĂ„tarna. VĂ€rst var de för motorbĂ„ten som hade slussvĂ€ggen pĂ„ styrbord sida och tvĂ„ segelbĂ„tar om babord.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€r man slussar uppĂ„t sĂ„ lĂ„ter man alltid de mindre bĂ„tarna ligga efter de större fartygen i slussen, PĂ„ vĂ€gen ner gör man tvĂ€rtom. PĂ„ sĂ„ sĂ€tt pĂ„verkas inte de mindre bĂ„tarna sĂ„ mycket av den turbulens i vattnet som uppstĂ„r nĂ€r fartygen kör sina motorer, i kombination med hur vattnet forsar nĂ€r det slĂ€pps in respektive ut, ur slussen. Ett stort fraktfartyg lade sig följaktligen frĂ€mst i slussen och efter den lĂ„g vi i vĂ„rt ”paket” av bĂ„tar. Vid första slussen passade vi ocksĂ„ pĂ„ att Ă€ta kvĂ€llsmat som vi förberett innan. Alla tre slussningarna upp till GatĂșnsjön löpte utan problem. PĂ„ bĂ„ten höll vi i besĂ€ttningen koll pĂ„ linorna mot den andra bĂ„ten och Christer körde. Carlos övervakade det hela och gav anvisningar. Han höll hela tiden kontakt med de andra lotsarna och via mobilen kunde han följa hur alla bĂ„tar lĂ„g till i kanalen. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">VĂ€l i GatĂșnsjön kunde vi snart lĂ€gga oss vid en gigantisk förtöjningsboj och en lotsbĂ„t dök upp och tog med sig Carlos tillbaka till land. Vi övriga var rejĂ€l trötta och kom överens om att lĂ€gga oss för att stĂ„ upp vid halv sjutiden dĂ„ nĂ€sta lots skulle dyka upp vid halv Ă„tta pĂ„ morgonen. NĂ€r vi, nĂ€sta morgon precis hunnit stĂ€lla fram frukosten för besĂ€ttningen sĂ„ dyker plötsligt lotsen Hector upp, nĂ€stan en timme för tidigt! Att sitta i lugn och ro och Ă€ta sin frukost var bara att glömma, Nu var det full fart igen och maten fick intas efter bĂ€sta förmĂ„ga under fĂ€rd
 Nu följde flera timmars körande genom sjön till de sista tre slussarna som skulle slussa oss nerĂ„t mot Stilla havssidan. Den hĂ€r gĂ„ngen med fraktfartyg bakom oss och i de sista tvĂ„ slussarna lĂ„g vi med motorbĂ„ten mellan de tvĂ„ segelbĂ„tarna. Nu fick vi Ă€ntligen prova pĂ„ att hantera linor mot slussvĂ€ggen. KanalanstĂ€llda kastade tunna pilotlinor med en s k apnĂ€ve (knop) i Ă€nden som vi skulle fĂ„nga upp och surra fast i linorna vi hade pĂ„ bĂ„ten. NĂ€r vĂ€l pilotlinorna kom farande visade det sig dock att vi varit onödigt försiktiga med att tĂ€cka vĂ„ra solpaneler. Personalen kastade dem sĂ„ lĂ„ngt att de hamnade pĂ„ bĂ„ten intill och det blev fart pĂ„ besĂ€ttningen dĂ€r att kasta tillbaks linorna till oss. Sedan drog kanalpersonalen tillbaka pilotlinan och gjorde fast bĂ„tens lina vid slussens pĂ„llare. PĂ„ sĂ„ sĂ€tt kunde vi sköta linorna helt frĂ„n bĂ„ten. Vi hade vĂ„ra linor mot ena slussvĂ€ggen och den andra segelbĂ„ten mot den andra vĂ€ggen. Nu behövde motorbĂ„ten bara hĂ„lla en stadig kurs nĂ€r vattnet strömmade in i slussen. Slussningarna löpte sedan helt odramatiskt och Ă€ven nu blev det en del vĂ€ntande pĂ„ att alla bĂ„tar skulle ligga rĂ€tt inför varje slussning, sĂ„ vi passade pĂ„ att Ă€ta lunch nĂ€r det blev en paus. Efter sista slussen konstaterade vi att dessa tvĂ„ dagar varit varmare Ă€n pĂ„ lĂ€nge och att det nog hade varit bĂ€ttre att ha biminin uppe hela tiden. Nu var vi tokvarma, solbrĂ€nda och trötta men glada att allt gĂ„tt bra trots att mycket inte hade gĂ„tt som vi hade tĂ€nkt 😊.</p><p class="MsoNormal"> Efter sista slussen, vid Balboa hamn, vinkade vi av alla vĂ„ra gĂ€ster och styrde Anastacia mot marinan La Playita pĂ„ Stilla havssidan, tacksamma över att ha haft sĂ„ duktig och trevlig besĂ€ttning med oss. Jodi och Magnus ville vara med för att fĂ„ lite erfarenhet innan de sjĂ€lva skall ta sin bĂ„t genom kanalen. Charles hade stĂ€llt upp som linehandler förut och hade redan en del erfarenhet men tyckte att det var kul att fĂ„ vara med en gĂ„ng till. Han skall ocksĂ„ sjĂ€lv ta sig över kanalen med sin bĂ„t om nĂ„gon vecka. Tusen tack till er! Stort tack ocksĂ„ till vĂ„ra erfarna lotsar som bĂ„da var lugna, pedagogiska och inte tog nĂ„gra risker.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Nu ligger vi i hamn och skall strax klarera ut frĂ„n Panama. Vi behöver ordna med nĂ„gra dokument och intyg för att sedan kunna ge oss av pĂ„ en dryg veckas segling till Galapagos. Vi har aktiverat vĂ„r satellittelefon igen som kommer att uppdatera Anastacias position pĂ„ bloggens förstasida varje timme. Familjen Ă€r underrĂ€ttad och
 Stilla havet, hĂ€r kommer vi! 😊</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2048" data-original-height="1536" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/IMG-20241210-WA0008.jpg?1733858863?1733858863" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <br><em>Photo credit to Magnus Andersson</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em><br></em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241207_211918.jpg?1733859598?1733859598" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084706.jpg?1733859598?1733859598" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_084750.jpg?1733859598?1733859598" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_093707.jpg?1733859598?1733859598" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_133807.jpg?1733859598?1733859598" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panama%20Canal/20241208_130356.jpg?1733859813?1733859813" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> Tue, 10 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/december-2024/crossing-the-panama-canal /blog/december-2024/crossing-the-panama-canal Panamarina and Panama City Malin <div> <p class="MsoNormal">Panamarina is a really nice marina run by a French couple. There are good opportunities here to fix your boat on land with do-it-yourself workshops and tools for hire. If you want help, there are several craftsmen you can hire. However, our budget did not allow for anything other than doing the work ourselves. The marina also has a small but well-stocked ships chandlery with reasonable prices where you can write down what you take and pay at the end of your stay. Very smart by the owners and handy for us sailors who don't plan everything from the start but suddenly realize that a brush, scraper or epoxy may be needed. The restaurant serves good food and drinks at reasonable sailor’s prices. The marina is located by a mangrove swamp and well protected from the wind, so all boat owners are tyrannized by the colossal number of gnats that run rampant there! We had our fair share, even inside the boat as they managed to get through our mosquito nets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you want to get to the nearest town, Linton, you just have to take the dinghy through the so-called tunnel of love, a small shortcut through the mangrove swamp. Then you have to zig-zag your way through the underwater reef to the village. In Linton there is another marina and many boats moored outside. Unfortunately, there are also an unusually large number of sailboat wrecks that have been lying here for various reasons. The authorities have difficulty regulating the dumping and scrapping of boats and the wrecks are now there in the bay, for various reasons. Some owners have died, others have been shipwrecked and complications with the insurance mean that the boats cannot be moved. A few more are dumped as the owners do not want to pay for salvage and scrapping. Sad to see but unfortunately not unusual â˜č A little further out in the bay are also some strange creations. They are floating, ultra-modern houses, so-called Seapods with all possible smart technology and use of the "internet of things", almost self-sufficient in electricity and water and... immensely expensive. Cool to look at though 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After two days and a cheerful Halloween celebration in Panamarina with decorations, costumes and not least live music with a drum-playing owner, we set off to the modern capital of Panama City for a short tour and a visit to the Miraflores Visitor's Center. Miraflores is located right at the canal locks to the Pacific Ocean. Here we learned more about the canal, which already in the 16th century germinated as an idea with the Spaniards who wanted to be able to easily get to the western part of South America. Only at the end of the 19th century did the French make a first, less successful attempt to build the canal. They had intended to dig the canal by an existing river but the project had to be abandoned as it proved too difficult to carry out. Slaves had been used for the construction and thousands succumbed to mosquito-borne diseases and large landslides. The United States later offered Panama independence from Colombia in exchange for canal rights in the country. They managed to overcome the diseases that ravaged the canal could be completed in 1914. Instead of just digging through the canal stretch, they had chosen to also dam high-lying areas and create artificial lakes and thus be able to complete the water passage more easily. Despite this, even then, many people died due to accidents and in total it is estimated that 27,500 workers succumbed, during the long period when the canal was being built. On December 31, 1999, the United States handed the canal over to Panama.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The highest point of the canal is 26 m above sea level and there are a total of 6 locks to pass through on the 77 km long stretch. As a curiosity, it can be mentioned that the locks were built with 8 m long and 910 kg heavy screws that were manufactured in TrollhĂ€ttan  in Sweden by TrollhĂ€ttan's Mekaniska Verkstad (later NOHAB). The large lathe machine that was used to manufacture the screws is said to have been called the "Panamas lathe " and was located in building No. 60 in the Nohab area. During our visit to the Miraflores Locks, we got to see a large catamaran pass through the locks followed by a giant freighter that made the 60-foot catamaran look like a dinghy in comparison.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a two-week stay in Sweden, we were able to continue our work with scraping, washing and hull-painting Anastacia in the boatyard at the marina. With the help of the crew of our boat neighbor, we installed the wind rudder and have sealed all the small damages the boat received during the storm in Colombia. Anchor box, anchor and chain got a "makeover" and since the spray markings we made on the chain every 10 meters were completely worn away, we now try instead to mark the lengths with pieces of red cotton tape (to avoid plastic). It will be interesting to see how long it lasts. We will get a little Christmas feeling as a bonus, every time we anchor 😊. Bimini, sprayhood and lazybag (bag for the mainsail) are cleaned and fixed but the fabric is starting to become brittle from all the sunlight. Where zippers have come loose, we have sewn on reinforcements and we hope that it will last until Polynesia or hopefully even longer... Speaking of sunlight, we also noticed that it, in combination with the heat, it causes plastic to shrink. My (Malin's) newly purchased black flip-flops had shrunk at least two sizes (!) during the time they were lying on deck in the sunlight, when we were away from the boat. New ones had to be bought in. The old ones will hopefully suit some younger kid... Digital as well as physical charts for the Pacific and Indian Oceans have been acquired. Christer also mounted an extra GPS antenna which he plugged in to our plotter to get better signal with more satellites and thus better positioning precision.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During our time working on the boat, we made many friends at the marina and would often meet in the restaurant for a beer or two and discuss the various boat projects going on. French, Spanish and English was heard everywhere! Among other things, a complete renovation of a German-built catamaran is underway with a group of enthusiastic young people from different countries who work with the boat in various ways and realize the dream of being able to go out to sea one day. The renovation has been going on for a year and they are (only) halfway there but there is nothing wrong with their enthusiasm and the young captain aka the owner, is constantly chasing new money to be able to keep the project alive.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On November 29th we were able to launch Anastacia and after refueling in Linton we motored to the mouth of the Panama Canal outside Shelter Bay where we are now at anchor. We had an extra pleasant first Advent (pre-Christmas period) surprise when we opened the secret gift we had received from Christer's brother Lennart, and his wife Tinne. Many thanks! 🙏 We celebrated with some Advent coffee in the evening together with our friends Jodi and Magnus from sailboat Lulu.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We are booked for canal-transfer on Saturday 7th December and are doing our best to prepare ourselves for the crossing. Lulu's crew will be linehandlers on Anastacia together with me and another sailor who also volunteered. We have received information about when and where ropes and fenders are to be picked up, as well as how the procedure is done with the Advisor from the canal authority who will accompany us and pilot Christer, the Captain, through the canal transit. Either we will get to go through the entire canal in one day, which means starting at four in the morning and ending late that evening or, we will get an afternoon time with two half-day passages with an overnight stay in the artificial GatĂșn lake. We are now preparing the boat for overnight guests and try to figure out what meals we will serve our guests and crew. But, more about the Canal in the next blog post!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Panamarina Ă€r en riktigt trevlig marina som drivs av ett franskt par. HĂ€r finns bra möjligheter för att fixa med sin bĂ„t pĂ„ land med gör-det-sjĂ€lv-verkstĂ€der och verktyg att hyra. Vill man ha hjĂ€lp finns flera hantverkare man kan anlita. VĂ„r budget tillĂ€t dock inte nĂ„got annat Ă€n att göra jobbet sjĂ€lva. Marinan har ocksĂ„ en liten men vĂ€lsorterad bĂ„ttillbehörsbutik med rimliga priser dĂ€r man kan skriva upp det man hĂ€mtar och betala i slutet av vistelsen. VĂ€ldigt smart av Ă€garna och behĂ€ndigt för oss seglare som inte planerar allt frĂ„n början utan plötsligt kommer pĂ„ att en pensel, skrapa eller epoxy kan behövas. Restaurangen serverar god mat och dryck till rimliga seglarpriser. Marinan ligger vid ett mangrovetrĂ€sk och vĂ€l skyddat för vinden sĂ„ alla bĂ„tĂ€gare tyranniseras av den kolossala mĂ€ngd knott som hĂ€rjar dĂ€r! Vi fick vĂ„r beskĂ€rda del, Ă€ven inne i bĂ„ten dĂ„ de lyckades ta sig igenom vĂ„ra myggnĂ€t. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vill man ta sig till nĂ€rmaste ort, Linton, Ă€r det bara att ta dingen genom kĂ€rlekstunneln, en liten genvĂ€g genom mangrovetrĂ€sket. Sedan fĂ„r man sick-sacka sig genom undervattensreven fram till byn. I Linton finns ytterligare en marina och mĂ„nga bĂ„tar som ligger för ankar utanför. TyvĂ€rr Ă€ven ovanligt mĂ„nga segelbĂ„tsvrak som av olika anledningar blivit liggande hĂ€r. Myndigheterna har svĂ„rt att reglera dumpningen och skrotningen av bĂ„tar och vraken ligger nu dĂ€r i viken, av olika anledningar. Vissa Ă€gare har dött, andra har förlist och krĂ„ngel med försĂ€kringen gör att bĂ„tarna inte kan hĂ€mtas. Ytterligare nĂ„gra ligger dumpade för att Ă€garna inte lĂ€ngre vill kĂ€nnas vid dem dĂ„ de inte vill betala för bĂ€rgning och skrotning. TrĂ„kigt att se men tyvĂ€rr inte ovanligt â˜č. Lite lĂ€ngre ut i viken ligger ocksĂ„ nĂ„gra mĂ€rkliga skapelser. Det Ă€r flytande, supermoderna hus, s.k. Seapods med all tĂ€nkbar smart teknik och nyttjande av ”sakernas internet”, nĂ€stintill sjĂ€lvförsörjande pĂ„ el och vatten och
 snordyra. Dock coola att titta pĂ„ 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Efter tvĂ„ dagar och ett glatt halloweenfirande i Panamarina med pynt, utklĂ€dnader och inte minst livemusik med trumspelande Ă€gare, gav vi oss ivĂ€g till den moderna huvudstaden Panama City för en kort rundtur samt besök pĂ„ Miraflores Visitor's Center. Miraflores ligger precis vid kanalslussarna mot Stilla havet. HĂ€r fick vi lĂ€ra oss mer om kanalen som redan pĂ„ 1500-talet grodde som en idĂ© hos spanjorerna som ville kunna ta sig till vĂ€stra delen av Sydamerika pĂ„ ett enkelt sĂ€tt. Först i slutet av 1800-talet gjorde fransmĂ€nnen ett första, mindre lyckat försök att bygga kanalen. De hade föresatt sig att grĂ€va kanalen vid en befintlig flod men projektet fick överges dĂ„ det visade sig för svĂ„rt att genomföra. Slavar hade anvĂ€nts för bygget och tusentals dukade under av myggburna sjukdomar och stora jordskred. USA erbjöd senare Panama sjĂ€lvstĂ€ndighet frĂ„n Colombia i utbyte mot att fĂ„ kanalrĂ€ttigheterna i landet. Sjukdomarna som hĂ€rjat lyckades man fĂ„ bukt med och kanalen kunde fĂ€rdigstĂ€llas 1914. IstĂ€llet för att bara grĂ€va sig igenom kanalstrĂ€ckan hade man valt att ocksĂ„ dĂ€mma upp höglĂ€nta omrĂ„den och skapa konstgjorda sjöar och pĂ„ sĂ„ sĂ€tt enklare kunna fĂ€rdigstĂ€lla vattenpassagen. Trots detta dog Ă€ven dĂ„ mĂ„nga mĂ€nniskor pĂ„ grund av olyckor och totalt rĂ€knar man med att 27 500 arbetare dukade under, under den lĂ„nga period kanalbyggandet pĂ„gick. Den 31 december 1999 överlĂ€mnade USA kanalen till Panama.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Kanalens högsta punkt ligger 26 m över havsnivĂ„n och det Ă€r totalt 6 slussar att passera pĂ„ den 77 km lĂ„nga strĂ€ckan. Som kuriosa kan nĂ€mnas att slussarna bl a byggdes med 8 m lĂ„nga och 910 kg tunga skruvar som tillverkades i TrollhĂ€ttan av TrollhĂ€ttans Mekaniska Verkstad (senare NOHAB). Den stora svarven som anvĂ€ndes för att tillverka skruvarna lĂ€r ha kallats ”Panamasvarven” och fanns i byggnad 60 pĂ„ NohabomrĂ„det.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under vĂ„rt besök vid Mirafloresslusarna fick vi se en stor katamaran passera i slussarna följd av ett gigantiskt fraktfartyg som fick den 60 fot lĂ„nga katamaranen att se ut som en jolle i jĂ€mförelse.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Efter tvĂ„ veckors vistelse i Sverige kunde vi fortsĂ€tta vĂ„rt arbete med att skrapa, tvĂ€tta och bottenmĂ„la Anastacia pĂ„ bĂ„tgĂ„rden i marinan. Vi fick med bĂ„tgrannens hjĂ€lp monterat vindrodret och har tĂ€tat alla smĂ„ skador som bĂ„ten fick under stormen i Colombia. Ankarbox, ankare och kĂ€tting fick sig en ”makeover” och eftersom de spraymarkeringar vi gjort pĂ„ kĂ€ttingen var 10:e meter nötts bort helt, provar vi nu istĂ€llet att markera lĂ€ngderna med bitar av röda bomullsband (för att undvika plast). Det blir spĂ€nnande att se hur lĂ€nge det hĂ„ller. Lite julkĂ€nsla kommer vi att fĂ„ pĂ„ köpet, varje gĂ„ng vi ankrar 😊. Bimini, sparayhood och lazybag (sĂ€ck till storseglet) Ă€r rengjorda och fixade men tyget börjar bli skört av allt solljus. DĂ€r dragkedjor lossnat har vi sytt pĂ„ förstĂ€rkningar och vi hoppas att det skall hĂ„lla fram till Polynesien eller förhoppningsvis Ă€nnu lĂ€ngre
 ApropĂ„ solljus sĂ„ mĂ€rkte vi ocksĂ„ att den, i kombination med vĂ€rmen, fĂ„r plast att krympa. Mina (Malins) nyinköpta svarta Flip-flops hade blivit minst tvĂ„ storlekar mindre (!) under tiden de legat pĂ„ dĂ€ck i solljuset, nĂ€r vi varit borta frĂ„n bĂ„ten. Nya fick köpas in. De gamla passar förhoppningsvis nĂ„gon yngre förmĂ„ga
 Sjökort för Stilla havet och Indiska oceanen har införskaffats i digital och fysisk form. Christer monterade en extra GPS-antenn som han kopplade in för att fĂ„ bĂ€ttre mottagning med fler satelliter och dĂ€rmed bĂ€ttre precision för positioneringen för vĂ„r plotter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under tiden vi arbetade med bĂ„ten fick vi mĂ„nga vĂ€nner pĂ„ marinan och trĂ€ffades ofta i restaurangen för en öl eller tvĂ„ och diskuterade de olika bĂ„tprojekten som pĂ„gick. Franskan, spanskan och engelskan flödade! Bl a pĂ„gĂ„r en helrenovering av en tyskbyggd katamaran med ett gĂ€ng entusiastiska ungdomar frĂ„n olika lĂ€nder som pĂ„ olika sĂ€tt arbetar med bĂ„ten och nĂ€r drömmen att en vacker dag kunna ge sig ut pĂ„ havet. Renoveringen har pĂ„gĂ„tt i ett Ă„r och de har (bara) kommit halvvĂ€gs men entusiasmen Ă€r det inget fel pĂ„ och den unge kaptenen tillika Ă€garen jagar hela tiden nya pengar för att kunna hĂ„lla projektet vid liv.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Den 29:e november kunde vi sjösĂ€tta Anastacia och efter tankning i Linton körde vi henne till Panamakanalens mynning utanför Shelter Bay dĂ€r vi nu ligger för ankar. Extra trevlig första adventsöverraskning fick vi, nĂ€r vi öppnade den hemliga present vi fĂ„tt med oss frĂ„n Christers bror, Lennart med fru Tinne. Tusen tack! 🙏Vi firade med lite adventsfika pĂ„ kvĂ€llen tillsammans vĂ„ra bĂ„tvĂ€nner Jodi och Magnus frĂ„n bĂ„ten Lulu.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi Ă€r bokade för kanalöverfart lördagen den 7:e december och hĂ„ller som bĂ€st pĂ„ att förbereda oss inför överfarten. Lulu’s besĂ€ttning stĂ€ller upp som ”linehandlers” pĂ„ Anastacia tillsammans med mig och en annan seglare som ocksĂ„ stĂ€ller upp. Vi har fĂ„tt besked om nĂ€r och var linor och fendrar skall hĂ€mtas upp liksom hur kanalmyndigheten gör med den kanalanstĂ€llde rĂ„dgivare (Advisor) som skall följa med oss och lotsa kapen Christer genom kanalfĂ€rden. Antingen kommer vi att fĂ„ gĂ„ igenom hela kanalen pĂ„ en dag, vilket innebĂ€r start vid fyratiden pĂ„ morgonen och slut sent samma kvĂ€ll eller, sĂ„ fĂ„r vi en eftermiddagstid med tvĂ„ halvdagars passage med övernattning i den konstgjorda GatĂșnsjön. Vi förbereder bĂ„ten för övernattande gĂ€ster och besĂ€ttning och funderar som bĂ€st pĂ„ vilken mat som vi skall servera. Men, mer om kanalen i nĂ€sta blogginlĂ€gg!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Panamarina, Halloween and boatwork</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_200956.jpg?1733251341?1733251341" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_212735.jpg?1733251341?1733251341" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213550.jpg?1733251341?1733251341" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241031_213904.jpg?1733251341?1733251341" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241117_090402.jpg?1733253854?1733253854" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101300.jpg?1733253854?1733253854" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241121_101342.jpg?1733253854?1733253854" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_101712.jpg?1733253854?1733253854" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_112858.jpg?1733253854" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_112858.jpg?1733253854 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_112858.jpg?1733253854 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_112858.jpg?1733253854 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241123_112858.jpg?1733253854?1733253854" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4S1vJ-O8Vpg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em><br></em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Linton bay</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241125_132524.jpg?1733254925?1733254925" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094333.jpg?1733254925?1733254925" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094349.jpg?1733254925?1733254925" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241130_094355.jpg?1733254925?1733254925" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Panama City and Miraflores locks</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_095736.jpg?1733255149?1733255149" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_100527.jpg?1733255149" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_100527.jpg?1733255149 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_100527.jpg?1733255149 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_100527.jpg?1733255149 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_100527.jpg?1733255149?1733255149" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_111534.jpg?1733260953?1733260953" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_135054.jpg?1733261002?1733261002" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_141200.jpg?1733261033" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_141200.jpg?1733261033 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_141200.jpg?1733261033 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_141200.jpg?1733261033 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_141200.jpg?1733261033?1733261033" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_142042.jpg?1733261128?1733261128" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/20241102_152320.jpg?1733261129?1733261129" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Screws for the Panama Canal locks at NOHAB in 1912. 8m long and 910kg each, photo from Innovatum's image archive.</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar Innovatums bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2048" data-original-height="1661" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar%20Innovatums%20bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar%20Innovatums%20bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar%20Innovatums%20bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar%20Innovatums%20bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Panamarina/Panamaskruvar%20Innovatums%20bildarkiv.jpg?1733242531?1733242531" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p> </div> Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/december-2024/panamarina-and-panama-city /blog/december-2024/panamarina-and-panama-city Marina Turtle Cay, Panama Malin <div> <p class="MsoNormal">The sailing to Panama was probably the most uneventful sailing we have had in a long time. The wind was so weak that we only made 3 knots. So that it wouldn't take too long, we had to motorsail the two days it took to get to the San Blas or Guna Yala archipelago, as the archipelago is now called. Not even a thunderstorm came our way, despite the area being known for its storms at this time of year. With such a calm and uneventful sailing, it was all the more fun that we had a fantastically clear sky. One morning, in the east just before sunrise, we caught sight of what we first thought was an airplane with a trail of icy smoke. Then we realized it was a comet as it wasn't moving forward. We had no idea that there would be any comet visible this fall, but once we consulted the eminent mobile app Star Walk 2, it turned out that it was probably the comet with the exciting name C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) that we had seen. Cool, we thought, and felt very unique. Now, in retrospect, we understand that half the world probably also saw the comet and quite a few in Scandinavia also had an incredibly beautiful autumn with lots of northern lights, so we were definitely not particularly unique in terms of celestial phenomena, but the feeling was in any case genuine in the moment 😁</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In San Blas the plan was to just get our passports stamped by the migration authority at the tiny airport in Porvenir (today Gaigirgordub). The population on the islands almost all belong to the indigenous Guna people and it is their name on the islands that is now the official one. In the sailing community, however, the old names live on. The islands turned out to be pure paradise. A mistake of ours not to give these islands more time! Now we had a berth booked in Turtle Cay on the mainland and it was too late to change plans. On the way to Porvenir we passed several large reefs. Later we learned that these reefs until just a few years ago were islands. The warmer climate with melting ice makes the sea level rise so much that the islands are slowly washed away, one by one
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we arrived at Porvenir we were immediately greeted by two canoes full of women in colorful clothes. They belonged to the Guna people and wanted to sell some tourist-friendly handicrafts. After a lot of nagging, we finally bought a colorful bracelet. We would have preferred to buy their beautiful fabrics but that was not the kind of craft they sold. However, they wanted us to also buy one of their two flags that we could have had as a courtesy flag on the boat. Now, we were only going to stay one night so there was no flag purchased, but we were surprised that one flag had an inverted swastika as a symbol. That flag had been created in 1925 as a symbol of the indigenous people's revolution against Spanish rule. The swastika is an ancient symbol for both the Guna people and many other cultures and there are many different interpretations of what it represents depending on the culture and the direction of the four arms (clockwise or counterclockwise). We have read that it symbolizes everything from the sun and the winds, to representing the octopus that created the earth and all living things, according to a legend... In the case of the Guna people, it symbolizes a medicinal plant which is said to give increased knowledge and which seems to grow towards the four cardinal points. Unfortunately, the revolutionary flag soon became associated with the Nazi symbol and attempts were therefore made to modify it. Another new flag was produced in 2010 with 8 stars and two arms holding a bow and arrow. The newer flag is used in official contexts and is hoisted together with the Panamanian flag. Both flags are used and we saw both flags flying on the flagpoles at the airport where we were to check in. If you are interested, we can recommend a good page in Spanish (Google translate works well 😊) about the Guna people, the San Blas Archipelago and the history of the flags at: <a href="https://www.gunayala.org.pa/">https://www.gunayala.org.pa/</a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">After a night at anchor outside Porvenir, we steered the boat towards Turtle Cay marina where we had booked a berth. Although Turtle Cay is quite isolated, far from any citiy, the marina is basically full of boats. Most boats do not have residents on board as many take the opportunity to leave the boat here during the rainy and thunder season. The marina is well protected, but we see the nocturnal thunderstorms passing by here and there. Now we have been here for two weeks and got to know other sailors who also have their boats here. We try to meet once a week and have dinner at the restaurant close to the marina. There’s always lots of boat-fix talk and you can ask and give each other advice about everything possible. Just like in most places we sailed to, there is also an online group here, which you can participate in via WhatsApp, where you give each other advice and help. There can be posted questions such as; In which part of the bay is it safest to anchor? Where can you buy fruit and vegetables? Does anyone have a type X tool I can borrow? Does anyone want to take over my old dinghy? Whose are these socks I found left behind in the marina laundry room today? Etc. 😉</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Turtle Cay is located by a nature reserve and apart from sea turtles that sometimes visit the beaches here, there is a very varied nature with lots of different animals and plants right next to the marina. We hear the howler monkeys calling daily and, with the help of Shawn on the boat Miet who has been here a long time and knows the area, we were finally able to see two tamarin monkeys jumping between the trees close to the marina. We have started walking longer tours on the trails in the area and hope to catch a glimpse of more animals. Here, for example, there will be sloths and anteaters, and we have already seen lots of different butterflies and birds, many of which we recognize from Colombia. On the boat we are sometimes visited by small gecko lizards and between the boats at night we can sometimes see the fish-catching bats that we recognize from the Caribbean islands. The restaurant owner here had to take care of a little sloth who lost his mother. A very cute toddler that she raises and that we got to take pictures of. Otherwise, it has been difficult to take pictures of the animals. They move way too fast. Much easier with the plants 😊.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One of the boats at our dock unfortunately had an accident last week that could have ended very badly. The couple living on the boat wanted to charge the lithium battery for their AC they have in the boat. They had put the battery on charge overnight and at 11 o'clock in the evening they woke up to a bang. The battery had exploded and caught fire. The whole boat quickly filled with smoke but they managed to get out. Together with the closest boat neighbors, they were finally able to put out the fire with the help of several fire extinguishers, but only after the battery burned out. Luckily, there was no wind so the flames that shot up from the boat never moved towards the neighboring boats but the devastation in the sailboat was very great even though the hull is still intact and the engine seems to be working. It is still unclear whether the boat can be saved or whether it must be scrapped. The couple managed with minor burns and some lung problems, which are, however, temporary. We were all horrified by the incident and have tried to help them in various ways as most of their possessions have burned up or been smoke damaged. They have also shared their experiences regarding the fire itself and what you can think about if the accident were to happen. Luckily the fire didn't spread to the gas cylinders or fuel tanks! What we, for our part, were concerned about was that we never woke up from the tumult that arose on the dock. One conclusion that was drawn was that it is important to make sure that everyone on the dock is alerted if something like this were to happen. Anastacia is two boats away from the stricken sailboat and normally we should have heard something. We (especially Christer) usually wake up at the slightest deviation from "normal" sounds, but no! We had had two fans humming in the cabinet where we sleep which probably drowned out all other noise that night. Now we have arranged the fans a little differently so that we wake up more easily if something unusual happens. We have now also looked over the fire extinguishers in the boat and a few other things we got tips about that might be good to have documented vis-a-visthe insurance company should the accident occur. We've stopped charging our phones and other gadgets overnight and disconnect the shore power when we don't need it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We will remain here in Turtle Cay until the end of October, then unfortunately we will have to change harbor to get the boat ashore as the marina here does not have a working lift and it does not look like it will be repaired in time - despite we had booked it long time ago. We have been tipped off by some boating neighbors about a small boat yard further west, closer to the canal, called Panamarina. There they have confirmed that they can haul the boat up so we can scrape and paint the hull. There we will also be able to repair the scratches and small holes in the stern that arose at the marina in Colombia after the storm there. The wind rudder will be reassembled with the new parts that we received + other maintenance that can only be done when the boat is on “the hard”. Between the 4th and the 15th of November, we will visit the family in Sweden and greet as many friends as we can. We look forward to that! Who knows. If it's a nice evening, maybe we'll also see some northern lights! 😊 Until we leave Turtle Cay, we dedicate ourselves to renewing our food supplies and cleaning inside Anastacia so she will be sparkling clean and beautiful, ready to face the Galapagos in December!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Seglingen till Panama var troligen den mest hĂ€ndelselösa seglingen vi haft pĂ„ lĂ€nge. Vinden var sĂ„ svag att vi bara gjorde 3 knops fart. För att det inte skulle ta alldeles för lĂ„ng tid fick vi motorsegla de tvĂ„ dygn det tog att ta sig till ögruppen San Blas eller Guna Yala som arkipelagen numera heter. Inte ens Ă„skvĂ€der kom i vĂ„r vĂ€g, trots att omrĂ„det Ă€r kĂ€nt för sina ovĂ€der den hĂ€r tiden pĂ„ Ă„ret. Med en sĂ„ lugn och hĂ€ndelsefattig seglats var det desto roligare att v fick en fantastiskt klar himmel. En morgon, i öster precis innan soluppgĂ„ngen, fick vi syn pĂ„ vad vi först trodde var ett flygplan med en isröksvans efter sig. Sedan insĂ„g vi att det rörde sig om en komet eftersom det inte rörde sig framĂ„t. Vi hade ingen aning om att det skulle finnas nĂ„gon komet synlig i höst men nĂ€r vi vĂ€l fick konsulterat den eminenta mobilappen Star Walk 2 visade det sig att det troligen var kometen med det upphetsande namnet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) som vi sett. HĂ€ftigt, tyckte vi, och kĂ€nde oss malligt unika. Nu, i efterhand förstĂ„r vi att halva vĂ€rlden sĂ€kert ocksĂ„ sett kometen och rĂ€tt mĂ„nga i Skandinavien dessutom har haft en otroligt vacker höst med massor av norrsken sĂ„ sĂ€rskilt unika vad gĂ€ller himlafenomen var vi definitivt inte, men kĂ€nslan var i alla fall Ă€kta i stunden 😁</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I San Blas var planen att bara fĂ„ vĂ„ra pass stĂ€mplade av migrationsmyndigheten pĂ„ den pyttelilla flygplatsen i Porvenir (idag Gaigirgordub). Befolkningen pĂ„ öarna tillhör nĂ€stan alla ursprungsfolket Guna och det Ă€r deras benĂ€mning pĂ„ öarna som nu Ă€r de officiella. I seglarkretsar lever dock de gamla namnen kvar. Öarna visade sig vara ett rent paradis. Ett misstag av oss att inte ge dessa öar mer tid! Nu hade vi en hamnplats bokad i Turtle Cay pĂ„ fastlandet och det var för sent att Ă€ndra planerna. PĂ„ vĂ€gen till Porvenir passerade vi flera stora rev. Senare fick vi veta att dessa rev till bara för nĂ„gra Ă„r sedan var öar. Det varmare klimatet med smĂ€ltande isar gör att havsnivĂ„n höjer sig sĂ„ pass mycket sĂ„ att öarna sakta sköljs bort, en efter en
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€r vi kom fram till Porvenir blev vi genast hĂ€lsade av tvĂ„ kanoter fulla med kvinnor i fĂ€rgglada klĂ€der. De tillhörde Gunafolket och ville sĂ€lja lite turistanpassat hantverk. Efter mycket tjat köpte vi till slut ett fĂ€rggrant armband. Vi hade gĂ€rna hellre köpt deras vackra tyger men det var inte den sortens hantverk de sĂ„lde. DĂ€remot ville de att vi ocksĂ„ skulle köpa nĂ„gon av deras tvĂ„ flaggor som vi hade kunnat ha som gĂ€stflagga pĂ„ bĂ„ten. Nu skulle vi ju bara stanna en natt sĂ„ det blev inget flaggköp men vi var förvĂ„nade över att den ena flaggan hade en omvĂ€nd svastika som symbol. Den flaggan hade tagits fram 1925 som en symbol för ursprungsbefolkningens revolution mot den spanska överhögheten. Svastikan Ă€r en urgammal symbol för bĂ„de Gunafolket och mĂ„nga andra kulturer och det finns mĂ„nga olika tolkningar kring vad den förestĂ€ller beroende pĂ„ kultur och riktning pĂ„ de fyra armarna (medsols eller motsols). Vi har lĂ€st att den symboliserar allt frĂ„n solen och vindarna, till att representera blĂ€ckfisken som skapade jorden och allt levande, enligt en annan legend... I Gunafolkets fall lĂ€r det symbolisera en medicinalvĂ€xt som sĂ€gs ge ökad kunskap och som ser ut att vĂ€xa mot de fyra vĂ€derstrecken. TyvĂ€rr blev revolutionsflaggan snart förknippad med nazisternas symbol och försök gjordes dĂ€rför att modifiera den. Ytterligare ny flagga togs fram 2010 med 8 stjĂ€rnor samt tvĂ„ armar hĂ„llandes en pilbĂ„ge och en pil. Den nyare flaggan anvĂ€nds i officiella sammanhang och hissas tillsammans med den panamanska flaggan. BĂ„da flaggorna anvĂ€nds och vi sĂ„g bĂ„da flaggorna vaja pĂ„ flaggstĂ€ngerna vid flygplatsen dĂ€r vi skulle klarera in. Är man intresserad kan vi tipsa om en bra sida pĂ„ spanska (Google translate funkar bra 😊) om Gunafolket, San Blasarkipelagen och flaggornas historia pĂ„: <a href="https://www.gunayala.org.pa/">https://www.gunayala.org.pa/</a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Efter en natt pĂ„ ankar utanför Porvenir styrde vi kosan mot Turtle Cay marina dĂ€r vi bokat plats. Även om Turtle Cay ligger ensligt, lĂ„ngt frĂ„n större orter, sĂ„ Ă€r marinan i princip full med bĂ„tar. De flesta bĂ„tar har inga boende ombord dĂ„ mĂ„nga passar pĂ„ att lĂ€mna bĂ„ten hĂ€r under regn- och Ă„sksĂ€songen. Marinan ligger vĂ€l skyddad men vi ser de nattliga Ă„skvĂ€dren dra förbi pĂ„ hĂ„ll. Nu har vi legat hĂ€r i tvĂ„ veckor och bekantat oss med andra seglare som ocksĂ„ har sina bĂ„tar hĂ€r. Vi försöker trĂ€ffas en gĂ„ng i veckan och Ă€ta middag pĂ„ restaurangen intill. Det blir mycket bĂ„tfix-snack och man frĂ„gar och ger varandra rĂ„d om allt möjligt. Precis som pĂ„ de flesta platser vi seglat till finns det Ă€ven hĂ€r en onlinegrupp, som man kan delta i via WhatsApp, dĂ€r man tipsar varandra och hjĂ€lps Ă„t. Det stĂ€lls frĂ„gor som; I vilken del av viken Ă€r det sĂ€krast att ankra? Var kan man köpa frukt och grönt? Har nĂ„gon ett verktyg av typen X jag kan fĂ„ lĂ„na? Är det nĂ„gon som vill ta över min gamla gummibĂ„t? Vems Ă€r dessa strumpor jag hittade kvarglömda i marinans tvĂ€ttstuga idag? Etc. 😉</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Turtle Cay ligger vid ett naturreservat och förutom havssköldpaddor som ibland besöker strĂ€nderna hĂ€r sĂ„ finns det en vĂ€ldigt varierad natur med massor av olika djur och vĂ€xter alldeles intill marinan. Vi hör dagligen vrĂ„laporna ropa och, med hjĂ€lp av Shawn pĂ„ bĂ„ten Miet som varit hĂ€r lĂ€nge och kĂ€nner till omrĂ„det, kunde vi till slut fĂ„ se tvĂ„ tamarinapor hoppa mellan trĂ€den pĂ„ marinaomrĂ„det. Vi har börjat promenera lĂ€ngre turer pĂ„ stigarna i omrĂ„det och hoppas kunna fĂ„ en skymt av fler djur. HĂ€r skall det till exempel finnas sengĂ„ngare och myrslokar och vi har redan fĂ„tt se massor av olika fjĂ€rilar och fĂ„glar, varav mĂ„nga vi kĂ€nner igen frĂ„n Colombia. PĂ„ bĂ„ten fĂ„r vi ibland besök av smĂ„ geckoödlor och mellan bĂ„tarna kan vi nattetid ibland se de fiskfĂ„ngande fladdermössen som vi kĂ€nner igen frĂ„n de karibiska öarna. RestaurangĂ€garen hĂ€r fick ta hand om en liten sengĂ„ngare som mist sin mamma. En jĂ€ttesöt unge som hon föder upp och som vi fick ta kort pĂ„. I övrigt har det varit svĂ„rt att ta bilder pĂ„ djuren. De rör sig alldeles för snabbt. Mycket enklare med vĂ€xterna 😊.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">En av bĂ„tarna vid vĂ„r brygga rĂ„kade tyvĂ€rr ut för en olycka förra veckan som kunde slutat mycket illa. Paret som bor pĂ„ bĂ„ten skulle ladda litiumbatteriet till sin AC som de har i bĂ„ten. De hade satt batteriet pĂ„ laddning över natten och vid 11-tiden pĂ„ kvĂ€llen vaknade de av en smĂ€ll. Batteriet hade exploderat och fattat eld. Hela bĂ„ten rökfylldes snabbt men de lyckades ta sig ut. Tillsammans med nĂ€rmaste bĂ„tgrannarna fick de, med hjĂ€lp av flera brandslĂ€ckare, till slut slĂ€ckt elden men först efter att batteriet brunnit ut. Som tur var, var det helt vindstilla sĂ„ lĂ„gorna som slog upp frĂ„n bĂ„ten rörde sig aldrig mot grannbĂ„tarna men förödelsen i segelbĂ„ten blev mycket stor Ă€ven om skrovet fortfarande Ă€r intakt och motorn verkar fungera. Det Ă€r fortfarande oklart om bĂ„ten gĂ„r att rĂ€dda eller om den mĂ„ste skrotas. Paret klarade sig med lindrigare brĂ€nnsĂ„r och lite lungproblem som dock Ă€r övergĂ„ende. Vi blev alla förskrĂ€ckta över hĂ€ndelsen och har försökt hjĂ€lpa dem pĂ„ olika sĂ€tt dĂ„ det mesta de Ă€gde har brunnit upp eller blivit rökskadat. De har ocksĂ„ delat med sig av sina erfarenheter kring sjĂ€lva branden och vad man kan tĂ€nka pĂ„ om olyckan skulle vara framme. Tur i oturen att elden inte spred sig till gasflaskorna eller brĂ€nsletankarna! Vad vi, för egen del, blev bekymrade över, var att vi aldrig vaknade av det tumult som uppstod pĂ„ bryggan. En slutsats som drogs var att det Ă€r viktigt att se till att alla pĂ„ bryggan larmas om nĂ„got liknande skulle hĂ€nda. Anastacia ligger tvĂ„ bĂ„tar frĂ„n den olycksdrabbade segelbĂ„ten och i vanliga fall borde vi ha hört nĂ„got. Vi (sĂ€rskilt Christer) brukar vakna av minsta avvikelse frĂ„n ”normala” ljud, men icke! Vi hade haft tvĂ„ flĂ€ktar brummandes i ruffen dĂ€r vi sover som antagligen överröstade allt annat ljud den natten. Nu har vi arrangerat flĂ€ktarna lite annorlunda sĂ„ vi lĂ€ttare vaknar ifall nĂ„got ovanligt hĂ€nder. Vi har nu ocksĂ„ sett över brandslĂ€ckarna i bĂ„ten och lite annat vi fĂ„tt tips om som kan vara bra att ha dokumenterat gentemot försĂ€kringsbolag om olyckan skulle vara framme. Vi har slutat ladda vĂ„ra telefoner och andra prylar under natten och kopplar ur landströmmen nĂ€r vi inte behöver den.</p> </div> <p>Vi kommer att ligga kvar hĂ€r i Turtle Cay fram till slutet av oktober, sedan mĂ„ste vi tyvĂ€rr byta hamn för att fĂ„ upp bĂ„ten pĂ„ land dĂ„ marinan hĂ€r inte har en fungerande lyft och den ser inte heller ut att bli reparerad i tid -trots att vi hade bokat den sedan lĂ€nge. Av nĂ„gra bĂ„tgrannar har vi fĂ„tt tips pĂ„ en liten hamn lĂ€ngre vĂ€sterut, nĂ€rmare kanalen, som heter Panamarina. DĂ€r har de bekrĂ€ftat att de kan lyfta upp bĂ„ten och stĂ€lla den pĂ„ land sĂ„ vi kan skrapa och bottenmĂ„la den. DĂ€r kommer vi ocksĂ„ kunna laga de skav och smĂ„ hĂ„l i aktern som uppstod pĂ„ marinan i Colombia efter stormen dĂ€r. Vindrodret kommer att monteras upp igen med de nya delarna som vi fĂ„tt levererat + lite ordna med annat underhĂ„ll som bara kan göras nĂ€r bĂ„ten ligger pĂ„ land. Mellan den 4:e och den 15:e november kommer vi att besöka familjen i Sverige och hĂ€lsa pĂ„ sĂ„ mĂ„nga vĂ€nner vi hinner. Det ser vi fram emot! Vem vet. Blir det nĂ„gon fin kvĂ€ll kanske vi ocksĂ„ fĂ„r se lite norrsken! 😊 Fram tills vi lĂ€mnar Turtle Cay Ă€gnar vi oss Ă„t att förnya vĂ„ra matförrĂ„d och rengöra Anastacia invĂ€ndigt sĂ„ hon blir skinande ren och glittrande vacker, fĂ€rdig att möta Galapagos i december!</p><p><br></p><p><em>San Blas (Guna Yala) and Porvenir (Gaigirgordub)</em></p><p> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="3024" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_163710.jpg?1729461528?1729461528" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><iframe width="490px" height="240px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOoojOm_KTs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><p><br></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_124644.jpg?1729461528?1729461528" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241002_130359.jpg?1729461528?1729461528" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p><br></p><p>Turtle Cay marina and surroundings</p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PmlUs1rh_F8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><br></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241004_105715.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241018_083741.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><iframe width="490px" height="240px" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jO_Tjh8i0FQ" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><p><br></p><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DyzCXi6SQ7I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br><p><br></p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_093503.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3024" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_180541.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="4032" data-original-height="1960" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241016_201823.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1960" data-original-height="4032" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Turtle%20cay/20241017_201336.jpg?1729461742?1729461742" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/october-2024/marina-turtle-cay-panama /blog/october-2024/marina-turtle-cay-panama MedellĂ­n Malin <div> <p class="MsoNormal">MedellĂ­n is Colombia's second largest city. It actually consists of 10 municipalities that basically grew together, with the municipality of MedellĂ­n being the dominant one that also gave the city its name. The 10 municipalities are in turn divided into a total of 16 "Comunas" which can be equated with city districts. MedellĂ­n is a large industrial city with several different industries. The largest are the textile industry, the chemical-technical industry and the food industry. The air in the city is therefore also more polluted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As with BogotĂĄ, flying was the only reasonable way to get to MedellĂ­n from Barranquilla. During the flight we experienced an unusual amount of turbulence. So much so that the flight attendants could not push their serving carts. We could see how we ended up in the middle of a large thunderstorm but didn't really think much of it and the flight captain calmly noted that there was a little more turbulence than usual. We have also gotten used to thunderstorms almost every evening/night on the coast towards the Caribbean Sea.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Since we didn't book a hotel for more than three nights, we had to focus on a few places to visit. We started with a guided tour in the footsteps of Pablo Escobar. Mostly to understand the history and how the drug cartels affected society when it was at its most violent. During the tour, we got to visit InflexiĂłn Memorial Park, which is where Pablo Escobar and his family, bodyguards and closest friends lived. Here we are not talking about an ordinary residence, but a luxurious high-rise in the middle of the city. However, this was only one of the many properties he owned. He was also often at his 20 square kilometer hacienda located between BogotĂĄ and MedellĂ­n with a mansion. a private zoo, six pools, etc. The entire high-rise in MedellĂ­n was demolished after his death and instead a memorial site has been built for the victims of the drug war. It's a beautiful little park with an impressive black stone monument. It is estimated that the MedellĂ­n Cartel and Pablo Escobar, until his death in 1993, were directly responsible for 4,000 murders of civilians, politicians, prosecutors, judges and other officials as well as police but that figure can be taken fifty times if you look at all those murdered because of the drug war in Colombia since 1960. Many believe that there was a civil war going on in Colombia until Escobar was shot to death.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The MedellĂ­n cartel was by far the largest drug cartel and during its "heyday" in the 1980s it was counted as the world's largest with around 750,000 employees. Our guide Daniel pointed out that Escobar was unusually ruthless in that he could cold-bloodedly shoot anyone he suspected of being against him. It did not concern him if innocents also fell victim. The famous expression "Plata o Plomo" i.e. silver (money/bribe) or lead (get shot) meant that people often had no choice but to go on his errands. Escobar had even announced a bounty on police officers. If you could show a police badge from a slain policeman, you got a thousand-dollar reward, no questions asked. Everyone lived in terror!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Daniel said that the description of Pablo Escobar being seen as a kind of Robin Hood figure by the poor in MedellĂ­n is quite exaggerated. However, Pablo liked to cultivate that self-image and also built, for example, residential areas and soccer fields for the population in poorer neighborhoods and saw himself as a benefactor of the less fortunate. He himself claimed that he came from poor circumstances, but in fact he came from a well-to-do middle-class family and lived in good conditions as a young man. However, he started a criminal career early on by stealing cars and selling the parts and soon he discovered the lucrative cocaine business that brought quick money. Many of those who received a share of his charity were also in debt for life and could at any time be forced to perform services for him. In addition, Escobar used his position as a "philanthropist" to be able to make a political career when, amazingly, he also aimed to become the president of Colombia!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During the guided tour, we also got to visit what is commonly known as Pablo Escobar's prison, which he had built for himself in the municipality of Envigado. When he understood that it was only a matter of time before he would be arrested, he agreed with the Colombian government that he would be kept in isolation, but with the condition that he would not be extradited to the United States and that he would be allowed to build his own prison. This "prison", which he called La Catedral, was secluded, a little way up in the mountains, with a fantastic view of the city. Here he had built a fenced villa and several other buildings, a soccer field, a parking lot, a helipad and a church! Escobar was very religious and prayed and went to confession often, and he wanted to be able to continue doing that during his so-called prison time. Of course, he could continue to run the drug cartel from his new residence where security was minimal as the guards were employed by himself.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pablo Escobar was killed after intensive intelligence work in December 1993. All his property and belongings were confiscated. Buildings were looted and demolished so there is not much left of these today. Nothing remains of the so-called prison, but a reconstruction partially shows what it looked like. A home for the elderly is now operated in one of the buildings on the site.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Escobar is buried at Cementerio Jardines Montesacro, which we also visited during the tour. Daniel told us that cocaine is not something that Colombians themselves use, but something that foreigners and tourists use. The drug is so associated with the violent period in the country's history that ordinary people want nothing to do with it. He further said that drug cartels still exist in the country, mainly in the south-west but are being fought by the government. Colombia now has very restrictive gun laws, but unfortunately many illegal weapons still abound. The residents want to get away from their reputation from the drug wars and the future looks bright, he said. MedellĂ­n is nowadays like any other tourist town. However, you can still see a lot of shopping centers here. Unusually many in a small area. They are private shopping centers built by drug syndicates where the real purpose is money laundering. The same applied to several fancy restaurants in the city.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">After the guided tour, we walked in the neighborhoods of the El Poblado where our hotel was located. The district is popular with tourists and is full of restaurants and fancy bars. Just the ones the guide talked about 😉</p> <p class="MsoNormal">During our visit we also managed to visit the museum "Casa de la Memoria". There is an exhibition that focuses more on how the ordinary citizen was affected by the violence during the drug war. Here we not only got an insight into how the drug cartels gained power by using brutal violence that affected the civilian population, but also an insight into the Marxist-Leninist FARC guerrillas. From the beginning, during the 60s formed by farmers who opposed the right-wing government which in turn was supported by paramilitary groups. However, the FARC soon transformed into a group that financed increasingly violent activities through cocaine trafficking. In the midst of all this, civilians suffered badly. Through interviews and life stories, visitors to the museum gained a much better understanding of what individual people had to go through. The museum is not big but we left there impressed. Definitely recommended for anyone interested in that part of history. One cannot help but draw parallels to how criminal networks, mafia, terrorist groups, paramilitary groups, or whatever you call them depending on their location in the world, act and finance their activities.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Last but not least, we visited Plaza Botero with many Botero sculptures and a beautiful cultural center with exhibits interspersed among the office spaces where the employees work. A pleasant and relaxing experience in contrast to everything else we had to experience during our visit.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had to take taxis between the different neighborhoods to the places we wanted to visit. The taxi rides themselves were also an experience. Somehow it was noticed that the city has an industrial history. Several blocks could have a theme. For example, we rode through a street several hundred meters long where it was full of small bicycle shops and workshops on both sides of the road. Some sold new bikes, others sold used. Some were repair shops, others sold parts... In another block they traded sofas and beds in every imaginable shape, size and condition. In a third block there was garden furniture. In a fourth there were refrigerators and freezers where new and used appliances were sold, as well as repairs could be carried out. Also, it seemed that they reused what went from end-of-life machines. In several places, refrigerators were being taken apart for the various components. Here, there is a different attitude to used gadgets than what we are used to. Most things can be repaired and used for a while longer
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In MedellĂ­n we also tried to sort out some health-related questions. We have taken all the vaccinations before the trip that were recommended by doctors, but now we needed to protect ourselves against dengue fever and malaria. Both plagues are spread via mosquitoes and protecting oneself against mosquito bites has been more difficult than we originally thought. Despite mosquito nets and mosquito repellent, we get bitten by mosquitoes daily, especially if we lie with the boat in a harbor where there is not much wind. Being fully clothed, as the locals are, would of course have been the best protection but we can't do it in the 35-degree heat. We therefore needed to talk to a doctor about being prescribed malaria tablets and the possibility of vaccination against dengue fever. We found an online service for expats in Colombia that was in English and through this excellent paid service we were able to talk to a doctor, who in a video call, took all our information and medical history and finally gave us each a prescription for malaria tablets with instructions on how to take them, possible side effects and at which pharmacies in the city we could most easily get hold of them. However, she could not help us with the vaccination if we did not stay in the country for a longer period of time because the vaccine must be given in two rounds of three months interval and she was not allowed to send us the vaccine for the second shot so that we could have solved it in another country. Even though we knew that other sailors solved it that way in other countries in the Caribbean, the rules were stricter in Colombia. The same vaccine as the one you get in Colombia is also not available in the countries we are going to visit, so we simply have to trust that we will not be affected. After all, Dengue fever is still not as common as malaria 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">With such a short time in MedellĂ­n, you can't say we did the city justice. There are lots of things to experience and see. What we didn't have time for a visit to Comuna 13. A neighborhood that was previously considered one of the world's poorest, but which, with the help of various social projects and improved infrastructure, has been transformed into an attractive part of MedellĂ­n with lots of cultural activities. The district has become a real tourist attraction. In addition, there are several interesting museums and a little outside of MedellĂ­n you can visit coffee plantations that show what the entire process from cultivation to finished coffee beans looks like.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we got back to the boat, we were unfortunately met with the news that the turbulence we experienced on the flight from Barranquilla turned out to be due to a storm that had swept over the area, including the marina where Anastacia is located. Some had their houses destroyed, roofs were blown off shops in Barranquilla and trees had fallen over power poles leaving large areas without power. The wind had been so strong that the Anastacia, which was moored “stern to”, had been pushed against the jetty. The long bow mooring lines provided by the marina are fastened in large chunks of concrete on the seabed. These had probably moved so the boat came too close to the jetty and the equipment we had mounted in the stern was gone. In addition, the extra protective plastic that was on the stern had been torn off, but the hull was intact, so the protective plastic had still fulfilled its purpose, to protect the stern from impacts! The wind rudder and hydrogenerator were on the jetty where the marine personnel had put them when they tried to salvage what was left after the storm. Some other boats had also sustained damage and some jetty sections were completely missing.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When we looked through the damage to Anastacia, we were still relieved that the most important parts of the rudder were intact and that it was "only" the fasteners that came off. We can order them from the supplier. However, the hydrogenerator was completely destroyed. We had bought it used, so it wasn't a great value either, but sad as we can't charge the boat's batteries using hydropower anymore. Buying a new one will be too costly. However, we still have solar panels and wind generator left. Now we have unscrewed all the fasteners and sealed all the screw holes in the stern so that we can handle a sailing to Panama where we still planned to haul out for review and bottom painting. Then we can also repair the damage a little better. We negotiated an agreement with the marina manager so that we don't have to pay part of the marina fee as compensation for part of the damage. He has been really good to deal with and even though this type of incident is legally outside the marina’s responsibility, he thought it was important that we get some compensation. We are very grateful for that!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We have stayed two months in Colombia and the time has really flown by. We have spent the last few days getting the boat ready for sailing again and on the 30th of September we will sail to Panama where we will stay with the boat for two months before crossing the channel to the Pacific Ocean. The actual sailing to Panama should take two days and we hope for good winds. Right now, however, the forecast looks a bit bleak... 😊. We will also try to fly to Sweden for a few days in November to hug the family, as we will not be able to see each other over Christmas and New Year.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</p> <p class="MsoNormal">MedellĂ­n Ă€r Colombias nĂ€st största stad. Den bestĂ„r egentligen av 10 kommuner som i princip vuxit samman dĂ€r kommunen MedellĂ­n varit den dominerande som ocksĂ„ fĂ„tt ge staden dess namn. De 10 kommunerna Ă€r i sin tur uppdelade i totalt 16 ”Comunas” som kan likstĂ€llas med stadsdelar. MedellĂ­n Ă€r en stor industristad med flera olika nĂ€ringar. Störst Ă€r textilindustrin, kem-teknisk industri samt livsmedelsindustrin. Luften i staden Ă€r dĂ€rför ocksĂ„ mer förorenad.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Precis som till BogotĂĄ var flyget enda rimliga sĂ€ttet att ta sig till MedellĂ­n frĂ„n Barranquilla. Under flygturen upplevde vi ovanligt mycket turbulens. SĂ„ pass mycket att flygvĂ€rdarna inte kunde köra med sina serveringsvagnar. Vi kunde se hur vi hamnat mitt i ett stort Ă„skvĂ€der men tĂ€nkte egentligen inte sĂ„ mycket pĂ„ det och flygkaptenen konstaterade lugnt att det var lite mer turbulens Ă€n vanligt. Vi har ocksĂ„ vant oss vid att det Ă„skar nĂ€stan varje kvĂ€ll/natt pĂ„ kusten mot Karibiska havet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Eftersom vi inte bokat hotell för mer Ă€n tre nĂ€tter sĂ„ fick vi rikta in oss pĂ„ ett fĂ„tal platser att besöka. Vi började med en guidad tur i Pablo Escobars fotspĂ„r. Mest för att förstĂ„ historien och hur drogkartellerna pĂ„verkade samhĂ€llet nĂ€r det var som mest vĂ„ldsamt. Under turen fick vi besöka InflexiĂłn Memorial Park som ligger dĂ€r Pablo Escobar med familj, livvakter och nĂ€rmaste vĂ€nner bodde. HĂ€r pratar vi inte om en vanlig bostad utan ett lyxigt höghus mitt i staden. Detta var dock bara ett av de mĂ„nga fastigheter han Ă€gde. Han var ocksĂ„ ofta pĂ„ sin 20 kvadratkilometer stora hacienda som lĂ„g mellan BogotĂĄ och MedellĂ­n med herrgĂ„rd. en privat djurpark, sex pooler m m. Hela höghuset i MedellĂ­n revs efter hans död och istĂ€llet har man byggt upp en minnesplats för offren frĂ„n drogkriget. En vacker liten park med ett imponerande monument i svart sten. Man rĂ€knar med att MedellĂ­nkartellen och Pablo Escobar, fram till sin död 1993, var direkt skyldiga till 4 000 mord pĂ„ civila, politiker, Ă„klagare, domare och andra Ă€mbetsmĂ€n liksom poliser men den siffran kan man ta gĂ„nger femtio om man ser till alla som mördats pĂ„ grund av drogkriget i Colombia sedan 1960. MĂ„nga menar att det pĂ„gick ett inbördeskrig i Colombia fram till att Escobar sköts till döds. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">MedellĂ­nkartellen var den absolut största drogkartellen och under sin ”storhetstid” pĂ„ 1980-talet rĂ€knades den som vĂ€rldens största med runt 750 000 anstĂ€llda. Guiden Daniel pĂ„pekade att Escobar var sĂ€llsynt hĂ€nsynslös i det att han kallblodigt kunde skjuta vem som helst som han misstĂ€nkte var emot honom. Det bekymrade honom inte om oskyldiga ocksĂ„ föll offer. Det berömda uttrycket "Plata o Plomo" d v s silver (pengar/mutor) eller bly (bli skjuten) innebar att mĂ€nniskor ofta inte hade nĂ„got annat val Ă€n att gĂ„ hans Ă€renden. Escobar hade t o m utlyst skottpengar pĂ„ poliser. Kunde man visa upp en polisbricka frĂ„n en dödad polis fick man tusen dollar i belöning, inga frĂ„gor stĂ€lldes. Alla levde i skrĂ€ck!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Daniel berĂ€ttade att beskrivningen om att Pablo Escobar sĂ„gs som en slags Robin Hood-gestalt av de fattiga i MedellĂ­n Ă€r ganska överdriven. Pablo odlade dock gĂ€rna den sjĂ€lvbilden och byggde ocksĂ„ exempelvis bostadsomrĂ„den och fotbollsplaner för befolkningen i fattigare stadsdelar och sĂ„g sig som en vĂ€lgörare för de mindre bemedlade. Han hĂ€vdade sjĂ€lv att han kom frĂ„n fattiga förhĂ„llanden men egentligen kom han frĂ„n en vĂ€lbĂ€rgad medelklassfamilj och hade goda förutsĂ€ttningar som ung. Han började dock tidigt en kriminell bana genom att stjĂ€la bilar och sĂ€lja delarna och snart upptĂ€ckte han den lukrativa kokainbranschen som gav snabba pengar. MĂ„nga av dem som fick ta del av hans vĂ€lgörenhet stod ocksĂ„ i livstids skuld och kunde nĂ€rsomhelst tvingas utföra tjĂ€nster Ă„t honom. Dessutom utnyttjade Escobar sin stĂ€llning som ”vĂ€lgörare” för att kunna göra politisk karriĂ€r dĂ„ han, otroligt nog, Ă€ven siktade pĂ„ att bli Colombias president!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under den guidade turen fick vi ocksĂ„ besöka det som brukar kallas Pablo Escobars fĂ€ngelse som han hade lĂ„tit bygga Ă„t sig sjĂ€lv i kommunen Envigado. NĂ€r han förstod att det bara var en tidsfrĂ„ga innan han skulle gripas kom han nĂ€mligen överens med Colombias regering om att han skulle hĂ„llas isolerad, dock med villkoret att inte utlĂ€mnas till USA samt att han sjĂ€lv skulle fĂ„ bygga sitt fĂ€ngelse. Detta ”fĂ€ngelse” som han kallade La Catedral lĂ„g avskilt, en bit upp i bergen, med en fantastisk utsikt över staden. HĂ€r hade han lĂ„tit bygga en inhĂ€gnad villa och flera andra byggnader, fotbollsplan, parkering, helikopterplatta och en kyrka! Escobar var nĂ€mligen mycket religiös och bad och biktade sig ofta och det ville han kunna fortsĂ€tta med under sin sĂ„ kallade fĂ€ngelsetid. Naturligtvis kunde han fortsĂ€tta styra drogkartellen frĂ„n sin nya bostad dĂ€r bevakningen var minimal dĂ„ vakterna var anstĂ€llda av honom sjĂ€lv.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pablo Escobar dödades efter intensivt spaningsarbete i december 1993. Alla hans egendomar och tillhörigheter konfiskerades. Byggnader plundrades och revs sĂ„ det finns inte mycket kvar av dessa idag. Av det sĂ„ kallade fĂ€ngelset finns inget kvar men en rekonstruktion visar delvis hur det har sett ut. I en av byggnaderna pĂ„ platsen drivs numera ett Ă€ldreboende.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Escobar ligger begravd pĂ„ Cementerio Jardines Montesacro som vi ocksĂ„ besökte under turen. Daniel berĂ€ttade att kokain inte Ă€r nĂ„got som colombianerna sjĂ€lva nyttjar utan nĂ„got som utlĂ€nningar och turister anvĂ€nder. Drogen Ă€r sĂ„ förknippad med den vĂ„ldsamma perioden i landets historia att vanliga mĂ€nniskor inte vill ha med den att göra. Han berĂ€ttade vidare att drogkarteller fortfarande finns i landet, frĂ€mst i de sydvĂ€stra delarna men bekĂ€mpas av regeringen. Colombia har numera vĂ€ldigt restriktiva vapenlagar men tyvĂ€rr florerar fortfarande mĂ„nga illegala vapen. InvĂ„narna vill komma ifrĂ„n sitt rykte frĂ„n drogkrigen och framtiden ser ljus ut, menade han. MedellĂ­n Ă€r numera som vilken turiststad som helst. Dock kan man fortfarande se vĂ€ldigt mĂ„nga köpcentra hĂ€r. Ovanligt mĂ„nga inom litet omrĂ„de. Det Ă€r privata köpcentra som byggts av drogsyndikat dĂ€r det egentliga syftet Ă€r penningtvĂ€tt. Detsamma gĂ€llde för flera flotta innekrogar i staden.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Efter den guidade turen promenerade vi i kvarteren i stadsdelen El Poblado dĂ€r vĂ„rt hotell lĂ„g. Stadsdelen Ă€r populĂ€r bland turister och det finns fullt med restauranger och tjusiga innestĂ€llen. Precis sĂ„dana som guiden pratat om 😉</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Under vĂ„rt besök hann vi Ă€ven med museet ”Casa de la Memoria”. DĂ€r finns en utstĂ€llning som Ă€r mer inriktad pĂ„ hur den vanlige medborgaren drabbades av vĂ„ldet under drogkriget. HĂ€r fick vi inte bara en inblick i hur drogkartellerna skaffade sig makt genom att anvĂ€nda brutalt vĂ„ld som drabbade civilbefolkningen utan Ă€ven en inblick i den marxist-leninistiska FARC-gerillan. FrĂ„n början, under 60-talet bildad av jordbrukare som opponerade sig mot högerregeringen som i sin tur stöddes av paramilitĂ€ra grupper. FARC förvandlades dock snart till en grupp som finansierade en alltmer vĂ„ldsam verksamhet genom kokainhandel. Mitt i allt detta drabbades civila svĂ„rt. Genom intervjuer och livsberĂ€ttelser fick man som besökare pĂ„ museet en mycket bĂ€ttre förstĂ„else för vad enskilda mĂ€nniskor fick genomlida. Museet Ă€r inte stort men vi gick ut dĂ€rifrĂ„n berörda. Absolut rekommenderat för den som Ă€r intresserad av den delen av historien. Man kan inte lĂ„ta bli att dra paralleller till hur kriminella nĂ€tverk, maffia, terroristgrupper, paramilitĂ€ra grupper, eller vad man kallar dem beroende pĂ„ plats i vĂ€rlden, agerar och finansierar sina verksamheter.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sist, men inte minst, besökte vi Plaza Botero med mĂ„nga Botero-skulpturer och ett vackert kulturhus med utstĂ€llningar insprĂ€ngda bland kontorsutrymmena dĂ€r de anstĂ€llda arbetar. En trevlig och avkopplande upplevelse som kontrast till allt annat vi fick uppleva under vĂ„rt besök.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi var tvungna att Ă„ka taxi mellan de olika stadsdelarna till de platser vi ville besöka. Taxiturerna i sig var ocksĂ„ en upplevelse. PĂ„ nĂ„got sĂ€tt mĂ€rktes det att staden har en industrihistoria. Flera kvarter kunde ha ett tema. T ex Ă„kte vi genom en flera hundra meter lĂ„ng gata dĂ€r det var fullt med smĂ„ cykelbutiker och -verkstĂ€der pĂ„ bĂ€gge sidor om vĂ€gen. NĂ„gra sĂ„lde nya cyklar, andra sĂ„lde begagnade, Vissa var reparationsverkstĂ€der andra sĂ„lde delar
 I ett annat kvarter handlades det med soffor och sĂ€ngar i alla upptĂ€nkliga former, storlekar och skick, I ett tredje kvarter var det trĂ€dgĂ„rdsmöbler, I ett fjĂ€rde var det kyl- och frysvaror dĂ€r nya och begagnade maskiner sĂ„ldes, liksom reparationer kunde utföras Dessutom verkade det som man Ă„teranvĂ€nde det som gick frĂ„n uttjĂ€nta maskiner. PĂ„ flera stĂ€llen höll man pĂ„ att plocka isĂ€r kylskĂ„p till de olika bestĂ„ndsdelarna. HĂ€r rĂ„der en annan instĂ€llning till begagnade prylar Ă€n vad vi Ă€r vana vid. Det mesta gĂ„r att reparera och anvĂ€nda ett tag till
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I MedellĂ­n försökte vi ocksĂ„ reda ut nĂ„gra hĂ€lsorelaterade frĂ„gor. Vi har tagit alla vaccinationer inför resan som rekommenderades av lĂ€kare men nu behövde vi skydda oss mot denguefebern och malaria. BĂ„da farsoterna sprids via myggor och att skydda sig mot myggbett har varit svĂ„rare Ă€n vi trott frĂ„n början. Trots myggnĂ€t och myggmedel blir vi myggbitna dagligen, sĂ€rskilt om vi ligger med bĂ„ten i hamn dĂ€r det inte blĂ„ser sĂ„ mycket. Att vara fullt pĂ„klĂ€dd, som lokalbefolkningen Ă€r, hade naturligtvis varit bĂ€sta skyddet men vi klarar det inte i den 35-gradiga vĂ€rmen. Vi behövde dĂ€rför prata med en lĂ€kare om att fĂ„ utskrivet malariatabletter och möjlighet till vaccination mot denguefebern. Vi hittade en onlinetjĂ€nst för expats i Colombia som var pĂ„ engelska och fick via denna utmĂ€rkta betaltjĂ€nsten prata med en lĂ€kare, som i videosamtal, tog alla vĂ„ra uppgifter och sjukdomshistorik och till slut gav oss varsitt recept pĂ„ malariatabletter med anvisningar om hur de skulle tas, ev biverkningar och pĂ„ vilka apotek i staden vi lĂ€ttast kunde fĂ„ tag i dem. Dock kunde hon inte hjĂ€lpa oss med vaccinationen om vi inte stannade i landet en lĂ€ngre tid eftersom vaccinet skall ges i tvĂ„ omgĂ„ngar med tre mĂ„naders mellanrum och hon fick inte lov att skicka med oss vaccinet för den andra sprutan sĂ„ att vi hade kunnat lösa det i nĂ„got annat land. Trots att vi visste att andra seglare löst det pĂ„ det sĂ€ttet i andra lĂ€nder i Karibien sĂ„ var reglerna hĂ„rdare i Colombia. Samma vaccin som det som man fĂ„r i Colombia finns inte heller i de lĂ€nder vi skall besöka sĂ„ vi fĂ„r helt enkelt lita pĂ„ att vi inte blir drabbade. Trots allt Ă€r Denguefebern fortfarande inte lika vanlig som malarian 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Med sĂ„ kort tid i MedellĂ­n sĂ„ kan man inte sĂ€ga att vi gjort staden rĂ€ttvisa. Det finns massor av saker att uppleva och se. Det vi inte hann med var exempelvis ett besök i Comuna 13. En stadsdel som tidigare rĂ€knades som en av vĂ€rldens fattigaste men som med hjĂ€lp av olika samhĂ€llsprojekt och förbĂ€ttrad infrastruktur omvandlats till en attraktiv del av MedellĂ­n med massor av kulturaktiviteter. Stadsdelen har blivit en riktig turistattraktion. Dessutom finns flera intressanta museer och lite utanför MedellĂ­n kan man besöka kaffeplantager som visar hur hela processen frĂ„n odling till fĂ€rdiga kaffebönor ser ut.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€r vi kom tillbaks till bĂ„ten möttes vi tyvĂ€rr av nyheten att den turbulens vi upplevt pĂ„ flyget frĂ„n Barranquilla visat sig bero pĂ„ en storm som dragit över omrĂ„det, inklusive marinan dĂ€r Anastacia ligger. Vissa hade fĂ„tt sina hus förstörda, tak var bortblĂ„sta frĂ„n butiker i Barranquilla och trĂ€d hade fallit över elstolpar sĂ„ stora omrĂ„den hade varit utan ström. Vinden hade varit sĂ„ stark sĂ„ att Anastacia, som var akterförtöjd, hade tryckts mot bryggan. De lĂ„nga förtöjningslinorna i fören som marinan tillhandahĂ„ller sitter i stora betongklumpar pĂ„ havsbotten. Dessa hade troligen flyttat sig sĂ„ bĂ„ten kommit för nĂ€ra bryggan och den utrustning som vi hade monterat i aktern var borta. Dessutom hade den extra skyddsplasten som satt pĂ„ akterspegeln slitits av men skrovet var intakt sĂ„ skyddsplasten hade Ă€ndĂ„ fyllt sitt syfte, att skydda aktern mot stötar! Vindrodret och hydrogeneratorn lĂ„g pĂ„ bryggan dĂ€r marinapersonalen lagt dem nĂ€r de försökt rĂ€dda det som gick efter stormen. Vissa andra bĂ„tar hade ocksĂ„ fĂ„tt skador och nĂ„gra bryggsektioner saknades helt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€r vi tittade igenom skadorna pĂ„ Anastacia var vi Ă€ndĂ„ lĂ€ttade över att vindrodrets viktigaste delar var intakta och att det ”bara” var fĂ€stena som gĂ„tt av. Dem kan vi bestĂ€lla frĂ„n leverantören. Hydrogeneratorn var dock helt sönderslagen. Den hade vi köpt begagnad sĂ„ det var heller inget jĂ€ttestort vĂ€rde men trĂ„kigt dĂ„ vi nu inte kan ladda bĂ„tens batterier med hjĂ€lp av vattenkraft lĂ€ngre. Att köpa en ny blir för kostsamt. Vi har dock fortfarande solpaneler och vindgenerator kvar. Nu har vi skruvat loss alla fĂ€sten och tĂ€tat alla skruvhĂ„l i aktern sĂ„ att vi kan klara en segling till Panama dĂ€r vi Ă€ndĂ„ planerat att ta upp bĂ„ten för genomgĂ„ng och bottenmĂ„lning. DĂ„ kan vi ocksĂ„ laga skadorna lite bĂ€ttre. Vi förhandlade oss till en överenskommelse med marinchefen sĂ„ att vi slipper betala en del av hamnavgiften som kompensation för en del av skadorna. Han har varit riktigt bra att ha att göra med och trots att den hĂ€r typen av hĂ€ndelser rent juridiskt gĂ„r utanför marinans ansvar sĂ„ tyckte han det var viktigt att vi fick lite kompensation. Det Ă€r vi jĂ€ttetacksamma för!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi har vistats tvĂ„ mĂ„nader i Colombia och tiden har verkligen flugit ivĂ€g. De sista dagarna har vi Ă€gnat Ă„t att göra bĂ„ten klar för segling igen och den 30:e september seglar vi till Panama dĂ€r vi kommer att ligga med bĂ„ten i tvĂ„ mĂ„nader innan överfarten genom kanalen till Stilla havet. SjĂ€lva seglingen till Panama bör ta tvĂ„ dygn och vi hoppas pĂ„ bra vind. Just nu ser dock prognosen lite klen ut
 😊. Vi kommer ocksĂ„ att försöka flyga till Sverige under nĂ„gra dagar i november för att krama om familjen, dĂ„ vi inte kommer att kunna ses över jul och nyĂ„r.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>InflexiĂłn Memorial Park</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095210.jpg?1727618595?1727618595" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095350.jpg?1727618595?1727618595" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_095530.jpg?1727618595?1727618595" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_100900.jpg?1727618595?1727618595" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>La Catedral and Pablo Escobars escape route</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111747.jpg?1727618750?1727618750" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111318.jpg?1727618750?1727618750" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111140.jpg?1727618750" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111140.jpg?1727618750 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111140.jpg?1727618750 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111140.jpg?1727618750 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111140.jpg?1727618750?1727618750" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111537.jpg?1727618750?1727618750" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111215.jpg?1727618750" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111215.jpg?1727618750 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111215.jpg?1727618750 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111215.jpg?1727618750 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_111215.jpg?1727618750?1727618750" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Escobar family vault. Cementerio Jardines Montesacro</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122146.jpg?1727618878?1727618878" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240917_122205.jpg?1727618878?1727618878" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Plaza Botero and cultural center</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101954.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100734.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100734.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100734.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100734.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100734.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100202.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100202.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100202.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100202.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_100202.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_095837.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_095837.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_095837.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_095837.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_095837.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101219.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101219.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101219.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101219.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101219.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101327.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101327.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101327.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101327.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101327.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101348.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101348.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101348.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101348.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101348.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101818.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101818.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101818.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101818.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_101818.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_105215.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_105215.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_105215.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_105215.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_105215.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_103558.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_103558.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_103558.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_103558.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_103558.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110800.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110800.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110800.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110800.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110800.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110947.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110947.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110947.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110947.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_110947.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_111031.jpg?1727618972" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_111031.jpg?1727618972 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_111031.jpg?1727618972 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_111031.jpg?1727618972 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Medellin/20240918_111031.jpg?1727618972?1727618972" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> </div> Sun, 29 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/september-2024/medellin /blog/september-2024/medellin BogotĂĄ, Colombia Malin <p class="MsoNormal">By bus it takes 15 to 20 hours to travel from Barranquilla to BogotĂĄ and the railway is only partially built up in Colombia as the topography is extremely varied. In addition, it seems that the railway network was primarily built to facilitate the transport of the mining industry and not so focused on passenger transport. To get to BogotĂĄ we therefore had to take the flight which was what the residents here also told us was the best.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">BogotĂĄ is at an altitude of over 2,600 m, which we felt when we arrived. For one thing, the temperature (for us) was much more pleasant and similar to what we are used to from Sweden, but both Christer and I (Malin) also got a slight headache when we landed. Probably because we moved so quickly to higher altitude. We are used to constantly being at sea level 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had booked a room at a slightly out of the ordinary hotel, Hotel Casa de la Luz. The hotel is located in an old large colonial house with a very mixed and personal interior that went from the sacred to the burlesque - with some political elements... There was certainly a bit to be desired in terms of cleaning and everything maybe didn't work as it should but the charm outweighed all that! Here there were lots of small rooms and winding stairs in the most unexpected places. The house had been owned by a wealthy French family for many years before it was sold and turned into a hotel. We enjoyed ourselves very well but had to change rooms after the first night, the bed lacked a mattress topper and became far too hard and our backs couldn't really handle it. You do feel like you've gotten a little older... 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The hotel is located in the historic district of BogotĂĄ, La Candelaria. The only reason we chose to stay here was that Christer found a good travel blog with tips on places to visit. We are happy to promote this one which covers several countries worldwide: https://www.dreambigtravelfarblog.com/</p> <p class="MsoNormal">La Candelaria turned out to be an incredibly beautiful neighborhood with many museums within walking distance as well as Plaza BolivĂĄr with a large cathedral and the presidential palace right next door. Fantastic graffiti paintings were on many buildings throughout the district. In the streets around the hotel, there was one jeweler's shop next to the other. Several hundred within the same block! We don't understand how they can survive with such fierce competition. However, we also saw that they had many customers who bought jewelry and watches. Colombia has large emerald findings and the quality is said to be the best in the world so that might explain the trade
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">About nine million people live in BogotĂĄ and we spent three whole days in the city, which of course is far too little for a city of that size. There are so many sights and beautiful places to visit that you would need several weeks to get an overview. Our visit was therefore only a small selection. The first day we took the opportunity to take a tour with a hop on hop off bus. The guide Sebastian, spoke Spanish and good English. Excited to meet someone who didn't just speak Spanish, we bombarded him with questions. Poor thing, he had to toil but did it with gusto! He told us that BogotĂĄ is jokingly called the refrigerator. Here, the temperature varies between 10 and 25 degrees during one and the same day. The sun can shine one moment and then be followed by cold rain during the next. Much like opening and closing the refrigerator door. Or as Sebastian also put it "wax on wax off" to cite the karate kid movies. One moment you pull down the zipper on your jacket because it's too hot, and the next you pull it up again because it's too cold.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We had it explained to us how the streets are named in BogotĂĄ and other cities. The streets do not have their own names as we are used to in Europe. Here we are talking about road intersections, Carrera run parallel to each other and usually go in a north-south direction and are numbered from east to west. The streets Calle run in an east-west direction and are numbered from south to north. Now this is only approximately correct. The streets tend to meander in different directions, but the system gave us an explanation as to why the taxi drivers we went with in both Medellin and Santa Marta would rather know the street numbers for Calle and Carrera than just the place we wanted to go.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The hop on hop off tour turned out to be a tour where you also got to visit places walking where the guide told us about the areas we stopped at. Sebastian showed us, among other things, the oldest part of the city where it was founded in 1538 in the neighborhood La Candelaria. Of course, the indigenous population already lived here a few thousand years before that, but we are now talking about the colonial era. The site, which originally consisted of 12 houses, a well and a church, remains. This is also the only place in BogotĂĄ where the streets have their own names. Here there were lots of small shops, cafes, bars and restaurants and here you could buy the slightly alcoholic, yellowish drink Chicha, which is a kind of corn beer made from fermented corn gruel. The drink is originally a drink that the indigenous people brewed and is found in different varieties throughout Latin America. Actually, it is banned in Colombia but nobody seems to care. You could quickly tell who was drinking Chicha because the bottles were sold with a brown paper bag around them - probably to hide the contents 😊. Of course we tasted! It was good too! The taste was reminiscent of a mixture of sweet beer and kombucha. However, we didn't dare buy a bottle...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The tour in the bus then went on to the wealthier neighborhoods in the north. Here it was immediately noticeable from both the style of clothing and the shops that lined the streets that the more affluent stayed here. Sebastian told us that there are 7 different social classes in Colombia and social classes 1 and 2 in BogotĂĄ were mostly in the northern part of the city. Graffiti painting was also prohibited here. We thought this part of the city looked like any modern city. Here we made a lunch stop and ate a good (and expensive) fish dish at a nice fish restaurant where some of the couples were dressed up in costumes or evening dress with matching chic handbags. Perhaps needless to say that we did not quite match the style in terms of clothing and it was clearly visible that we were tourists. But the occasional guest also wore regular jeans, so we were still in good company. At least we knew how to behave ourselves!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">On the way back to La Candelaria, we passed two small "reserves" in the form of smaller parks. One was dedicated to LGBTQ people who were allowed to stay in the area without (hopefully) having to fear harassment. The site was marked by a large Pride flag. The other park was called "hippies park" and here you could smoke marijuana freely. Normally, drug use is prohibited in Colombia, but possession of a maximum of one gram is permitted.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the afternoon we visited the Gold Museum, which, like its counterpart in Santa Marta, displayed many archaeological finds from Colombia's first settlers in pre-colonial times. Colombia has had several hundred different indigenous groups. The indigenous people who lived (and partly still live) around BogotĂĄ are called Muisca. Like the Tairona people, they were skilled in working gold and other metals as well as precious stones such as emeralds. In addition to colonization, the indigenous population has experienced other threats in modern times where they were forced to grow coca plants by the drug cartels who then bought the “raw material” from them. Now, when many of the cartels have been fought by the Colombian police, the authorities have burned the coca fields and the population has lost their livelihood. When we visited BogotĂĄ, several hundred families from, among others, the Muisca, demonstrated by setting up tents in one of the city's parks and occupying it in protest against, as we understood, that they had not been offered any compensation or help by the Colombian state to be able to feed themselves in other ways. The population has also experienced that land has been taken from them as new mineral discoveries have been made and the mining companies have forced them away by various means. Unfortunately, we could not update ourselves on the issue and we received different answers depending on who we asked about the conflict. What is clear is that the indigenous people are having a hard time coping when their territory shrinks. When they instead look for the cities, they find it difficult to get a job and are ill-equipped to live life in a city. Education and lifestyles are so different. Unfortunately, many, both children and adults, end up as beggars on the streets.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The next day we took the opportunity to take the cable car up to Monserrate where there is a small church and a restaurant and cafĂ©. The place is actually best known for the beautiful view down towards the city and you can clearly see how BogotĂĄ is located in a depression between the mountains which are one of the northern extensions of the Andes Mountain range. A nice trip but with a lot of waiting in the long queue for the cable car.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We also had time to visit museums where we first, and mostly by chance, ended up in the Museo Iglesia de Santa Clara. A small, beautifully ornate baroque museum in a former chapel for Franciscan nuns. On the walls hung art from the 17th and 18th centuries, and you could also take part in an exhibition that addressed important female figures in Christianity. Contemporary artists also exhibited works of art in the form of installations that were both a tribute to women and a representation of the violence against women that is still relatively common in the country.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We passed BolivĂĄr Square where it was full of Sunday activity. The cathedral was open and the sermon had just begun. At the same time, in the square, the indigenous people had gathered with representatives from different groups for a joint meeting "Indigenous People's Sixth District Meeting" to discuss common issues. We ended up in the middle of the opening ceremony where the religious leaders blessed everyone in the square including us "little brothers" gathered in a big ring. The rhythmic drumming from the inauguration was mixed with the preaching from the cathedral, right next door. An incredibly strange experience!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Later we also made the mandatory visit to the National Museum where we could see several works by the Colombian artist and sculptor Fernando Botero. You quickly recognize his style with everyday motifs where both humans and animals are represented with large round shapes. Otherwise, the museum was just like other national museums. Here, art from different eras of Colombian history and prehistory was displayed. At this point we were so museum-weary that we couldn't go through all the exhibits and instead went out into the bustle of the streets and looked at what the street vendors had to offer. Every Sunday, a long street in the city is closed for the benefit of pedestrians and cyclists. It is very much appreciated and sellers naturally take the opportunity to display their products there.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The last day in BogotĂĄ was devoted to the matter which was really the main reason for our visit to the city. Christer would finally get his new driver's license! A few months ago, he had applied for the renewal of his old and nearly expired driver's license at the Swedish consulate in Grenada. From there, the application had been forwarded to the Stockholm Caribbean Embassy in Sweden for further processing by the Swedish Transport Agency, which then sent the new driver's license to the Swedish Embassy in BogotĂĄ. Apart from the fact that the whole process took a month or so due to slow mail (in Sweden?), everything had gone as planned. He had made an appointment with the embassy staff and now it was time! Once at the embassy building in BogotĂĄ (the northern part, of course! 😊) it took a good while before we were understood and then admitted. Unfortunately, we didn't find anyone who could speak English or Swedish, but with our poor Spanish and with Google translate it all worked out and Christer finally got to pick up the driver's license from a secretary who, unfortunately, could only speak Spanish. Happy that everything went so well, we celebrated the last night at a cozy little restaurant, a block from our hotel. The staff happily cheered in recognition as we ate there three days in a row and we once again enjoyed a really good dinner. The next day we flew back to the boat.</p> <div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div> <p class="MsoNormal"> <br></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Med buss tar det 15 till 20 timmar att Ă„ka frĂ„n Barranquilla till BogotĂĄ och jĂ€rnvĂ€gen Ă€r bara delvis utbyggd i Colombia dĂ„ topografin Ă€r ytterst varierad. Dessutom verkar det som att jĂ€rnvĂ€gsnĂ€tet i första hand byggts för att underlĂ€tta för gruvnĂ€ringens transporter och inte sĂ„ inriktat pĂ„ persontransporter. För att ta sig till BogotĂĄ blev vi dĂ€rför tvungna att ta flyget vilket var vad de boende hĂ€r ocksĂ„ sa till oss var det bĂ€sta.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">BogotĂĄ ligger pĂ„ över 2 600 m höjd vilket kĂ€ndes nĂ€r vi kom fram. Dels var temperaturen (för oss) mycket behagligare och liknade den vi Ă€r vana vid frĂ„n Sverige men bĂ„de Christer och jag (Malin) fick ocksĂ„ lite lĂ€tt huvudvĂ€rk nĂ€r vi landade. Troligen pĂ„ grund av att vi förflyttat oss sĂ„ snabbt till högre höjd. Vi Ă€r ju vana vid att stĂ€ndigt befinna oss pĂ„ havsnivĂ„ 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi hade bokat rum pĂ„ ett lite annorlunda hotell, Hotel Casa de la Luz. Hotellet ligger i ett gammalt stort kolonialhus med mycket blandad och personlig inredning som gick frĂ„n det sakrala till det burleska -med vissa politiska inslag
 Det fanns visserligen lite att önska vad gĂ€ller stĂ€dning och allt fungerade kanske inte som det skulle men charmen övervĂ€gde allt sĂ„dant! HĂ€r fanns massor med smĂ„ rum och vindlande trappor pĂ„ de mest ovĂ€ntade stĂ€llen. Huset hade Ă€gts av en rik fransk familj under mĂ„nga Ă„r innan den sĂ„ldes och gjordes om till hotell. Vi trivdes vĂ€ldigt bra men blev tvungna att byta rum efter första natten, sĂ€ngen saknade bĂ€ddmadrass och blev alldeles för hĂ„rd och vĂ„ra ryggar klarade inte riktigt av det. Man kĂ€nner av att man blivit lite Ă€ldre
 😊</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hotellet ligger i den historiska stadsdelen La Candelaria. Enda anledningen till att vi valde att bo hĂ€r, var att Christer hittat en bra reseblogg med tips om stĂ€llen att besöka. Vi gör gĂ€rna reklam för den hĂ€r som tar upp flera lĂ€nder, vĂ€rlden över: <a href="https://www.dreambigtravelfarblog.com/">https://www.dreambigtravelfarblog.com/</a> </p> <p class="MsoNormal">La Candelaria visade sig vara en otroligt vacker stadsdel med mĂ„nga museer inom gĂ„ngavstĂ„nd samt Plaza BolivĂĄr med en stor katedral och presidentpalatset alldeles intill. Fantastiska graffitimĂ„lningar fanns pĂ„ mĂ„nga byggnader i hela stadsdelen. PĂ„ gatorna runt hotellet avlöste den ena juvelerarbutiken den andra. Flera hundra inom samma kvarter! Vi förstĂ„r inte hur de kan överleva med sĂ„ hĂ„rd konkurrens. Vi sĂ„g dock ocksĂ„ att de hade mĂ„nga kunder som handlade smycken och klockor. Colombia har stora smaragdfyndigheter och kvaliteten sĂ€gs vara vĂ€rldens bĂ€sta sĂ„ det kan nog förklara handeln
  </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ca nio miljoner mĂ€nniskor bor i BogotĂĄ och vi tillbringade tre hela dagar i staden vilket förstĂ„s Ă€r alldeles för lite för en stad i den storleken. Det finns sĂ„ mĂ„nga sevĂ€rdheter och vackra platser att besöka att man skulle behöva flera veckor för att fĂ„ en överblick. VĂ„rt besök blev dĂ€rför bara ett litet nedslag. Första dagen passade vi pĂ„ att ta en rundtur med en hop on hop off-buss. Guiden Sebastian, talade spanska och god engelska. Upprymda över att trĂ€ffa nĂ„gon som inte bara pratade spanska bombarderade vi honom med frĂ„gor. Stackaren, han fick slita men gjorde det med bravur! Han berĂ€ttade att BogotĂĄ skĂ€mtsamt brukar kallas för kylskĂ„pet. HĂ€r varierar temperaturen mellan 10 och 25 grader under ett och samma dygn. Solen kan skina ena student för att sedan följas av kallt regn under nĂ€sta. UngefĂ€r som att öppna och stĂ€nga kylskĂ„psdörren. Eller som Sebastian ocksĂ„ uttryckte det ”wax on wax off” för att citera karate kid-filmerna. Ena stunden drar man ner dragkedjan pĂ„ jackan för att det Ă€r för varmt för att i nĂ€sta dra upp den igen för att det Ă€r för kallt.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi fick förklarat för oss hur gatorna namnges i BogotĂĄ och andra stĂ€der. Gatorna har inte egna namn som vi Ă€r vana vid i Europa. HĂ€r pratar man om vĂ€gkorsningar, Carrera löper parallellt med varandra och gĂ„r oftast i nord-sydlig riktning och numreras frĂ„n öst till vĂ€st. I öst-vĂ€stlig riktning löper gatorna Calle (Uttalas kajje pĂ„ svenska) som numreras frĂ„n syd till nord. Nu stĂ€mmer detta bara pĂ„ ett ungefĂ€r. Gatorna slingar sig gĂ€rna Ă„t olika hĂ„ll men systemet gav oss en förklaring till varför taxichaufförerna vi Ă„kt med i bĂ„de Medellin och Santa Marta hellre ville veta gatunumren för Calle och Carrera Ă€n bara platsen vi ville Ă„ka till. </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hop on hop off-turen visade sig vara en tur dĂ€r man ocksĂ„ fick besöka platser till fots dĂ€r guiden berĂ€ttade om omrĂ„dena vi stannade till pĂ„. Sebastian visade oss bl a den Ă€ldsta delen av staden dĂ€r den s a s grundades 1538 i stadsdelen Candelaria. HĂ€r bodde sĂ„klart redan ursprungsbefolkningen sedan nĂ„gra tusen Ă„r tillbaka men vi pratar nu om kolonialtiden. Platsen som frĂ„n början bestod av 12 hus, en brunn och en kyrka finns kvar. HĂ€r Ă€r ocksĂ„ det enda stĂ€llet i BogotĂĄ dĂ€r gatorna har egna namn. HĂ€r fanns fullt av smĂ„ butiker, cafĂ©er, barer och restauranger och hĂ€r kunde man köpa den lĂ€tt alkoholhaltiga, gulaktiga drycken Chicha som Ă€r ett slags majsöl som görs av fermenterad majsvĂ€lling. Drycken Ă€r frĂ„n början en dryck som urbefolkningen bryggde och finns i olika varianter i hela Latinamerika. Egentligen Ă€r den förbjuden i Colombia men ingen verkar bry sig om det. Man kunde snabbt urskilja vilka som drack Chicha eftersom flaskorna sĂ„ldes med en brun pappĂ„se runt -troligen för att dölja innehĂ„llet 😊. SjĂ€lvklart smakade vi! Gott var det ocksĂ„! Smaken pĂ„minde om en blandning av söt öl och kombucha. NĂ„gon flaska vĂ„gade vi dock inte köpa
</p> <p class="MsoNormal">FĂ€rden i bussen gick sedan vidare till de rikare kvarteren i norr. HĂ€r mĂ€rktes genast pĂ„ bĂ„de klĂ€dstil och butikerna som kantade gatorna att de mer vĂ€lbĂ€rgade vistades hĂ€r. Sebastian berĂ€ttade att man rĂ€knar med 7 olika samhĂ€llsklasser i Colombia och samhĂ€llsklass 1 och 2 i BogotĂĄ höll mest till i den norra delen av staden. HĂ€r var ocksĂ„ graffitimĂ„lningar förbjudna Vi tyckte att den hĂ€r delen av staden sĂ„g ut som vilken modern stad som helst. HĂ€r gjorde vi ett lunchstopp och Ă„t en god (och dyr) fiskrĂ€tt pĂ„ en fin fiskrestaurang dĂ€r vissa av paren var festklĂ€dda med kostym resp. aftonklĂ€nning med matchande piffiga handvĂ€skor. Kanske onödigt att sĂ€ga att vi inte riktigt matchade stilen vad gĂ€ller klĂ€dsel och det lyste verkligen ”turist” om oss. Men, en och annan gĂ€st gick Ă€ven i vanliga jeans sĂ„ vi var Ă€ndĂ„ i gott sĂ€llskap. Vi kunde i alla fall uppföra oss fint!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ vĂ€gen tillbaka till La Candelaria passerade vi tvĂ„ smĂ„ ”reservat” i form av mindre parker. Det ena var vigt Ă„t HBTQ-personer som fick vistas pĂ„ omrĂ„det utan att (förhoppningsvis) behöva vara rĂ€dda för trakasserier. Platsen markerades av en stor Pride-flagga. Den andra parken kallades för ”hippies park” och hĂ€r kunde man röka marijuana fritt. Normalt Ă€r droganvĂ€ndning förbjuden i Colombia men innehav av max ett gram Ă€r tillĂ„ten.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">PĂ„ eftermiddagen besökte vi Guldmuseet, som liksom sin motsvarighet i Santa Marta visade upp mĂ„nga arkeologiska fynd frĂ„n Colombias första bosĂ€ttare under förkolonial tid. Colombia har haft flera hundra olika ursprungsgrupper. Urbefolkningen som bodde (och delvis fortfarande bor kvar) runt BogotĂĄ kallas Muisca. Liksom Taironafolket var de duktiga i att bearbeta guld och andra metaller liksom Ă€delstenar som smaragder. Ursprungsbefolkningen har förutom under kolonisationen upplevt andra hot i modern tid dĂ€r de tvingats odla kokaplantor av knarkkartellerna som sedan köpt rĂ„varan av dem. Nu, nĂ€r mĂ„nga av kartellerna bekĂ€mpats av den colombianska polisen, har myndigheterna brĂ€nt kokafĂ€lten och befolkningen har förlorat sin utkomst. NĂ€r vi besökte BogotĂĄ demonstrerade flera hundra familjer frĂ„n bl a Muisca som satt upp tĂ€lt i en av stadens parker och s a s ockuperade den i protest mot, som vi förstĂ„tt det, att de inte erbjudits nĂ„gon kompensation eller hjĂ€lp av den colombianska staten för att kunna livnĂ€ra sig pĂ„ andra sĂ€tt. Befolkningen har ocksĂ„ upplevt att mark tagits frĂ„n dem i takt med att nya mineralfyndigheter gjorts och gruvbolagen har med olika medel tvingat bort dem. TyvĂ€rr kunde vi inte uppdatera oss i frĂ„gan och vi fick olika svar beroende vem vi frĂ„gade om konflikten. Helt klart Ă€r att ursprungsbefolkningen har svĂ„rt att klara sig nĂ€r deras livsmiljö krymper. NĂ€r de dĂ„ istĂ€llet söker sig till stĂ€derna har de svĂ„rt att fĂ„ jobb och Ă€r illa rustade att leva livet i en stad. Utbildning och levnadsvanor Ă€r sĂ„ annorlunda. TyvĂ€rr hamnar vĂ€ldigt mĂ„nga, bĂ„de barn och vuxna, till slut som tiggare pĂ„ gatorna.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">NĂ€sta dag passade vi pĂ„ att ta linbanan upp till Monserrate dĂ€r det stĂ„r en liten kyrka samt en restaurang och cafĂ©. Platsen Ă€r egentligen mest kĂ€nd för den vackra utsikten ner mot staden och man kan tydligt se hur BogotĂĄ ligger i en sĂ€nka mellan bergen som Ă€r en av de nordliga förlĂ€ngningarna av Andernas bergskedja. En trevlig tur men med mycket vĂ€ntan i den lĂ„nga kön till linbanan.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi hann ocksĂ„ med museibesök dĂ€r vi först, och mest av en slump, hamnade i Museo Iglesia de Santa Clara. Ett litet vackert utsmyckat museum i barockstil i ett tidigare kapell för nunnor av Franciskanorden. PĂ„ vĂ€ggarna hĂ€ngde konst frĂ„n 1600 och 1700-talen och man kunde ocksĂ„ ta del av en utstĂ€llning som tog upp viktiga kvinnogestalter i kristendomen. Nutida konstnĂ€rer stĂ€llde ocksĂ„ ut konstverk i form av installationer som bĂ„de var en hyllning till kvinnan och en representation av det vĂ„ld mot kvinnor som fortfarande Ă€r relativt vanligt förekommande i landet.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Vi passerade BolivĂĄr-torget dĂ€r det var full söndagsaktivitet. Katedralen var öppen och predikan hade precis börjat. Samtidigt, pĂ„ torget, hade ursprungsbefolkningen samlats med representanter frĂ„n olika grupper inför ett gemensamt möte "urbefolkningens sjĂ€tte distriktsmöte" dĂ€r man skulle diskuterade gemensamma frĂ„gor. Vi hamnade mitt i invigningsceremonin dĂ€r de religiösa ledarna vĂ€lsignade alla pĂ„ torget inklusive oss ”smĂ„bröder” som samlats i en stor ring. Det taktfasta trummandet frĂ„n invigningen blandades med mĂ€ssande frĂ„n katedralen, strax intill. En otroligt mĂ€rklig upplevelse!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Senare gjorde vi ocksĂ„ det obligatoriska besöket pĂ„ nationalmuseet dĂ€r vi kunde se flera verk av den colombianske konstnĂ€ren och skulptören Fernando Botero. Man kĂ€nner snabbt igen hans stil med vardagsmotiv dĂ€r bĂ„de mĂ€nniskor och djur har stora runda former. I övrigt var museet precis som andra nationalmuseer. HĂ€r visades det upp konst frĂ„n olika epoker av Colombias historia och förhistoria. Vid det hĂ€r laget var vi sĂ„ museitrötta sĂ„ vi orkade inte gĂ„ igenom alla utstĂ€llningar utan gick istĂ€llet ut i gatuvimlet och tittade pĂ„ vad gatuförsĂ€ljarna hade att erbjuda. Varje söndag stĂ€ngs en lĂ„ng gata av i staden till förmĂ„n för gĂ„ende och cyklister. Det Ă€r mycket uppskattat och försĂ€ljare passar sĂ„klart pĂ„ att visa upp sina produkter dĂ€r.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Sista dagen i BogotĂĄ vigdes Ă„t det Ă€rende som egentligen var den största anledningen till vĂ„rt besök i staden. Christer skulle Ă€ntligen fĂ„ sitt nya körkort! För nĂ„gra mĂ„nader sedan hade han ansökt om förnyelse av sitt gamla och nĂ€stan utgĂ„ngna körkort, pĂ„ svenska konsulatet i Grenada. DĂ€rifrĂ„n hade ansökan skickats vidare till Karibiens Stockholmsambassad i Sverige för vidare handlĂ€ggning av Transportstyrelsen som sedan skickat det nya körkortet till svenska ambassaden i BogotĂĄ. Förutom att hela processen tagit nĂ„gon mĂ„nad pĂ„ grund av lĂ„ngsam postgĂ„ng (i Sverige?) sĂ„ hade allt gĂ„tt som planerat. Han hade fĂ„tt en tid hos ambassadpersonalen och nu var det dags! VĂ€l vid ambassadbyggnaden i BogotĂĄ (norra delen, sĂ„klart! 😊) tog det en bra stund innan vi blev förstĂ„dda och sedan inslĂ€ppta. TyvĂ€rr hittade vi ingen som kunde prata engelska eller svenska men vĂ„r knaggliga spanska och med Google translate löste sig det hela och Christer fick till slut hĂ€mta ut körkortet hos en sekreterare som ocksĂ„, tyvĂ€rr, bara kunde prata spanska. Glada Ă„t att allt gĂ„tt sĂ„ bra firade vi sista kvĂ€llen pĂ„ en mysig liten restaurang, ett kvarter frĂ„n vĂ„rt hotell. Personalen hejade glatt igenkĂ€nnande dĂ„ vi Ă€tit dĂ€r tre dagar i rad och vi njöt Ă„terigen av en riktigt god middag. Dagen efter flög vi tillbaks till bĂ„ten.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Hotel Casa de la Luz</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_084821.jpg?1727213044" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_084821.jpg?1727213044 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_084821.jpg?1727213044 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_084821.jpg?1727213044 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_084821.jpg?1727213044?1727213044" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_155214.jpg?1727213044?1727213044" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113747.jpg?1727213340" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113747.jpg?1727213340 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113747.jpg?1727213340 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113747.jpg?1727213340 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113747.jpg?1727213340?1727213340" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113806.jpg?1727213340" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113806.jpg?1727213340 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113806.jpg?1727213340 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113806.jpg?1727213340 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_113806.jpg?1727213340?1727213340" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>La Candelaria, old town</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110758.jpg?1727213415?1727213415" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110928.jpg?1727213415" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110928.jpg?1727213415 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110928.jpg?1727213415 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110928.jpg?1727213415 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_110928.jpg?1727213415?1727213415" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111656.jpg?1727213415?1727213415" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111658.jpg?1727213414?1727213414" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111704.jpg?1727213414" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111704.jpg?1727213414 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111704.jpg?1727213414 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111704.jpg?1727213414 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111704.jpg?1727213414?1727213414" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Gold museum</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_165925.jpg?1727213521" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_165925.jpg?1727213521 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_165925.jpg?1727213521 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_165925.jpg?1727213521 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_165925.jpg?1727213521?1727213521" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171518.jpg?1727213521" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171518.jpg?1727213521 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171518.jpg?1727213521 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171518.jpg?1727213521 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171518.jpg?1727213521?1727213521" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172101.jpg?1727213521" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172101.jpg?1727213521 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172101.jpg?1727213521 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172101.jpg?1727213521 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172101.jpg?1727213521?1727213521" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172131.jpg?1727213521" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172131.jpg?1727213521 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172131.jpg?1727213521 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172131.jpg?1727213521 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_172131.jpg?1727213521?1727213521" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171757.jpg?1727213649" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171757.jpg?1727213649 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171757.jpg?1727213649 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171757.jpg?1727213649 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_171757.jpg?1727213649?1727213649" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Museo Iglesia de Santa Clara (Christer tries the confessional)</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094011.jpg?1727213848" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094011.jpg?1727213848 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094011.jpg?1727213848 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094011.jpg?1727213848 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094011.jpg?1727213848?1727213848" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_092105.jpg?1727213848?1727213848" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094835.jpg?1727213848" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094835.jpg?1727213848 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094835.jpg?1727213848 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094835.jpg?1727213848 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_094835.jpg?1727213848?1727213848" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_095856.jpg?1727213848" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_095856.jpg?1727213848 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_095856.jpg?1727213848 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_095856.jpg?1727213848 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_095856.jpg?1727213848?1727213848" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal">Plaza BolivĂĄr</p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240906_174520.jpg?1727214017?1727214017" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_090056.jpg?1727214016?1727214016" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_102332.jpg?1727214016" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_102332.jpg?1727214016 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_102332.jpg?1727214016 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_102332.jpg?1727214016 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_102332.jpg?1727214016?1727214016" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><iframe width="490" height="240" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CVblfOshRAk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>Botero paintings at the National museum</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142157.jpg?1727214270?1727214270" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_142042.jpg?1727214446?1727214446" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_141641.jpg?1727214270" loading="lazy" data-original-width="1458" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_141641.jpg?1727214270 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_141641.jpg?1727214270 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_141641.jpg?1727214270 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_141641.jpg?1727214270?1727214270" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><em>BogotĂĄ</em></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_111634.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="2250" data-original-height="3000" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115136.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="250" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240908_115326.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px">  <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_115409.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> </p><p class="MsoNormal"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240909_135000.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"> <img class="sbfancy" data-fancybox="gallery" rel="gallery" href="/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551" loading="lazy" data-original-width="3000" data-original-height="1458" srcset="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_2100/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551 2100w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_1500/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551 1500w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551 760w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_480/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551 480w,https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_320/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551 320w," src="https://www.skipperblogs.com/media/cache/resolve/content_th_760/content/b7bb0d43-7467-5cb2-9c84-56809f9e648f//userfiles/Bogota/20240907_114335.jpg?1727214551?1727214551" width="350" sizes="(max-width: 760px) 100vw, 760px"></p> Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000 /blog/september-2024/bogota-colombia /blog/september-2024/bogota-colombia