Day 18 - Barillas to Panama - Thursday, December 6, 2007

wx - winds SW 5-15kts. seas moderate, swell South 4-6 ft. reef breaking. waves.

We thank the lovely staff at Barillas Marina for their hospitality. As usual, the grounds were immaculate.

FREEDOM at anchor

One must remember that this resort only caters to the 1% highest income bracket in the relatively poor country of El Salvador. You only have to go a few hundred yards beyond the guarded gates of this resort to see huts made from mud and straw, plywood, cement blocks... what ever is readily available. Imagine no running water and no electricity.

Departing Barillas, we are lead by or pilot, Walter, as we pass fishermen and small fishing communities dotting the banks of the mangroves.

Local fishermen in dugout canoes are common. Here two fishermen brave the open ocean outside the reef.

A final good bye to Walter, our pilot, as we turn south. Next stop, Panama