The bridge that separates El Salvador from Guatemala had a bit of a “Frontieir” feeling to it. Welcome to Guatemala
We went to Carmina’s lovely home and had dinner with all but one of her brothers and all their extended families…. That’s “Auntie Carmina” on the far right. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Here is a photo of the very shy Yolanda, “personal assistant” to Senorita Robles, Guatemala City, Guatemala
Cindy and I didn’t want to be a bother, so we took a room at a LOVELY hotel that Carmina picked out for us. Guatemala City, Guatemala
The grounds were lovely and it was quite a treat for us to stay in such a luxious setting. You can tell from Cindy’s wardrobe that it was quite a bit cooler up in the high mountains of Guatemala City than it was down by the coast Guatemala City, Guatemala
Cindy had great fun walking the gardens and grounds. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Alejandra, Cindy and Carmina “in repose”…..Girls just wanna’ have fun! Guatemala City, Guatemala
Carmina and Alejandra picked lovely Lake Atitlan, at the base of an extinct pair of volcanoes for a few days outing. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The gardens of Hotel Atitan were a highlight. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Hotel Atitlan entrance Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
We went to the local botanical gardens with it’s many lovely flowering plants, coffee and a few animal surprises. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
At the butterfly exhibit we met a docent who told us about the yellow butterflies and the seasonal migration of the monarchs which we did not know came as far south as Guatemala and South America. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
There were a series of bridges and “canopy walks”. In the trees we found the Coatimundi that we first saw in Mexico. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
We had a lovely walk amongst the trees. Several dozen feet above the canopy floor. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
We had a lovely walk amongst the trees. Several dozen feet above the canopy floor. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The Gardens of Atitlan Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The ladies had an outing while I chilled at the hotel. This vehicle is locally called a “Touk Touk”…. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
It was Alejandra’s birthday, so the gals celebrated in fine fashion. My Dad would have been 82 the next day… Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Hotel Atitlan’s gardens Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Lake Atitlan Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
On the way back to Guatemala City, Carmina showed us the road to “Chicicastenanga” where my parents had visited with her 25 years ago. Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The view of the volcanos and Guatemala City from Carmina’s backyard. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Scott, Carmina and “Tia”….Carmina’s Aunt who lives with her. Guatemala City, Guatemala
Carmina says goodbye. Ironically on Art’s birthday. Sending us off to Los Angeles for a quick “boat shopping” trip. Guatemala City, Guatemala
When we were in LA, Cindy went to visit her former patient Edith Robinson to wish her well on her 100th Birthday! Happy Birthday Edith! Los Angeles, California
When we were in LA, we stayed at the lovely home of Mike and Beth Lonnes. Mike’s our “go to guy” when it comes to most things BOAT. Mike knew were soon to sail to the Marquesas Islands from the Galapagos and decided right on the spot to make the trip with us. We’ll see him in the Galapagos after our diving trip at the end of May. Redondo Beach, California
As soon as we re-arrived in El Salvador, it was back to work where expert mechanic Alex Kao changed our old props to the new “variprops” recommended by our engine manufacturer (Yanmar). Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Freshly painted sail drive transmission and NEW Variprops installed Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Here we are, CAREENED again!… We were starting to feel like quasi experts at this! Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
A muddly job, but a great relief once done. We used our dive ladder to get up and down on the boat……. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
“On the Beach” with “Beach House”. This river estuary was for the most part very protected. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Alex and Scott (aka: The Mud Puppies). Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Alex did a great job making sure the ruddler and saildrives were safely off the beach. In fact, he did a great job on all of it!…. Alex Kao Rules!… Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Beach House on “The Bar”… Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
This quaint palapa is a floating restaurant. There are several in the river estuary. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
This is Sharon and John of s/v “Sunbow” (An Atlantic 48 catamaran). We first met them in Ensenada almost two years ago. They were in Bahia del Sol, so we got to catch up and enjoy the sunset palapa dinner. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Approaching the Palapa. At low tide you can walk out from the beach to these restaurants. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Here, if you order fish, you got to pick from several whole fish!… Everyone but Scott had the fish. Scott likes to take pictures of fish, but isn’t a big fish eater. We had the whole place to ourselves. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
We’ve heard a “Palapa in Yelapa, beats a condo in Redondo”…..Nah!….We’ve tried both….stay with the condo, but this was still fun! Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Kids were swimming in the river at this neighboring Palapa restaurant. You can see how far off the river bank we are in this shot. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Leaving through the “bar” can be exciting. You can see the waves on the shore, but with “Rohellio” and Alex’s guidance, it was no problemo!… Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Through the “bar” and off to our next destination, Puesta del Sol, Nicaragua. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Here is Rohelio and Alex leading the way as they do for ALL boats entering and exiting Bahia del Sol. In a few months from now, it can be so untenable as to keep you in or out for days or even weeks at a time. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
This was a pretty calm day and these entry/exits are always done at high slack tide. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Bye Bye to Alex and Rohelio. They were great folks and really helped us out in our one month stay at Bahia del Sol. Nicaragua, here we come….. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
We weren’t back 12 hours and had to prepare for the incoming tide right after midnight on the 25th….Sometimes the current ran so fast at the dock, we thought we were sailing! Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
Seguing backwards a bit, Just prior to our leaving for Los Angeles, Carmina and Niece Alajandra picked us up by car after a 7 hour drive from Guatemala City. We drove a faster route back with them to do a bit of sight seeing and “Meet the Robles Family”…. Guatemalan Border with El Salvador
We went to Carmina’s lovely home and had dinner with all but one of her brothers and all their extended families…. That’s “Auntie Carmina” on the far right. Guatemala City, Guatemala
We got back from Los Angeles to our home in El Salvador with our new propellers, ready to install…. Bahia del Sol, El Salvador
