The Open Sea

The boat was spectacular. We were 19 in all with plenty of beds for everyone. The Stahleratte was 40 meters in length and full of wonder. We spent the first three days sailing through the San Blas islands and taking many swim breaks in the beautifully blue ocean. The boat became a mini paradise.

We had the options of swimming to the islands or taking a little motor boat. I opted for both depending on my energy. It is a different experience swimming in the ocean the water can be any where from completely calm like a lake to incredibly tumultuous with a fast current.

The crew worked very well together. We had plenty of feed and took turns organizing the meals. No one got sea sick which was spectacular though I am sure it had to do a lot with the size of the boat. One day when we were moving from one island to another we found ourselves int he comapany of a little group of dolphins they jumped back and forth around the boat and gave us quite a show.

As we made our way from the islands the next two days were spent surrounded by water as we headed toward Cartegena. I got my chance to stear as I kept the boat at 80 degrees NE. We had a mid morning swim break in the middle of the Carribeann and I had never seen such blue water. While I was in the water I spent time thinking how there was nothing for miles on any side of us and how beneath us was a world I could only imagine.

We arrived in Cartegena, Colombia early yesterday morning as we awaited the arrival of our stampled passports. This was the first time I did not need to be present to enter a country. Our team of 19 slowly dispersed into the city though we met back up last night for a last hurrah. The streets of Cartegena appear to be a lot more busy than other places we have been. The streets were full of noise, street vendors, children and laughter and it was sunday night. I cannot wait to see what the next week brings.