El Salvador Blog

We arrived in El Salvador after a 2 day sail from Madera, Mexico where we checked out from. We had to be led over the bar at high tide by our sponsor who was on a jet ski. A very exciting ride with high waves following us. We immediately went to dock to rest before heading for the pool

COMFORT ZONE II AT REST AT BAHIA DEL SOL

This was on March 8, 2011. For the next two months we would be entertained with pizza parties, chicken dinners,dinghy floats down the estuary, beachside bonfires, and trips all over the country. But. On the 12th they threw all the cruisers an opening party with gifts.

OPENING PARTY FOR CRUISERS AT BAHIA DEL SOL
MACAWS AT BAHIA DEL SOL HOTEL


On March 17 we moved to a mooring from dock where we stayed for several weeks. Jayne gave a watercolor class to interested cruisers on some mornings. In April a birthday dinner with cake was presented to Jayne (71)and Lauren(28). On April 9, 12 people took a panga ride up the river to an island for a sightseeing trip complete with lunch.
Primitive living conditions on the island
THESE PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO MAKE USE OF ANYTHING DISPOSABLE

The island was an interesting display of life among people with no money. They were happy and made the most of what they had. They grew what they needed and fished for the rest. Most of us bought cashews from them. They dried them after carefully picking them from the trees and soaking in a solution, because they are very poisonous until processed correctly.

On April 13 we rented a car and drove to the northwest part of the country to stay at a hotel near a waterfall. We stayed 2 nights and thoroughly enjoyed roaming around the square, shopping, and trekking to the waterfall.
THIS LITTLE HOTEL WAS AN ARTIST’S DREAM

The waterfall was a little tricky to walk to, but luckily our cab driver was a gentleman and helped Jayne down the slippery path.
We were quite surprised when we found someone had beat us to the waterfall!
OUR CAB DRIVER IN HIS LITTLE TAXI

After this trip we drove to San Salvador, the capital, and stayed at the Marriott for three nights. We were close to some huge malls, and we spent much time shopping in between relaxing in air-conditioned comfort for the first time in 6 months.

On April 25 we went with 8 other couples to a little town called Suchitoto where we spent one night in a lovely french hotel. They pampered us with wine tasting by the pool, a sumptious dinner and time to shop for curios he next day.
WINE TASTING IN “SUCHITOTO”

DARLING PARROTS LIVING AT THE HOTEL

Gordon’s birthday came and went without incident, although Jayne did manage to find some presents for him on some of her excursions.

On April 30, Bahia del Sol had their closing party for all the cruisers. Everyone won a prize of some kind. A few won hundreds of dollars, or free hotel stays, or trips, etc. Gordon won a really pretty button shirt and we both got new caps. In addition to the food and drinks, of course.

On May 2, we set sail for Costa Rica, passing up Nicaragua and Honduras. For three nights we had increasing winds and high waves. VERY uncomfortable! Finally we arrived in Playa del Coco where we anchored for 3 nights. We could hear howler monkeys in the early mornings sometimes. We later learned that the storm we had experienced was called a Papagayo, and was very common this time of year.

On May 8 we set sail for Bahia Ballena and arrived the next day. Happily we found two boats we knew from the rally who we asked over for cocktails. (“Hobo” and “Sea Turtle”) We would see them again when we got to Golfito.

MAY 11, Golfito, Costa Rica Arrived at Land and Sea Marina and here we are until next time.