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Sailing from Panama to Costa Rica on the Way to the Sea of Cortez

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Approaching Naranjo Cove Near Cerro Hoya National Park in Panama

(February 11 to 22, 2021) The beauty of sailing is moving by wind power along. When all is under control and the wind takes us to a place, I feel fortunate. The other night, I saw five shooting stars and wished my dreams on each!

When we crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Cabo Verde off of Africa to French Guiana in South America (about 2,000 nautical miles), we used a total of 30 gallons of Diesel. The trade winds guided us.

COVID has changed the world as much in sailing world.

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Preparing for Sailing to Sea of Cortez, Mexico

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Free Fish from Ocean, Fishermen, Our Neighboring Boat! Our cats were happy!!!

(January 15, 2021) We are back to the marina. A month long get-away in Las Perlas, was a reboot of our dreams which were fading during this COVID lockdown. Most of the islands/countries in South Pacific and New Zealand are still closed. Now, we know where to sail this year. It is going to be the Sea of Cortez/Baja California in Mexico. We thought about sailing to Chile from Panama but it is extremely challenging and a long way to go for an unknown reception.

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Happy New Year from Las Perlas Islands in Panama

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Cave in Isla San Jose, Las Perlas Archipelago, Panama

(January 4, 2021) While sailing in Las Perlas (Pearl Islands) in Panama, we have been out of touch for weeks. We found no cellular phone connection. Most of the time, we were the sole human beings on the islands, total seclusion with only the sound of waves and birds. Watching stars and the moon, we celebrated Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in a relaxed and very tranquil way. I was very happy to say goodbye to Year 2020 and welcome to year 2021. I silently sent my best wishes to our families and friends.

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Started Sailing in Las Perlas Islands in Panama

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Sailing and Motoring to Isla Otoque, Panama

(December 21, 2020) Truth to be told for the last couple of months, I got addicted to political news on YouTube Videos. It was easy to do. Spending many hours watching videos made me feel bad. I don’t need to know the tips or cooking recipes suggested by an Artificial Intelligent Search Engine. My head ran in a cycle of happy and unhappy during the COVID Pandemic. As there is no choice, I have been learning “Waiting” for a better tomorrow, are vaccines a solution? Governments will let us know someday? In the meantime,

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Hiking in El Valle in the Central Panamanian Region

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View of La India Dormida Mountain from Anton Valley, Panama

(October 12, 2020) We have been in Panama for far too many months. This is the longest time I personally have ever stayed in one place (other than in my home or on the boat visiting multiple countries.) As of today, Panama finally opened the international airport. Lockdown started on March 25, 2020, due to COVID-19. Freedom is great. I am finally able to breathe again; instead of choking on imprisonment, I feel the breath of fresh air and liberty.

Today, we went hiking at El Valle (La India Dormida Trail/Sleeping Indian Trail in Anton Valley).

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Making Bright Days during Coronavirus Dark Days

Posted on by by Posted in Central and South Americas, Pacific Islands, Sailings

Open-Air Social-Distancing Yoga Practice with Other Cruisers: (from Left) Dennis from Holland, Melanie and Jan from Germany, Rita from Belgium, and Myself from Korea/USA on Helipad in Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, Panama

Hosting Simplified Kimchi Making Class on the Boat; Ingredients are Napa Cabbage, Carrots, Garlic, Ginger, Onion, Red Pepper Flake, Salt, and Sugar.

Simply Yum! Kimchi Made on the Boat (from left Melanie, Betty, and Myself), Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, Panama

Our Neighbor Jan’s (in the middle) Birthday Gathering, Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, Panama…

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Living for the Next 10 Years under Corona Virus Lockdown?

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Reading the daily Corona Virus updates, I am wondering if this New Mask Wearing life will continue for a decade. Corona Virus Version 1 could be followed by Version 2, 3, or more… I hope not.

Three months ago, I naively assumed this Corona Virus lockdown would end in a month. Back then, I felt a hard-strike on my heart thinking about many impacts: (1) for me assuming possible financial insecurity, (2) for some people making zero income, and (3) for some business owners watching their sweat collapsing. I was sad not because of the Corona Virus but because of the collapse of many peoples financial security.

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Re-opening Plan in Panama

Posted on by by Posted in Central and South Americas, Pacific Islands, Sailings
Mangoes and Coconut Found during the Walk, Vista Mar Marina, San Carlos, Panama

We have postponed our sailing to French Polynesia until next year.

The best time to sail from Panama to French Polynesia is from February to June. As of right now, many borders and airports are still closed. Our six-month visas will be running out in two-three months as well. Panama only allows foreigners to rent a car for the first 90 days of their stay in the country. We have been here for more than 90 days. So,

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COVID-19 Effect: No Sailing without Charts

Posted on by by Posted in Central and South Americas, Pacific Islands, Sailings

Vista Mar Marina during Coronavirus Lockdown, San Carlos, Panama

(May 26, 2020): Panamanian lockdown Day #63. Coronavirus! Things were all going well until this pandemic lockdown was declared. Since March 25th, we have been under curfew in Panama. The only time we are allowed to go out is either for grocery or medication shopping and then only for a few hours on a certain day/time frame.

We stopped our future planning and sailing. I know that “Health is the most important thing.” However, life without freedom is not worth living for me. The longer we are under lockdown,

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Flu Shot Season: Ready for Panamanian Winter

Posted on by by Posted in Central and South Americas, Pacific Islands, Sailings

During this Pandemic, I focused on improving my immune system. Vista Mar Marina and Golf Resort, San Carlos, Panama

Panama is located in the Northern Hemisphere. Strangely, Panamanians say that their winter starts in April and ends in November. At first, talking to local people, I thought we had a communication problem between English and Spanish. Later, I found out Panamanians get their flu vaccines (regular flu shots) in April for their Winter (April to November). There are two seasons in Panama: Summer (=Dry Season, from December to March) and Winter (=Wet Season). Normally in the Northern hemisphere,

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