On our way to Ecuador in the next few weeks, we'll be seeing more of the Perlas Islands and hope to visit the Darien area of Panama which is between Panama City and Colombia on the Pacific side. Finisterre is ready, a bit sooty from the air around the canal, but with a new transmission and various other fixes Mike made while I was gone to visit our family and friends at home. Panama City and the surrounding area is very busy and crowded with tourists from all over because it's Carnival season and travel season for the whole country, especially the islands. So we expect to see lots of folks in Contadora and other islands. Most of the time anchorages are relatively quiet but we may be experiencing nightly disco once again!

Went to the movies at the mall here and it is a very reasonable alternative to going to the movies in the U.S. Usually around 3 or 4 dollars to get in, sometimes cheaper on Wednesdays and with inexpensive snacks. Plus the theaters are magnificent. Movies with Spanish subtitles allow for some learning to take place, too, as well as entertainment. My only mistake was crunching down on popcorn, so as to destroy a filling leading to a quick replacement here and crown to come in Ecuador! Ah well, those things happen!!