22 December 1999 - Wednesday

Antica is back in Colon. Several days spent in one of the most unique, in an ethnographic sense, places in the world - archipelago San Blas fully satisfied our thirst for exoticism.

We saw several tiny islands inhabited by very primitive tribes of Kuna Indiands. We also organised an interesting expedition in a boat up the river Rio Diablo deep into a tropical Panamanian jungle. We got back loaded with variety of impressions, fresh coconuts and a bamboo. We also got quite a collection of canoe paddles bought from the Indians. We consider the expedition very successful considering the fact that we had difficulties in anchoring in loose coral sand. Too much of wind and rain was a bit problematic to us. The rain was not a surprise regarding it was a wet season.

We've had some changes on board. Wojtek went back to Chicago and Rafal is going to leave Antica in two days. Constantly eager for adventure he is going over to "Chopin" which is waiting for him on Martinique. Rafal's been with us for five months sailing Higuerilas in Chile via Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Coccos to Panama. Rafal is a good sailor and companion. During Christmas and New Year Antica will be anchored in Colon. For us it's the time to get some rest and make the next repair. In mid January we're heading north to Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico. There are great prospects of the expedition to Chiriqui lagoon, sailing up the river Rio Dulce in Guatemala and of course famous reefs in Belize.

I wish a merry Christmas and many happy, successful days in a New Century to all sailors, friends and visitors to Antica's web site.

Capt. Jurek Wąsowicz

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