Up the Creek
Coolrunnins
Wed 22 Sep 2010 17:47
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13:15.786N 88:29.341W
Made it! Bad night, arrived 1200hrs
Tuesday.
Mother nature decided to give us a quick slap after
lulling us into calm and easy state of mind after three days. Big storms, choppy
sea and a massive lightning strike that blinded all three of us for 2-3 minutes
100 meters off the stern. As close as I ever want to be to becoming a Christmas
Tree.
Torrential rain, little visibility, unlit pangas,
and radar blocked by storm activity made for a poor nights sleep for all as we
headed down the final leg into El Salvador.
Arrived at Barillas, about 5 miles up a river at
12pm. Amazing tidal action on the estuary mouth, with huge standing waves and
current that pushed us to almost 9 knots under power. Took 2-3 hours to actually
get in!
Pilot boat came out to guide us in and VERY
thankfull, as the channel does not follow any logical course. The place is just
stunning. Volcanoes surround us, with thick jungle, mangrove and tropical birds
all around. Monkeys and crocodiles also closeby and will go explore more
tomorrow.
We are moored in the middle of the river, and the
yacht club is accross the way. Pool, showers, bar, and completely quiet. Great
service and friendly officials! Took 15 minutes to clear in and the welcome
could not have been better.
Off to the village (30 mins) to try to meet Sol and
kids off the bus from Guatemala around 1pm.
Guest crew where great, and Rob left us this AM for
the long trek back to Huatulco via buses. Many thanks for his help and dilligent
watch keeping, along with some funny Aussie stories. Also thanks for letting him
go Amy and the three little ones. He also knows considerably more about sailing
than he let on!
Nursing a slight hangover after last night relaxing
with the guys at the bar...........lost of work to do, bye for now.
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