December 4, 2005 – Puesta del Sol Marina, Nicaragua

We are happily at a lovely small marina in Nicaragua, some 10 miles north of Corinto. We're at the marina at Puesta Del Sol, Nicaragua. We left El Salvador at about noon on Nov. 29, and arrived here about 7:00 a.m. the next morning. Crossing the bar to leave the estuary at Costa del Sol was not too difficult; however, we encountered breaking waves across the bar which caused us to hobby horse over several waves until we made it to deeper waters. We sailed for 3 hours and then leisurely motored knowing that we did not want to arrive before the Puesta del Sol Marina’s staff came to work. The weather was clear with the Southern Cross prominently displayed in the moonless sky. The seas were nearly flat.

On the way Portia baked a Birthday cake and we had a delicious steak dinner to celebrate Steve’s birthday. Finally getting out of El Salvador was a fine birthday present, and being back at sea was the icing on Portia's cake, so Steve had a very nice Birthday. We're about a month and a half behind our schedule, but at least we are moving again!

Puesta del Sol Marina is a top of the line marina with fresh well water (this is the only marina since leaving California that we filled out water tanks without using a filter), new docks, 110 and 220 electricity, a restaurant, wifi internet access, 2 swimming pools (one on the ocean side and one on the estuary side) and 2 hard surface tennis courts. While cruising four years ago, the owners Roberto (Nicaraguan) and Maria (Mexican) fell in love with this estuary and decided to built a home here. They got a little carried away and ended up with a first class marina/hotel. They have done a good job.

We feel like fishing tournament groupies. They are having a fishing tournament here and we have run into many of the same fishermen who were at the one in El Salvador. It is actually a great event to be around because the marina/resort is all spiffed up for the event and there is much excitement as the boats return with their catches. Flor de Cana rum is a giant sponsor and each night was free rum for all. We certainly drank our fill. A 542 pound marlin was weighed in, as was a 40 + pound dorado (mahi mahi). There were many dorados because to qualify for the prizes the boats have to catch a dorado and a marlin. Steve caught a dorado by the free rum booth!!! He talked to some fishermen who had a few dorados still lying on the ground and they offered one to him. He snatched it right up! What a catch! We immediately took it back to the boat and after cleaning it, cooked up a bunch for us and our cruiser neighbors at the docks. What a feast!

We have been playing tennis at 6:30 am every morning because it quickly becomes unbearably hot. It feels great hitting the ball and getting some fun exercise!

It has been great staying here but the clear skies and calm seas are calling us. We leave today for Costa Rica.

November 29, 2005 - El Salvador

Last week, a deep sea fishing tournament was hosted by the local hotel. 35 + boats participated; some came as far away as Cabo San Lucas. Steve and 9 other cruisers volunteered to serve as observers on the fishing boats. Steve went out on a small 23’ boat for two days. His boat did not catch any prize fish but Steve enjoyed the experience. The largest marlin caught was over 400 pounds. The winning fisherman received a Peugeot. We don’t know how he fit the car on his boat. The largest dorado (mahi mahi) was 50 pounds, and the winner received a Rolex watch. It was fun going to the tournament functions. This little estuary came alive for that weekend.

While Steve patiently watched for prize fish, Portia was lucky to snag a ride on an El Salvadoran military helicopter. What fun!! The sides of the helicopter were totally open, similar to the Viet Nam scenes. She took some great aerial photos of the area.

We have come to like this country of El Salvador with its very friendly people, even though men with large shotguns openly guard the hotel grounds and most businesses. We have grown used to seeing these guards at fast food outlets, automotive stores, gas stations, Office Depot and PriceSmart (similar to Costco). Locals whom we have encountered on boats, on bikes, and on foot are ready with greetings and a smile. These are kind people. We will miss them.

Most boats have left this estuary. It is now our turn. We will leave El Salvador on Steve’s birthday (11/29). Our exit will be his birthday present.