06/15/2006 - Rio Dulce, Guatemala
Hello all,
The last section of our journey was most memorable. After discovering how cool Belize was, we made our last stretch to Rio Dulce and found out that Guatemala was another hidden jewel. We sailed from Punta Gorda (also known as PG to locals) to Livingston, Guatemala. It took us only three hours with very comfortable seas. We had to cross a sand bar and both Cathy and I had in our minds El Salvador again with 6 foot swells crashing on our stern.
Instead, we had an uneventful crossing into a very nice town. The check in was very easy, though we had to fork over a lot of money. For us that is. Now the difference between Belize and Guatemala is just how they get all of your money. Belize doesn't charge any money to enter and only a small $7.50 for us to leave. They just decide to increase the price on everything else. Example: Gas was 5.25 (dollars) a gallon. What!?! Say that again, yes. $5.25. Needless to say we have not been using the engines as much as we used to. Guatemala on the other hand gets you coming in and a little going. The living is cheaper though for buying groceries.
As we progressed from Livingston to the lakes inland we worked our way through the most gorgeous canyons. The walls of the canyon are jungle and the river winds its way to the first lake of Golfette. We anchored in the first lake for two nights and enjoyed the silence of the jungle, which if you didn't know is real loud, and enjoyed a swim in the fresh water lake. After cleaning the boat up a little we were ready to head to our home for the next six months or longer.
Nutria Marina is on the other side of this bridge which all the guide books say is 85 feet tall. The guide books also say that there are some wires only hanging down 5 feet giving one a clearance of 80 feet. Now, when you get close to the bridge and you calculate our mast height, and think, cool, no problem, but just to be safe because the angle looks very deceiving. Well, I try to call the marina just to confirm nothing has changed. I get three responses. First, a Spanish speaking lady. Second, a wise ass saying "It's pretty tall!". Thanks, dude. And then some guy says 72 feet. Welcome to the Rio! We got hooked up to our mooring and settled in then went and explored the town of Fronteras.
Basically, a one road town packed with stores and restaurants. After finding the ATM, we worked our way to the local drinking hole and found a very pleasant atmosphere.
Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasures
Adios, Captain Jake
the rio walls
The duck getting tied up to the Marina
The scary bridge we had to cross to get to the Marina. Wires
hang down lower than the bridge.
Me sewing netting for no-seeums so we can sleep through the night
The castle of San Felipe
The Woodduck at rest on the dock of Nutria Marina
