There is a cruiser net every morning at 0830 on the SSB where information is shared. Sometimes the cruisers net is on the VHF radio and sometimes it is on the SSB radio. We use the SSB radio here since it has a longer reach and can be heard across the 380 islands in the San Blas chain. Many cruisers have mentioned an island called Nargana which has gasoline, diesel, water, and provisioning. We had been to Carti which sold similar things bu in the opposite direction of Nargana. So, this time we wanted to try Nargana as we had never been there before and were running low on fresh fruits and veggies.
A big rain storm had just damaged the water pipes in Nargana so the entire island was without running water. They also were out of fuel and rumor was they were low on produce, but we wanted to visit anyway. We headed there with our friends on “Wandering Rose” close on our tail.
The winds were blowing 20-25 knots at 35 degrees so we just had a reefed jib out. Nargana was only 6 miles away and we averaged 6 knots so we made it in under 90 minutes from anchorage to anchorage. We did manage to collect a hitch hiker who promised not to poop on my deck. However, as we were anchoring we must have woke him up as he flew away, but not before pooping along the entire port bow! You’re welcome for the ride.
Stupid BIRD!
Nargana is connected to Corazon de Jesus another small island, by a giant industrial concrete bridge. The photo below shows the entire bridge, then the entrance on the Nargana side, then the entrance from the Corazon de Jesus side.
Bridge from Nargana to Corazon de Jesus.
We tied up Sweetie at the Nargana dock and walked through a restaurant where people were eating. It smelled amazing. We had wanted to sit down to eat, but our friends were coming and provisioning had to be done. But we did see their pet monkey. Yes, it was sad to see him tied up, but he seemed loved and was very entertaining. He obviously knew what a camera was as he posed every time one was facing him.
Cute monkey, but his living conditions are so sad.
Dave and Mary from “Wandering Rose” had been here before and met a local named “Frederiko” who had us sign his book before showing us around. First, we explored the little island of Nargana where we witnessed many men installing pipes for their new water system. They will have fresh running water within the week.
Frederkio, Wandering Rose, and Sugar Shack on Nargana
There were many beautiful buildings and sites on this island. The image below shows the following (top, left to right): House repurposed plastic bottles to make a lovely fence, local church, statue of Kuna leader, a Kuna house (tilting), new house being built and the local market where we bought provisions.
Nargana Images
After crossing the bridge to Corazon de Jesus where we found the local bar (upper left corner), the Congresso (upper right corner), hospital, Jesus statue, electrical company, and another market where they were making fresh bread (image of over lower right).
Corazon de Jesus Images.
We did not stay long as we needed to head to Salardup which was 12 miles away. The wind had shifted and blowing at about 60 degrees which would make for a perfect sail back. We reefed the main and the jib, averaged 8 knots speed with a max at 9.3 as we dodged the reefs. It was a beautiful day to out on a boat and we enjoyed every minute of it.
Matt put his expert lobster skills to work and made us a lobster pasta.
Lobster Dinner risoto
New Experiences:
- Islands
- Local friends
- Zig zagging around reefs under sail
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