Log Date: March 8, 2005

Location: Pacific Ocean, Galapagos Bound

We spent a month in Panama City provisioning for our long journey across the South Pacific.  There were so many rumors of what was, and what was not, available and the rumors were never consistent; so we just shopped until we dropped! Loaded up MYSTIC TRAVELER with as much provisions, as she would hold.  We found nooks and cranny’s everywhere and were finally floating at our fully provisioned water line.

The talk of Pirates off of Columbia had most of the cruisers concerned. Just before we leave Panama City we hear reports of a boat being chased.   We were leery and decided to sail stealth to remain less detectable by the undesirables.  So down came the radar reflectors and off went the running lights.  We always keep watch so, even though we could not be seen we were on diligent lookout using our radar.

So we're off! On a new, somewhat tense, adventure as we left Las Perlas, Panama last Sunday to take advantage of some reported nice northerly winds.  We were rewarded with great sailing for 36 hours.  Unfortunately, it disappeared. You see, this time of year there is not a lot of wind between Panama and the Galapagos because of it's proximity to the Equator, and being in the infamous doldrums.

We were buzzed by the US Coast Guard about 400 miles off-shore and a large fishing vessel approached us within a mile late one night. The supersonic light on the fishing boat could be seen for miles and they came as close as a 1/4 mile. Fortunately, they veered off what seemed like last minute.  After our brief heart attacks, we believe it was just a warning not to get too close to their nets or long lines.

We are now motor sailing in very calm seas with little wind.  Hope to get some wind later today. At least according to the weather files and a new weather guy we are talking to.  At our current pace, we'll be in the Galapagos by Saturday, March 12. 

Days are sunny and nights are extremely dark with a million stars shining up above.  We've started a new watch schedule that is working quite well.  6 hour on.  6 hours off.  Night watches are long, but tolerable. Each person gets more sleep so is alert during the nights.

Enjoying Life Onboard.

Laura and Susan

SV Mystic Traveler