Some cruising thoughts that I thought I’d share as you and Alex prepare to cross the Pacific.

About five years ago my wife and I were sitting on anchor in Puerto Vallarta anxious to set sail across 2800+ nautical miles of open water. We had been planning the trip for decades with a singular focus of circumnavigating in 3 to 5 years. While we were in PV, we attended several of the Pacific Puddle Jump seminars held in La Cruz. During one of the seminars, an old salt and owner of Philo’s in La Cruz who had made the jump years prior asked the pointed question, “How do you plan to get your boat back home?”

I believe everyone at the seminar glazed over the question because nobody had an answer. Most likely nobody really wanted to think about the depressing idea of actually returning home.

Many of us had the plan to make our way around the world via the Red Sea, however 3 months after we all arrived in French Polynesia a tragic event occurred when several of our cruising friends from PV were killed by pirates near the Gulf of Aden on S/V Quest. This event crushed everyone in the fleet that year with the realization that piracy was real and it had dire consequences. Suddenly the primary route around the world had been closed to any logically minded sailor. So what were the alternatives…

A couple of hardcore sailors went around South Africa and across to Brazil skipping the Med altogether. A few shipped their boats back to Mexico from New Zealand or Australia and one or two well healed retirees paid to have their boat shipped from Singapore to Turkey. However, most of the fleet were faced with the reality of having to sell their boats in Australia. Now I know you two started in the Med and you love your boat...

So, the question I have for you two, “How do you plan to get your boat back home?”

I agree...living in central London makes me crave the coastline sometimes.

I have just found your blog and am already really excited to read more x

The perks of being a hipster

Its very true one always long for the opposite like I long to be sailing around the world , wanna swap? haha

Meghan Silva's Blog

Hi Taru,
Surprising comments about Panama City. I've always treated it as hot and humid big city to avoid at the start or end of a delivery, so never given myself the opportunity to experience it.

Here is a blog you might enjoy. The author and her family have a great attitude and curiosity about the cultures they visit, and are on a path you will probably follow through Asia in a year or two. http://sv-totem.blogspot.com/

Cheers,
Richard

What a fab pic! Itching to get to Panama soooo bad!!!

wooa I miss vibrant city life too.. people always wants what they don't have in that moment.. lovely photo..
http://underthestarsandsun.blogspot.com/

Taru, I have spent some time in Panama City. I recommend the follwing link:

http://www.panama-guide.com/

for news articles and to get the "vibe". I used this for info when I lived in Panama City a few years back.
Some recommendations for restaurants: The Causeway on the way to the Duty Free Shop has a fantastic Pizza place with wood fired pizza called "Alberto's"

"Jimmy's" cant be beat for good food. PaParrillada Jimmy
Via Cincuentenaria

Chinese - A nice hidden secret with large portions called "Golden Unicorn" at the Evergreen Tower. Its inside the green evergreen building. Hard to believe a restaraunt is there but get in the elevator. I think its on the 4th floor.

just some thoughts.

Enjoying your journey.

Jeff
http://blueheronschange.blogspot.com/

This is exactly how I feel, being a New Yorker for more than 11 years now. All I want is nature and water and bare feet...but there is something energizing, too, about the city. Everything in balance, right? :-) Enjoy your vacation!