Marina Vista Mar (Panama).  Costly local politics and cartels; a long-time on the road (some books); perspectives for 2026

December 19, 2025 I arrived at the marina last Monday evening to find poor BEHEMOTH still wrapped in plastic and with her batteries dying.  From the day she was taken out of the water to get new teak on her deck and her bottom painted to the moment I stepped aboard in her slip she … Continue reading Marina Vista Mar (Panama).  Costly local politics and cartels; a long-time on the road (some books); perspectives for 2026

Hua Hin:  Frustration,  Spain and Panama/Galapagos Update

October 19, 2025 In late July, while still in Panama, I had drafted a journal entry about our cruising in Islas las Perlas after we crossed the canal.  A couple of weeks ago I finally got to edit the post but it was gone.  Something went wrong with the Microsoft Apps I had been using … Continue reading Hua Hin:  Frustration,  Spain and Panama/Galapagos Update

Bangkok: Fanesca, an arrival, and the red monster

March 25th, 2024 I don’t have a religion but follow certain traditions from Catholic culture.  One is eating fanesca during holy week.  Fanesca was originally a fish soup, made with potatoes and salted-dry codfish. Over time it evolved to include a variety of grains, corn, peanuts, squash, and pumpkin.  It is served with a slice … Continue reading Bangkok: Fanesca, an arrival, and the red monster

Cartagena:  BEHEMOTH’s whereabouts

February 24, 2024 I arrived at Marina Club de Pesca in Cartagena, where BEHEMOTH resides, seven days ago.   Even though this is not a sailing vacation, I have enjoyed my time here.  During the day, BEHEMOTH has usually several people on board involved in different jobs; engine, generator, electricity, refrigeration to name a few.  I … Continue reading Cartagena:  BEHEMOTH’s whereabouts

Phuket: family; buying a boat virtually; travel plans; European vs. American Doberman(n)

September 11, 2021 I have not updated this journal in almost a month. Things became busier during the last couple of weeks and more recently work started to pick-up. Natalia’s mother, brother, sister-in-law and nephews came to visit.  It was originally a vacation trip but ended up been also an occasion to get together and mourn … Continue reading Phuket: family; buying a boat virtually; travel plans; European vs. American Doberman(n)

Phuket:  Farewells and greetings; The Bounty; hidden auction for the Slocum 43; travel plans…

August 14, 2022 The girls and I flew to Bangkok last Thursday to prepare their trip back west. We enjoyed a couple of days in the big city, and I was glad to see everything was in order in the apartment.  Natalia had purchased several weeks ago a new red table for the entrance hall, and … Continue reading Phuket:  Farewells and greetings; The Bounty; hidden auction for the Slocum 43; travel plans…

Ko Pha Ngan: Slocum and Woland

June 29th, 2022 I wasn’t sure about what to do with this journal.  My last post marked the end of a chapter in my life; the few years sailing ANTARES in an elusive attempt to reach the Pacific.  We started in Brandford Connecticut where I bought her in September 2013.  From there we sailed in late March 2014 … Continue reading Ko Pha Ngan: Slocum and Woland