The wind abated slightly today, perfect for a morning excursion. The previous owners Michel and Michele join us for this outing. With their help and the dock-hands from the marina, we back out of our slip, the wind blowing on the bow and threatening to push our boat onto the neighboring boat. The bow thruster comes in handy and helps to make the tight turn. Maneuvering in a tight marina on a windy day is often more challenging than sailing!

Right outside the marina, through a narrow passage that the chart indicates as too shallow (incorrectly), is a large bay surrounded by tropical foliage. This anchorage is protected by Isla Linton, a large uninhabited island that has been turned into a nature reserve with beautiful beaches and abundant flora and fuana - including spider monkeys. This weekend is 'Four Day before Lent', a religious holiday, a carnival. Everyone is out for a good time, in all sizes of boats. Lots of boats are anchored here, some for months.

Beyond the calm of the sheltered bay, the ocean beacons: Rocky ledges, sand bars and reefs ring the inlet, breaking waves pounding the shoals.

Today's wind has slightly diminished from the strong winds of the last two weeks, but it's still the relentless tradewind: 15 knots from north-east. 6-8 feet sea. We sail with a slight reef, heading into wind, doing 4.5 knots at 35 degree true. Not too bad. It's a sailor thing - all this work and go at a speed not much faster than walking. But we are happy.