Engine Problems, Plans Change

So some of you may have noticed we haven't moved. We are indeed still in Puerto Chiapas because of overheating engine issues. However, after troubleshooting the entire raw water system and most of the fresh water system, I found a blockage in the fresh water pump intake. Fixed that this morning, but the gasket on the intake was torn so I had to improvise a new one that works more or less. It should hold for a bit, maybe in Panama I can do a better job.

The new plan is to stop for a few days in Costa Rica, where sadly Jackie will take her leave of Sundowner. She has been offered an awesome opportunity to work for a new school in Puerto Chiapas starting in June and decided that it was exactly what she wanted. She will be teaching English and Music to local children in grades 1st through 12th. While it is sad to her leave, I know that this was the opportunity she came down her to find. She is moving on, and I sincerely wish her the best of luck.

As for me, I will be continuing to Texas solo, going through the canal to the San Blas islands, Jamaica, Cayman Brac and finishing around late May or early June in Freeport, TX. I've been looking forward to a few solo trips, so now I get an awesome chance to see what singlehanded cruising is like.

The best burger I have had since a Barney's burger in November in Berkeley. Bacon, salsa, avocado, really good tomatoes and onions, all on a great bun. But boy will it cost you. 150 pesos, or about 5 meals in town...

But this is worth every penny. Nutella Flan. Let me let that sink in. Yup, Nutella Flan.

The toads at the marina are ridiculously large. This one was as big as my head.

Byron, Jackie and me at the Mayan ruins, which of course have a small zoo attached to it.

Myself, Paty and Jackie in Paty's house in Reu, Guatemala. Thanks again Paty, Byron, and Carlos for your great hospitality! Staying at your house was an incredibly pleasant week. I can't wait til I return!

Luci, Nashlly, and Jackie on Sundowner in Marina Chiapas. So many thanks to Luci and her husband Issac for driving us to Champerico and all the way back from Reu to Puerto Chiapas! And for some amazing food!