Braun and Tina Jones aboard Grey Pearl, a well-travelled Nordhavn 62, are off on a cruise to Panama from Florida. Here's the first report from Tina: Ahoy ye landlubbers - Once again, Captain Braun and his trusty mate(of course, that 'd be moi) are aboard the good ship 'Grey Pearl' bound for adventure on the high seas destination - Panama Canal. After a wonderful visit with Braun's father, Commander Bill and his lovely wife, Noelia and her family over Super Bowl weekend we set off from Jupiter FL To Key West, FL with crewmates and fellow Nordhavn Atlantic Rally alum, Sue & John Spencer (N40 'Uno Mas') on board. In route, we passed dozens of sport fish boats but, caught no fish. We laid over in Key West for a few days where clearly drinking IS considered a sport geez. Bars upon bars and tacky t-shirt shops bit of a turn off. We had an excellent weather window for our two overnight passage through the Straits of Florida, passing very closely to Cuba in route to the Mexican island of Isla Mujeres. It seemed we saw nothing but cruise ship after cruise ship. Caught no fish. Pulled the ribs out of the freezer Isla Mujeres is beautiful and quaint, far less glitzy than its neighboring sisters, Cancun and Cozumel which suited us just fine. We hired an agent for port clearance/immigration to avoid the paperwork cha-cha that we've heard so much about in Mexico and Central America. Fortunately, we had been warned by cruisers before us and I was able to hide my meat, dairy and produce - which the Mexican Agricultural authorities have been know to confiscate for reasons that my "food could contaminate the Mexican people" POR FAVOR!! Sue & I would juggle the food back in forth in bags with ice packs from closets and drawers each time we thought the "authorities" were due to come to the boat John was so right an hour would stretch into 2 or 3 or in the end they would arrive manana. After all other than a few bruised tomatoes, I got to keep my USDA goods J The Isla Mujeres Yacht Club & Marina where we were berthed was very nice. We thoroughly enjoyed their pool and restaurant. So it seems that Isla Mujeres is a popular base for sportfisherman. They filled the docks. There is no telling what their daily catch will be, bonito, dolphin, wahoo, kingfish, snapper, etc did I mention that we didn't catch any fish? We rented a golf cart and perused the island. The food was delicious and cheap - ceviche, fish tacos, tostones, guacamole and chips, etc We made a habit to bring our ice with us! Especially after the first evening of warm margaritas and cuba libres ick. We cleared out of Mexico and set off for Ambergris Cay, San Pedro Harbor, Belize "La Isla Bonita" Belize is the mecca for scuba diving claiming the world's second-longest barrier reef. Offering a fascinating contrast to the marine world is the extensive Mayan ruins that lie scattered throughout Belize. Mayan civilization dominated Belize for some 3,500 years before the arrival of the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. The ruins sound very interesting but, honestly, we sorta tapped out on ruins (memorable) from our Med and Eastern Med adventure. Presently, were anchored off San Pedro in very shallow water (13' - we draw 6.5'). Our big belly girl prefers deeper waters but, we took a chance and entered the 100 yard wide cut in the reef on a calm morning several days ago. The town of San Pedro is enchanting. The long beachfront is filled with dozens of docks with dive boats rigged and ready to go out. The people are very friendly. Several good restaurants and bars located right on the beach. And, you gotta love the way they phrase things The Tackle Box was advertising live music from "9pm til Late". We're now waiting for the wind to lie down so that we can exit through the cut and, as I look over my shoulder out, due to raging sea conditions, we will not attempt to make the cut so to speak. A few days ago, we bid farewell to Sue & John Spencer - they were such a BIG help and offered terrific company & experience and, we welcome friends, Sharon & John Odenkirk from No.VA on board. They plan to cruise with us to Rio Dulce, Guatemala (Jungle cruising!) and Roatan, Honduras. As I write, Braun & John are off fishing but, just popped back by the boat to get more lures (??) and with tales of "fish to be had"; Sharon is lying poolside at The Belize Yacht Club and I have some precious time to myself. Did I mention that John is a marine biologist and works for the Department of Fishery for the State of Virginia? Think I'll leave the chicken in the freezer J Hoping all is well in your world - Que te vaya bien! Tina & Braun p.s. NEWS FLASH - The boys came back with a couple snapper and mackerel! We're off at sea and headed for Guatemala