You might think that it's strange that I would choose this photo (of a man fishing from his dugout canoe using a hand line) to characterize El Salvador. My thought is that these people have suffered 10 years of civil war that has turned their world upside-down. But life goes on and people continue to strive to feed their family every day in the best way they can. So this scene is an image of survival and life!

On the way to El Salvador (right) we had many visitors! (This is one of Peery's photos.)

After arriving at the appointed waypoint we radioed Barillas Marina on the VHF, CH 16. A panga came out to meet us and escort us in through the swells. This is Lazy Bones with the panga that lead three boats into the marina.

I had a great time on the bow of the Quest (right) as we entered Barillas Marina. Anyone that's been on our boat knows that I'm a stickler about hanging on "all the time!" This is an especially good idea when perched on the bow taking photographs. This is Peery's photo.

Here we are following Lazy Bones through the swells.

The panga expertly escorts us behind the reef. (Note the while water on the right)Knowing the right place and time to enter the bay is essential. Just one bay north of us (within a day or two) three boats were swamped during their crossing of the reef ;and on one boat a couple of little children's lives were endangered when their cockpit flooded. They also damaged some of their electronic navigation. Another of the boats sustained damage to their davits and hull. So, this entrance should not be taken lightly.

As we enter calmer water we can see small fishing villages on the shore. Barillas Marina is located about two hours from where the panga met us - up in the mangrove swamps that have been dredged to create a safe mooring for visiting yachts. Now we're not worried about big waves, we're worried about shallow draft - and we did get down to a 8 or 9 foot depth. We draw 7 1/2 feet!!

Our panga driver leads us to our mooring and helps us attach the boat. We give them our line and the boat stays clean. This is a first! From waypoint to mooring was a two hour trip for us (The panga with its big engine could do it in less than an hour.) Also, one of Peery's photos.

This wooden boat in nearly 100 years old. She is a real antique! She was built in about 1915 and was one of the first boats to traverse the Panama Canal. She's headed that direction now.

Peery cannot resist these comfortable hammocks at Barillas. We were very glad that Peery was able to join us in Huatulco and cross the Tuantepec with us. Even though the crossing was a non event, having him with us gave us that extra insurance. The Bay of Tuantepec can be treacherous with winds that blow boats hundreds of miles out to sea. Our crossing was assisted by attaining the local knowledge of the harbormaster in Huatulco.

Our friends, Rita & John, live in Guatamala and came to Barillas to spend a few days of R&R. They have lived in Guatemala for 11 years as missionaries. They travel up into the mountains spreading The Word, encouraging people and bringing what supplies they have available.

I enjoyed the brightly colored masks that adorned the cafe.

We went to visit a family who lived nearby and had these monkeys in their charge. The purpose, of course, is to have the monkeys as a means of getting a little extra money to feed their family. Look at that baby peering out at us (right).

On the left mama got more aggressive. She's looking for snacks and treats - but of course!

You know I'm a sucker for flowers, so I could not resist the beautiful grounds at Barillas Marina. I guess you could say, "I've never met a flower I didn't like!"

Ditto!

Peery is hoping someone will come and place a cold cervesa in his hand, but alas, he'll have to walk across the road to the cafe!

Our captain, the potentate, cools off next to the pool.

The Quest remained safe and sound tied to her mooring! I'm told that these moorings are checked monthly by a diver. We were pretty happy hanging out here at Barillas.  The water that the boat is sitting in is neither good for swimming nor is it good for making water. There is water available at the dock for filling your water tanks.

 Swimming, however is not a good idea as alligators are said to live in these parts! On the left is the new compressor that Glacier Bay sent to El Salvador! Not only did our new 24 volt compressor move swiftly through customs with the help of Heriberto Pineda (manager of the Barillas Marina), but we were able to find a refrigerator/freezer specialist in the boat yard next door. What a relief!!!

We took John & Rita's van and drove to Puerto Triumpho for dinner one evening. I would not have wanted to navigate these unfamiliar roads alone at night, but John did GREAT! We were actually told by the manager at Barillas that traveling around could be problematic if you're not familiar with the area. Not too different from traveling around certain parts of Los Angeles, however, in this case we had an added disadvantage of not speaking the language. John & Rita were fluent and were used to getting around new terrain.

Probably the best meal we had in El Salvador. Here we are seated (right) at the dock area in Puerto Triumpho.The dinner was a highlight of our trip!

This is the port. We did see a couple of sail boats anchored out. We weren't sure of the depths in the area and did not feel comfortable coming in here, though we know of some boats who did!