BACK TO THE RIO

This is a map of Guatemala with the approximate location of the Rio Dulce.



Here is a google earth view showing our location.  When we leave, we have to travel across the Golfete and down the river to cross the bar, at Livingston, and then head out into the Caribbean.



We returned to Guatemala on January 13th, and headed back to the Rio the next day. Here is view of the boats from the palapa where we have our late afternoon drink.



Some of the flowers blooming around the marina area.



One of the cruisers making a palm leaf display for her boat to  celebrate the one year anniversary of their purchase. A couple of these leaves are up in the palapa too. A lot of work but very attractive.



Here is Fortuitous after nearly a week of work. Sails on and some cleaning done, but still lots to do.



Efrain is the marina care-taker. His kids are at the end of their Christmas holiday and taking a dip in the river. Ralph's had to go in to check our bottom paint but is careful to shower off right afterwards.  The river isn't very clear but supposedly clean...our drinking water comes from there, filtered and chlorinated...so far we've been fine!



These are most of the people currently in Monkey Bay, with Efrain's family and the marina manager towards the back.  Who knew Santa cruised in the off-season?



This is one of the local river 'buses'...at least they all seem to be wearing life jackets.



Friends of ours, the Middletons (a retired principal and his wife from Surrey district) are heading out on their cat to Roatan...wish it were us, but still lots to do!



The view of Fortuitous from the top of the mast. Glad this is not a pink job!

A selfie at the top!

This is Ralph's helper, Efrain...actually, kind of my helper because he does all the jobs that are too hard for me to do now.



This is our big expense! The battery cables were very corroded and some not really attached, so not much charging happened...$1500 later, new batteries! New cables made by Ralph. Crap!!



This is downtown Fronteras...my least favourite place to provision...for the obvious reasons! This is the only road through town, so semis come through here as well.  Yesterday, there was a semi with a oversize tractor on it and it had to pass another semi right in the middle of town.  I have to give it to the drivers, I don't think they killed anyone or took out anyone's fruit stand!



This is the 'main' grocery store...mostly dry goods.  Not much like Save-on foods, is it?



This is one of the main reasons I don't like shopping in Fronteras...the cows are none to particular about when or where they do their business.  Needless to say, we wash all fruits and veggies very well.  They sell BBQ chicken, all uncovered, at the side of the road as well...we NEVER would buy that!