San Blas, Ensenada de Matanchen
Enhance by AI for your reading pleasure
Saturday
We slipped out of the Isabel anchorage early, bound for Matanchen. The winds were light, and the seas rolled lazily at eight feet—slow, steady swells that meant we’d likely be motoring unless conditions changed. Chris set two hand lines, and before long we had our first “fish on”—a Pacific Crevalle Jack. Not ideal for sushi, so back it went.
Barely catching our breath, both lines hooked the same species again. One after another, we reeled them in and released them, until finally one swallowed the hook. That one stayed aboard—sushi lunch secured.
By late afternoon we dropped anchor in the vast bay of Matanchen, holding a quarter mile off shore. The reason: lots of tiny biting bugs called jejenes. Tonight would be a “screens on, lights off” kind of night to keep the pests at bay. It happened to be my turn to cook—yikes! After weighing the options, I settled on Thai coconut chicken soup made from scratch. The reviews from the crew were enthusiastic.
Sunday
A busy day awaited. We motored the dinghy five miles up the San Blas river channel to the Fonatur marina, then walked into San Blas Centro.
The main square buzzed with activity. From there, we grabbed a taxi to the historic fort perched above town, offering sweeping views of San Blas.
In the afternoon, we headed ashore at Matanchen beach and walked a mile inland to join the river boat excursion up Rio Tovara. Tourist pangas carried visitors through a crocodile-infested river swamp, winding toward a freshwater restaurant. Behind its fenced swimming area, guests hoped the barriers kept the crocodiles out. The pool was lively, complete with a tree swing for entertainment.
On the way upriver, our boat driver paused for photo ops. But the return trip was something else—an A?ticket ride, thrilling and fast, powering through the twisting river bends with exhilarating speed.
Back aboard, it was Paul’s turn in the galley. He served up a delicious meal of shrimp and the remaining Crevalle Jack. We ate well, satisfied after a full day, and decided on an early sleep.
Until the next update…
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