Dodrums, Nicuarua ... Current mood: knighted Category: Blogging
Well am ebtering the doldrums , will be in Panama area tommorow , near the equatorial line. The captain has informed us that we are termed "tadpoles", or "polliwogs" until we have once crossed the equater for the first time, whereupon we become what is known as "shellbacks". Can't remember what the titles become after more than one crossing.
Am up to "the Fortunes of War" in the "Master & Commander series , so have learnt something of the doldrums in 17 & early 1800's when wind was the only form of momentum. It is indeed raining and thunder etc , with very little wind. Must have really been awfull when one was stuck in this longitude -(latitude)? back in the day.
Was in Nicuargua for a number of hours & did a bit of walking around . The oulying areas seem swampy jungly. No wonder it is repordedly a malaria hotbed. (I still don't want the flu shots , but am considering it more than previous , as I may not be able to go ashore in some ports without.
Was down onto the coastline with Bobby Milton in Mexico before being south of south of the border & taking shots of some amzing looking crabs he thought were spiders. Got the shot just before getting nailed with a big wave. Totally soaked. Camera wet. (but seemingly o.k.). Had to climb mexican ladders & cliffs carrying wet camera , as case was open & soaked !
Costa Rica was pretty cool , & purchased some goods as we were paid out yesterday. ( Got that done first thing in da mornin' ! Am now at sea , Looks like direcltly south of Havana looking at the atlas. ( Apparently, Panama is EAST of Florida . (Who knew ) ?!? ...