27th June

Last night the outboard motor failed to start. There's always something. This morning it sputtered into life and we went into town. The owner of the shop we stopped at is from Pakistan. He told us that the Caves of Drach were testament to the creative power of God. We walked to the entrance to find out. They certainly are spectacular caves, although not the best we have ever seen. Stalactites like yarns of wool and stalagmites resembling great organ pipes. According to the guide it was M.F. Will who explored the caves in 1880, although E.A. Martel discovered the lake that bears his name. Anyway halfway through the tour we sat in an arena by the lake within the caves. The lights dimmed. There was a glow in the distance. Ethereal music drifted over us. Lights appeared on the water and a small rowing boat silently came towards us. On board were two violists, a lady playing the cello and someone sat by an organ placed across the bow of the boat. It was like something from a Monty Python sketch. Back on the boat we were about to have lunch when the police started shouting at us from the shore. They didn't like us having lines ashore. Time to leave. We went south to Porto Colom. It is only 8 miles in a straight line. However even with motoring the last 2 miles, tacking into a southerly meant we had to cover 18 miles. They've filled the bay with buoys so we've picked one up.