A great tale about bygone times. Going through the Panama Canal then was under ten bucks, today our boat cost $1800. The friendliness, so much a part of this tale, has long since gone and who can blame the islanders. Today you have to be very careful traveling the world albeit nothing has changed in terms of dealing with the weather. Kitty gives a great read so all power to her. If you just like sea tales then fine but it has almost no value these days in terms of cruising.