April and Kevin in Kuna Yala, the northeast coast of Panamá

Monday, January 19, 2009

Noah? No, uh, Pedro

Pedro is the resident boat builder on the island. He was recently hired by Alli, one of the few cattle farmers on the north side of the island, to construct a cattle boat. It will be large enough to carry about 10-12 cattle to port for sale. While it will likely look similar to the one that we seem to take rides on near Christmas time that don't make it to port without troubles (from last year, although April didn't mention running out of gas three times and not buying it for the return trip either, see http://ak-panama.blogspot.com/2007/12/all-i-want-for-christmas.html and another this year), we have faith that this boat will be good and the motor will behave better.

(This shot from the back end of the boat shows about a day of Pedro's work)

The wood was all cut from trees on the island and has been stacked up to finish drying in Alix's front yard for a month or so. To me, it seems Pedro is working quickly.


(About two weeks after the previous picture, Pedro had most of the sides in place by Christmas Day)

As we pass by on our way to the school, we'll snap more photos and provide updates on the progress of boat building on the island. I hope to get a picture of Pedro with his tools - all three or four of them, and none powered.

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