(Editor's Note: Due to recent thefts which have occured on boats anchored out in various locations in Fronteras, Rio Dulce, here's an article written by Casey Brooks on how to lock up your dinghy. But remember to lock up the interior of your boat as well.)

 By CASEY BROOKS         
Everywhere you go people want to steal your outboard.

Here on the Rio Dulce we have a real problem with this.     

Some places are worse; Venezuela is legendary. When I was there on “Retriever” back in 1999, a yacht in the same anchorage had their inflatable with outboard stolen one night.

This particular dinghy was raised high on the boat’s stern in davits and was locked with half inch stainless steel chain. The next morning the chain was dangling in the water and the dinghy and outboard were gone. The “weak link” was the cheaply made in China padlock, which had been cleanly cut with bolt cutters. The shackle clearly said “hardened.” Yeah, sure.    

Go back to the first sentence.

People want to steal your outboard. They don’t necessarily want to steal your dinghy. The modus operandi of the thieves is to steal the dinghy quietly. Then they can take it to a remote place or a convenient hideout where they have plenty of time to extract the outboard motor: hacksaws, grinders, drills, chainsaws, cutting torches, tactical nuclear weapons, whatever it takes.     

So the key point is to lock your dinghy to the big boat every night. Strong places can be found on any boat: cleats, pad eyes, stanchions, enclosed bulwark chocks and davits. The problem is finding a strong point in the average dinghy. If it is an inflatable there are usually a couple of U-bolts through the transom, but these can be cut with quality bolt cutters. They can also be hacksawed (slower, noisier) These U-bolts can also be unbolted, of course.

Security in

(Editor’s Note: The following is a security update prepared by the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City, released May 2, 2013)

There is an increased level of violence in areas of the Departments of Santa Rosa and Jalapa, characterized by anti-mining protests, damage to property, and several fatalities and injuries.

As a result, the Guatemalan government has declared a state of siege as of Thursday May 2, in four municipalities: San Rafael las Flores and Casillas in the Department of Santa Rosa, and Jalapa City and Mataquescuintla in the Department of Jalapa. 

The state of siege can legally last up to 30 days and provides for additional Guatemalan government security personnel in the area, with other restrictions possible, such as limitations on public gatherings and increased searches. 

The U.S. Embassy does not know how long the state of siege will last and is alerting travelers to exercise extreme caution when traveling to these areas.   

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

Jenny shows off the Summer League bowling trophy that you can win at Hoodee's

Jim had this to say about the Summer League play, "Due to our transient society here in Rio Dulce it may not be possible for the same members of your team to be available to bowl each week. And it may not be practical for several employees to be absent from your business at the same time to bowl in Hoodee´s summer league. You and your fellow team members whether employees, clients or friends can compete for the trophy and prizes (most improved bowler and highest individual score) if any two members of your team bowl once a week.

Teams can be comprised of two to eight bowlers. Two bowlers on teams with eight members can bowl once a month instead of once a week. This may be more convenient for those with limited spare time. Two member teams will need to bowl each week. Other team members can bowl anytime as long as two scores are submitted by any two team members each week. Three games will be played and a minimum of six scores will be used to determine which team wins each week. The team accumulating the most winning weeks during the summer season will win the championship."

Team members will be given Hoodee´s Boliche t-shirts with their names and the name of their team. Trophy and awards presentation barbeque will be held the first week in December. The Hoodee´s Boliche championship trophy can be displayed at your business or home. A plaque with the names of all contributing team members will accompany the trophy.

Contact Jim at 4947-5677 right away with your team’s name and a list of starting players. Team members can be added or subtracted throughout the summer. The first three games bowled will determine the team member’s average.

Join the fun at Hoodee´s. Hoodie's lanes are now air conditioned and they still have the coldest beer in town. Transportation is available from Bruno's in Hoodee's company vehicle for Q5 per person round trip when arranged in advance.

Hoodee's Boliche company van

Pink Full Moon Party

According to Space Cowboy Hal Schade, "The Full Moon on Thursday, April 25 is called the Pink Moon by North American tribes ... here's the explanation from Farmers' Almanac:

This name came from the herb moss pink, or wild ground phlox, which is one of the earliest widespread flowers of the spring. Other names for this month’s celestial body include the Full Sprouting Grass Moon, the Egg Moon, and among coastal tribes the Full Fish Moon, because this was the time that the shad swam upstream to spawn."

Denny won't be at the beach since he'll be in Antigua preparing for his upcoming full hip replacement, but manager Roy says, "I'll bet we'll still have fun dancing on the beach under the full moon -- even though we'll miss Denny's irascible wit and earthy comments on all subjects."

 Let's see if you remember how to do the twist, the slide, the slop, the funky chicken, the monkey, the fly, the jerk, mashed potato, the twist, the camel walk, the shimmy, applejack, the pony, hand jive and the quiver.

There'll be kayak races with some great prizes for the winners and, depending upon the turnout, either a pork barbecue or a special cocoa chicken dinner.

Waypoint for Denny’s Beach is N15 28.646 W89 01.420 .

Take a look at Denny’s Website HERE .

A head count would be greatly appreciated for planning the barbecue. Just give Roy a call at 4943 9132 to make a dinner or bungalow reservation or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Come a day or two early if you'd like to escape the heat and noise of Fronteras. There's usually a nice cool breeze coming off Lago Izabal and if you've never taken a dip in the water at Denny's Beach, you're in for a treat.

Richard

He is absolutely overwhelmed that so many friends, acquaintances and total strangers came to his aid during his recent close call to death after his bout with pneumonia, a collapsed lung and emphysema ... that he's rather speechless (Imagine That!). 

 If you can imagine Richard speechless .. and with a tear in his eye, well, that is a pretty much a Kodak moment.

 Due to the efforts of a fundraiser at Bruno's and the totally unexpected and very effective campaign launched by Giuliana, daughter of Eugenio Gobbato, it now looks like Richard's hospital bills will be paid in full -- many, many thanks to Richard's family and friends -- especially the Gobbato family.

 (Hey, Richard, I have a problem with the 220 volt isolation transformer on the Steel Magnolia -- give me a call when you're ready to go back to work!! )

Take a look at Giuliana's website HERE .

Sock(less) hop April 25 Denny's Beach

Can you still do the the twist, the slide, the slop, the funky chicken, the monkey, the fly, the jerk, mashed potato, the twist, the camel walk, the shimmy, applejack, the pony, hand jive and the quiver?

It’ll be fun dancing under a full moon with a beach bonfire and music by Fabian, Roy Orbison, Percy Walker, Little Richard, Pat Boone, the Everly Brothers, the Platters, Skeeter Davis, Fats Domino, Chubby Checker, Bobby Darin, the Coasters, Paul & Paula, Dion and many more.

Sure, wear your poodle skirt

There’ll be a pork barbecue available at boater’s discount prices or you can order from the menu.

You can wear your socks if you really want to  .. and it’s ok to slip off into the shadows for some high school style necking and kissing. Or you can reserve a room, bungalow or chalet!

If you work up a bit of a sweat while dancing, just take a dip in the clean fresh water of Lago Izabal.

The weather looks great and if boaters want to organize a regatta, that’s always fun.

Also planned is an extremely competitive kayak race (two persons per kayak). The winners will receive their choice of a full hour massage by Eodilia (excellent masseuse), or a one hour horseback ride up into the mountains or a free dinner for two.

Waypoint for Denny’s Beach is N15 28.646 W89 01.420 .

Take a look at Denny’s Website HERE .

A head count would be greatly appreciated for planning the barbecue. Just give Roy a call at 4943 9132 to make a reservation or email him at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .