Hi Bill, I am currently reading "Sou'west in Wanderer IV" (Eric Hiscock) and though it dates back to 73, I found his description of their trip through the
canal,
Costa Rica and on up to the
Sea of Cortez very interesting and informative. It might be worth reading if you have time and can get a copy. He discusses prevailing winds, currents,
anchorages and some of the local
history and culture. I will be in
Costa Rica in late January but I will probably miss you as I expect you will be through there before then. You may be in our neck of the woods if you pass through Golfito.
Happy sailing...
-Kevin