San Blas and La
Tovara Springs 2006   
Longfellow's "Bells of San Blas" have been moved
from the old church overlooking the city to a
newer chapel (over 100 years old) in San Blas.  
Easier for the tourists than climbing up the hill.
Sam stands next to the Port of San Blas sign, with
rusty but functional shrimp boats anchored beyond.
Mexican Navy color guard plays for flag lowering ceremony in the zocolo (town square)
at San Blas.  Note the young civilian in the back row with the red and green trumpet.
Sam and Susie prepared for a tour in a
panga up the river to La Tovara fresh
water springs - note the mosquito
protection (longs pants tucked into
our socks).  We saw a variety of birds
and other wildlife in the mangroves
(some of which are pictured below).
While Susie swam in the fresh cool
water of the springs, she was warned
about the crocodile that sometimes
comes near the center.  She decided
that was enough swimming for the day.
A few months after our visit, we were
told of a young man injured by "Felipe"
the local fresh water croc, prompting an
actual fence installation to separate the
swimming area (instead of the rope that
was there when we visited the springs).