One week in Panamá, and few places have been as much of a surprise as I've found here to be.
Situated across the Bahía Limón from Colón, Shelter Bay Marina sits in the middle of a vast jungle expanse. From the dock, one can spend all day listening to the dozens of bird species, and the terrifying call of the howler monkeys. Early one morning, I decided to venture out not even a mile from the boat, and found myself secluded with just the local fauna to keep me company. Capuchin monkeys scampered from tree to tree, and curious Coatís trotted along the path not far from me. Look up, and birds flew from branch to branch, tree to tree. Look down, and leaf cutter ants march along a cleared path amidst the fallen brush.
In anticipation of crossing the canal later this month, my dad and I hitched a ride on a catamaran, helping out as line handlers. Although most boats raft up two or three wide to improve efficiency through the canal, each boat is required to have four able-bodied line handlers for the rare case that the vessel crosses by herself. Four, for each corner of the boat. As we very quickly learned, crossing the canal is a lesson in patience during chaos, as plans change often, and at the most inopportune last minute.
We were blessed with a beautiful sunset as we entered the Gatun locks at nightfall, a uniquely serene experience, and a welcome one as we escaped the heat of the day. Our raft of boats, which included familiar acquaintances on board another Outremer 45 Luna Bay II, joined the Panamanian bulk carrier TTM Harmony. A pleasant three locks later, and we were in Gatun Lake and tied to a massive ship mooring buoy for the night.
The next day started early with a long motor across the lake, to the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks. Before we knew it, we were in Pacific waters!
A Colombian white-faced Capuchin monkey pauses as it ascends a tree
A Colombian white-faced Capuchin monkey pauses as it ascends a tree
The Great Kiskadee, with its vibrant yellow chest and black-and-white striped head
The Great Kiskadee, with its vibrant yellow chest and black-and-white striped head
A curious Coatí makes its way towards me
A curious Coatí makes its way towards me
Crossing under the Puente Atlántico as we motor to the Panama Canal entrance
Crossing under the Puente Atlántico as we motor to the Panama Canal entrance
Water swirls as it rushes into the canal lock, raising boats up to the level of Gatun Lake
Water swirls as it rushes into the canal lock, raising boats up to the level of Gatun Lake
Looking back on the three Gatun locks as we prepare to enter Gatun Lake.
Looking back on the three Gatun locks as we prepare to enter Gatun Lake.
The Smithsonian Research Institution on Barro Colorado Island, formed during the dredging of Gatun Lake
The Smithsonian Research Institution on Barro Colorado Island, formed during the dredging of Gatun Lake
One of the dozens of pilot boats, ferrying pilots and advisors between ships and shore
One of the dozens of pilot boats, ferrying pilots and advisors between ships and shore
Given the large amount of vital traffic through the lake, regular upkeep of the channel is a must. Here, a dredging barge widens the channel by digging out earth
Given the large amount of vital traffic through the lake, regular upkeep of the channel is a must. Here, a dredging barge widens the channel by digging out earth
The Cool Express, an aptly named refrigerated cargo ship, pulls up behind our boat raft in the Pedro Miguel lock, aided by six silver locomotives.
The Cool Express, an aptly named refrigerated cargo ship, pulls up behind our boat raft in the Pedro Miguel lock, aided by six silver locomotives.