National Geographic Sea Lion arrived to the anchorage area right before breakfast. Out on deck, we felt a cool breeze while the sky began to get covered with different species of sea birds. Right in front of us was a nice rockery covered with a deciduous trees and cacti.
We loaded the expedition landing crafts and went to explore the premises of Bona Island. This island is found in the Gulf of Panama. This area is part of an important upwelling zone of the Gulf. The trade winds blow the warm surface water allow the rich nutrients from the bottom to rise.
Up above, frigate birds, brown pelicans, brown and blue footed boobies decorated the overcast sky. Their flight was majestic as they glided. Some of them were collecting nesting material. There was no doubt it was the beginning of the mating season.
The brown pelicans had their yellow foreheads and their necks covered with brown feathers. Some would also stretch their necks so that the female could see how big the gular pouch was. On the other side, some male frigate birds had completed their nests and they were advertising their availability by inflating their red gular pouches.
It was a great morning outing in the Gulf. Back on board we navigated, during lunch time, towards a very picturesque village. We arrived to Taboga Island. This island played a very important role during the colonial time. When the pirate Henry Morgan attacked Panama City in 1671, some Spaniards hide their treasures on this little island including inside the Church. But Morgan’s fellowmen managed to reach to it and also raided part of the gold that wasn’t protected.
After this cultural visit, we went back on board. Now, our next destination was one of the Wonders of the World, The Panama Canal! Shortly after arriving to our anchorage, we patiently waited for our Safety Officers and our Canal Pilot to come on board.
Our day ended up with our transit through the first two set of locks of the Panama Canal, Miraflores and Pedro Miguel. It was just spectacular to see this marvel of engineering designed in the beginning of last century still working and working better than ever.
