The National Geographic Sea Lion had sailed almost 200 nautical miles since we left land yesterday and we got to experience some “ocean motion.” A stiff breeze seemed determined to blow away our yoga mats during our morning stretching class, but we prevailed!
Anchored in the nutrient-rich waters of the Gulf of Panama, we set out in Zodiacs to explore a small island named Bona. As we approached, we were greeted by magnificent frigate birds soaring overhead. Some had their bright red pouches inflated. There were an amazing number of sea birds nesting on the shore and our naturalists pointed out brown and blue footed boobies. A Peregrine Falcon was also spotted. It was really a treat to watch these beautiful birds and to capture them with our cameras. We learned why the birds chose this area to raise their young; the trade winds blow away the surface waters creating an upwelling of cold nutrient rich waters to rise providing an ample food supply.
Due to excellent timing we were able to make an unusual stop after lunch at Taboga Island, also known as “Island of Flowers.” We visited a very old church that was built in 1550. Strolling along the narrow, flower-lined streets, we met friendly locals and curious children who delighted in having their pictures taken. And there were many vibrant colored flowers everywhere.
We saw the tall buildings of Panama City as we neared the entrance to the Panama Canal. After our Panama Canal pilot boarded, we headed towards our first set of locks, the Miraflores locks. A buzz of excitement was felt as the much anticipated transit was finally taking place. Cristian was on the microphone as he shared his knowledge about what we were seeing and we understood that we were experiencing one of the great engineering marvels of all time. Our next lock, Pedro Miguel, raised us a total of 90 feet above sea level to the man-made Gatun Lake where we anchored for the night.
