The Panama Canal
Our second day in Panama began with water-based explorations around the Gulf of Panama islands of Bona and Otoque. Kayakers rode gentle swells and enjoyed the solitude. The water was surprisingly cool, reflecting the deep, nutrient- and oxygen-rich water that comes to the surface in this area. This cool water is in large part responsible for the abundant biological brew that is reflected in the massive number of sea birds that we saw in the area.
Zodiacs cruised along the shores, enjoying wonderful views of blue-footed and brown boobies (including downy chicks), brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds and other species. The geology also caught our eyes, especially a large cave (complete with roosting bats) and a surf-powered blowhole.
By mid afternoon, we were anchored and awaiting our call from the Panama Canal Commission for our transit time to begin our passage from the Pacific to the Caribbean. After cocktails on the Sun Deck and a traditional Panamanian buffet dinner, our pilot came on board and we headed for the Miraflores Locks, passing under the striking Bridge of the Americas. Sharing the locks with a refrigerator ship, the Nova Galicia, we made our way through three locks to an elevation of eighty six feet.
We continued through the night, eventually dropping the hook in the area of the world famous tropical research station, Barro Colorado Island.
Our second day in Panama began with water-based explorations around the Gulf of Panama islands of Bona and Otoque. Kayakers rode gentle swells and enjoyed the solitude. The water was surprisingly cool, reflecting the deep, nutrient- and oxygen-rich water that comes to the surface in this area. This cool water is in large part responsible for the abundant biological brew that is reflected in the massive number of sea birds that we saw in the area.
Zodiacs cruised along the shores, enjoying wonderful views of blue-footed and brown boobies (including downy chicks), brown pelicans, magnificent frigatebirds and other species. The geology also caught our eyes, especially a large cave (complete with roosting bats) and a surf-powered blowhole.
By mid afternoon, we were anchored and awaiting our call from the Panama Canal Commission for our transit time to begin our passage from the Pacific to the Caribbean. After cocktails on the Sun Deck and a traditional Panamanian buffet dinner, our pilot came on board and we headed for the Miraflores Locks, passing under the striking Bridge of the Americas. Sharing the locks with a refrigerator ship, the Nova Galicia, we made our way through three locks to an elevation of eighty six feet.
We continued through the night, eventually dropping the hook in the area of the world famous tropical research station, Barro Colorado Island.
