Barro Colorado Island and the Panama Canal
Early in the morning, we anchored the Sea Voyager in front of the Natural Monument of Barro Colorado Island. We had spent the night in the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Many of us had all ready taken advantage of the fresh breeze by joining the early stretching exercises up on the sundeck. This first day of adventure offered different options for us. Long hikes, short hikes and Zodiacs cruises were the options helping us to learn about the biological research being done on the island.
Barro Colorado Island used to be the highest hill in the valley of the Chagres River known as Palenquilla Hill. It became an island when the valley was flooded to create Gatun Lake. Different species of animals began to gather on this hill trying to survive the flood. Today, because of the great biodiversity found here, it is one enormous natural laboratory, where you can find scientists from around the world, all doing research on different topics. It’s just a paradise for them. Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, agoutis and many other animals were all seen this morning.
Back on board, we got prepared to receive the pilot in order to continue our southbound transit through the Panama Canal. This modern wonder of the world called the attention of everyone. Since the actual users of the Canal are making bigger ships known as Post Panamax, the Canal has the need to make a new set of locks. Part of the modernization program includes widening and dredging the Galliard Cut. These will alow those big ships go through this part of the canal.
This day had been so wonderful and when the sun began to set, we gathered up on the sundeck to enjoy the cocktails hour while we left behind the Panama Canal.
Early in the morning, we anchored the Sea Voyager in front of the Natural Monument of Barro Colorado Island. We had spent the night in the calm waters of Gatun Lake. Many of us had all ready taken advantage of the fresh breeze by joining the early stretching exercises up on the sundeck. This first day of adventure offered different options for us. Long hikes, short hikes and Zodiacs cruises were the options helping us to learn about the biological research being done on the island.
Barro Colorado Island used to be the highest hill in the valley of the Chagres River known as Palenquilla Hill. It became an island when the valley was flooded to create Gatun Lake. Different species of animals began to gather on this hill trying to survive the flood. Today, because of the great biodiversity found here, it is one enormous natural laboratory, where you can find scientists from around the world, all doing research on different topics. It’s just a paradise for them. Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, agoutis and many other animals were all seen this morning.
Back on board, we got prepared to receive the pilot in order to continue our southbound transit through the Panama Canal. This modern wonder of the world called the attention of everyone. Since the actual users of the Canal are making bigger ships known as Post Panamax, the Canal has the need to make a new set of locks. Part of the modernization program includes widening and dredging the Galliard Cut. These will alow those big ships go through this part of the canal.
This day had been so wonderful and when the sun began to set, we gathered up on the sundeck to enjoy the cocktails hour while we left behind the Panama Canal.
