Panama and the Canal


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Oceans and Seas » Pacific
January 26th 2009
Published: January 26th 2009
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Our Route


Today we are having cold, rainy weather even as we near the equator. I even had to put on a sweater today.

We arrived in Colon, the Caribbean port for the canal early Friday afternoon. Hugh and I went on a jungle tour that walked a mile through the rain forest, then a ride on the Chagres River in a boat that looked exactly like the Jungle Ride at Disneyland. We saw lots of leaf-carrying ants along the trail which just looked like pieces of leaves moving along by themselves. Lots of monkeys, too. Also a "Jesus Christ" lizard (its actual name) which walks on water. It was surprisingly pleasant -- not hot -- in the jungle. On the way back to the ship the tour stopped at Gatun Locks which are the first set of locks in the canal. We walked up to the observation platform and watched a couple of ships go through. By the time a ship goes through the three locks, it has been raised 85 feet, up to the level of the manmade lake in the middle of the canal. It was terrfic to get an understanding of the workings of the locks before we actually went through them.

Early Saturday morning the ship moved into position to enter the canal via the first lock. Even though the sun wasn't up, the decks were full with everyone watching what was happening. It is all so efficient and fascinating to see. After the Gatun Locks we sat in line to get into postion for the part of the canal that was dug and has only one-way traffic. We spent the afternoon going through that section, then the final three locks (one, a small lake, and two more) and we were down to sealevel and out into the harbor near Panama City. The entire transit took about eleven hours -- and I was outside watching it the whole time. Oh, except for lunch which coincided with a brief rain shower. I only ended up with a bright red sunburn on my nose because we stayed on the shady side the whole day. It was not as hot as I expected. Just pleasant to be outside in a sleeveless blouse and capris.

Now we are "at sea" for eight days until we reach Hiva Oa, an island in the Marquesas. It is absolutely lovely having nothing to do. I washed a single load of clothes yesterday, a simple task that seemed to take up the entire afternoon.

Mom has been getting over a slight cold, but is doing fine. I am hoping I don't get it.

I'm enjoying your messages and will eventually respond. But right now I'm having too much fun! I don't think I've ever seen Mom smile and laugh so much. She's showing teeth I didn't know she had. This trip was definitely an excellent idea!

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27th January 2009

Hi Suzy
Suzy, It is so much fun reading about your trip. I hope you are taking a lot of pictures. What a fantastic experience. Kathy
5th February 2009

sunny Fla.
Hi-sounds like you are having a trip of a lifetime Fla. has been a little cold-but o.k. Sharon & Larry bought a great house and have been decorating by garage sales and goodwill=Looks amazing! I'm enjoying The Fugitives Wife- You probably aren't reading much!!! Have a great time=Ellen

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