We're in the Pacific, anchored in La Playita with Panama City in the background. We completed our transit, but unfortunately lost a cleat in the last lock due to incorrect handling of the lines on the port side rafted yacht and the unwillingness of two individuals on the middle yacht to relay the communications needed to avoid the situation. By the time they realised what was being asked of them it was too late - the cleat snaped! Fortunately Roy was not injured, but now the inconvenience of finding a new cleat commences.
For now though, we've enjoyed our last night with Keenan, Brooke and William. A wonderful week of adventure and family time draws to a close. We're delighted that they got to enjoy the experience with us and guess what William's first words were - That's right - "Paw Paw"!
At this writing we are rafted to two other yachts, Paradise Found and Overseas Express and tied to a huge mooring, with another raft consisting of Nina, Carango and Mystique Soul on the other side of the mooring, floating in the Gatun Lake. Yes, we've started our transit of the Panama Canal, having completed the three Gatun Locks! With Paw Paw on the starboard side of the raft, Roy and Keenan did a great job as line handlers today. Tomorrow we'll be up early to transit the remainng two locks, Pedro Miguel and Miraflores.
The canal, which opened in 1913, ten years after the USA and Panama signed the Hay-Bunau-Varilla treaty, following Panama's independence from Colombia in 1903, was initially started by the French in 1892, but disease, the harsh geographical and climate conditions coupled with a lack of funds halted the operation, having cost 1,435 million francs and consuming 20,000 lives. When it was eventually completed by 75,000 men and woman, it had cost and additional $400 million.
Be that as it may, it is still an engineering marvel 100 years later which we got to witness first hand and which gave us the coolest day - just incredible!
What a fantastic day. Our early morning start involved a coach ride to the Chagres River, where we transferred to large dugout canoes for our trip up the river to one of the Embera Indian Villages. Our welcome was simply incredible - As soon as the villagers saw William, one of the woman came over and took him from Brooke and, within seconds, he was surrounded by the other woman who promptly carted him off to play with the babies and children of the village, much to his delight - He was indeed the "Belle of the Ball".
After learning about the traditions and history of the Embera tribe, including their relocation to the edge of the Chagres River, we were served a delicious lunch of fish and fried plantain in bowls made from palm leaves, all of which was prepared by some of the woman in the communal kitchen (aka a traditional open fire). This was followed by dessert - The sweetest pineapple and watermelon we have ever tasted.
After lunch we were free to roam through the village and peruse their handmade crafts before being entertained with traditional singing and dancing. The day was over all too soon, but our trip back down the river allowed us the time to reflect on what a wonderful experience we had the privilege to enjoy!
After a lazy morning we headed to the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal and got to see the operations up close and personal. We watched four huge tankers transit right before our eyes from the visitors centre and when we returned to the marina the first half of the WARC yachts had left for their transit. All in all, it certainly brought home the adventure we're about to embark upon and William will be the youngest member of the fleet to do so!
Well, I guess you can tell we've been so busy that we've forgotten to do our blog updates. We are thoroughly enjoying our time with Keenan, Brooke and William albeit that we're stuck in a very secluded marina. We have, however, enjoyed the pool and took a "field trip" to the supermarket today in order to replenish supplies. Tomorrow we're taking the tour to the Gatun Locks Visitor Centre to see the canal in operation before our transit on 2nd February. It's fair to say, though, that William has definitely been a source of great joy, not only to us, but to everyone he encounters around the marina, especially when his little face lights up with his beautiful smile!
We've arrived in Shelter Bay Marina just a few minutes ahead of Keenan, Brooke and William landing in Panama City. Excitement is high while we await their arrival on the marina shuttle. Last night, while anchored off Isla Linton, we enjoyed our Seared Blue Fin Tuna Salad and Tuna Sashimi complements of Roy, as well as Tuna Carpaccio complements of Stephano, who happens to be Italian. Delicious!
Bluefin Tuna for dinner - Yeah - Roy caught a fish we can eat at last! Great day sailing and fishing with our guest on board - Stephano, one of the WARC team members who is hitching a ride, or should I say, sail, to Colon with us. We've just arrived in beautiful Isla Linton on the Panama mainland for our overnight stop and are enjoying sundowners while appreciating the rainforest view. This is to be followed by our tuna dinner, once Roy returns from sharing some of it with Time Bandit (Ann and Stuart).
