Panama. Who would have ever thought we would get this far? Driving over the bridge of Americas that crosses the Pacific end of the Panama Canal was surprisingly emotional. Such a spectacular reward for reaching the half way point of our journey. Both of us were googly eyed as we drove across the bridge at twilight trying to take as much in as possible. Huge freight liners and tiny 20 foot yachts shared the bay as they waited in line to pass through one of mankinds biggest achievements. Any troubles or frustrations washed away as we relished in the place we had finally arrived. 20000 people lost their lives in the building of the canal in the early 1900's. It costs anywhere from 600$ to 200000$ to pass through the canal with a boat depending on the size! And this is still cheaper than the alternative of sailing around the southern tip of Argentina.
There is a small spit of land jutting a few kilometers into the pacific at the beginning of the canal where we celebrated with a nice dinner at the point courtesy of Okotoks Mike. Thank you! On one side we looked up the canal and the other we had a mesmerizing view of the Panama City skyline.
The first day in town we obviously had to go and check out the Canal locks, where the ships are lifted up 20 meters to sail through, then lowered 20 meters on the other side. What an amazing effort for every ship!
The last few days have been spent running all over the crazyness that is Panama City organizing shipping Kumu to Colombia. Luckily we are shipping our car with another couple, Wendy and Steve, so we aren't entirely on our own! From talking to the shippers, the brokers, and the police officers it has been quite the run around, but we are patient and things are starting to come together.
The original plan was to ship this friday, the 4th. However, when we arrived at the broker, we were informed that for some reason the ship has not arrived in port, therefore cannot leave on friday. This means that we are set back another week... but hey, Carnival starts on Saturday... maybe it was just meant to be?
We are also working on sailing from Panama City to Cartagena. Yes that would mean sailing through the canal! There are hundreds of boats going through the canal every day... it can't be that hard right?
Anyway, things are moving along rapidly and we will be in Colombia before we know it!
There is a small spit of land jutting a few kilometers into the pacific at the beginning of the canal where we celebrated with a nice dinner at the point courtesy of Okotoks Mike. Thank you! On one side we looked up the canal and the other we had a mesmerizing view of the Panama City skyline.
The first day in town we obviously had to go and check out the Canal locks, where the ships are lifted up 20 meters to sail through, then lowered 20 meters on the other side. What an amazing effort for every ship!
The last few days have been spent running all over the crazyness that is Panama City organizing shipping Kumu to Colombia. Luckily we are shipping our car with another couple, Wendy and Steve, so we aren't entirely on our own! From talking to the shippers, the brokers, and the police officers it has been quite the run around, but we are patient and things are starting to come together.
The original plan was to ship this friday, the 4th. However, when we arrived at the broker, we were informed that for some reason the ship has not arrived in port, therefore cannot leave on friday. This means that we are set back another week... but hey, Carnival starts on Saturday... maybe it was just meant to be?
We are also working on sailing from Panama City to Cartagena. Yes that would mean sailing through the canal! There are hundreds of boats going through the canal every day... it can't be that hard right?
Anyway, things are moving along rapidly and we will be in Colombia before we know it!
Our drink of choice in Panama, Balboa Beer. Named after Balboa who was
the first European to set eyes on the Pacific ocean!
the first European to set eyes on the Pacific ocean!
My new camera does panoramic shots and I am addicted... Beach in Santa Catalina, Panama
Andrew was reading... I had to get documentation of this moment
Panoramas are cool
We stayed a couple nights at this cute little hostel on the beach in Santa Catalina
Flowers for my mom
This was a sad day for us. We sold our board to Fabian and Peter from Switzerland. I hope they enjoy it as much as we did! PS, yes their van IS as amazing as it looks
We made it!!!!
The Midnight Sun going through the Miraflores Locks. Cant wait till that is us in there!
What an achievement!
Some sailors on the Midnight Sun taking pictures of us taking pictures of them.
Just follow your nose!
The Panama City skyline... quite a change after the endless untouched beaches we have been living on the last three months!
Wow.
ReplyDeleteSimple amazing. Just reading your words made me kinda choke up. Melanie and I understand your achievement, even though we are not going as far as the both of you. Having shared some adventures on the road with you guys and Kumu was an honor and something that we will remember for a long time to come.
Good luck and travel well, my friends. I can't wait to read and see the next installment, post-Panama!
(and we hope to see you in Canada soon!)
K