More Canal Pictures

We got some new pictures downloaded, and here are some examples of what we saw as we went through the Panama Canal.  I am still sort of amazed at myself that I have gone through one of the most wondrous piece of engineering that man has done so far.

Here is what it looks like when you first enter the lock and the door closes.

Here is what it looks like when the water has lowered some.

And here is what it looks like when it has gone deeper.

 

These two ships were with us in the line for the locks.  They look a lot bigger from the deck of the boat we were on.





 

 

 

This one was right behind us and looked even bigger, especially when he got really close.

 

 





And of course, we got to see some really gorgeous stuff as we motored along in Lake Gatun.  Here is the shoreline - and we heard howler monkeys all evening long.

 

And here was a beautiful little yellow bird, taking advantage of waterfront real estate.

 

 

Right now we are sitting aboard Magda Jean, just being lazy.   We are awaiting the final instructions for shipping out our broken stuff, and getting new stuff sent in.  We have figured out the haul out for new bottom paint will not be any kind of a south of the border bargain, but not prohibitive or completely out of line.  At least we can tell ourselves that because the bottom desperately needs new paint and we have to get it done.

 

A lot of the cruisers here have left, and we may have to move to a different anchorage as the weather starts to change.  I like this anchorage better, but it will, according to all the long time Panama people, become untenable as the waves shift to the southwest.  Oh well - I hope we can time it with our haul out, which we want to time to coincide with the arrival of either repaired or new electronics, etc etc and so on and so on.  So far we have not had any rain really - just enough sprinkling to require the hatches be closed (with the resultant heating up of the cabin) and the decks to get all muddy looking. I know that soon enough things will change - the old timers and handing out advice about avoiding lightning strikes.  It really isn't possible - if it is going to hit you it is going to hit you - but taking precautions makes me feel a touch more in control.  

 

Tonight is ceviche night - we all meet at this ceviche restaurant and eat ceviche and drink beer.  Sounds good to me.

 

"Everyone suffers at least one bad betrayal in their lifetime. It’s what unites us. The trick is not to let it destroy your trust in others when that happens. Don’t let them take that from you." (Sherrilyn Kenyon)