We arrived in Panama on Wednesday, June 22 and anchored near the entrance to the Panama Canal, by Puerto Cristobal and Colon. Before entering the Canal we had to move the ship's boats, which usually hang outboard on davits, to the main deck - stacked one on top of the other. The davits were swung inboard, the bumpkins removed, and the lower yardarms were cockbilled so that everything was inboard of the ship's rails.
On Thursday morning, we all got an early start. The pilot came aboard around 6 am, the engines were started up, the anchor hoisted and we entered the Canal for a day long transit. I was on galley duty that day, so I was awakened at 0530 to help get breakfast ready. It was already hot at that hour, and got hotter as the day went on. Despite my galley duties, I was able to see a good bit of the Canal and got some video footage.
After going through three locks that took us up about 100 feet in elevation, we crossed Gatun Lake, a large fresh water lake. While crossing the lake we filled the ship's water tanks and we all had a fresh water Power Shower on deck. That was a double treat because we got to cool off from the day's sweltering heat, and it was fresh water instead of the usual salt water showers.
There were two locks to take us down to the Pacific Ocean, the last one being the Miraflores lock. The pilot has been working in the Canal Zone for about 30 years and told us a lot of interesting history and facts about the Canal and its operation. I was not aware that there is a 9 inch difference in elevation between one ocean and the other, as well as a much larger difference in tides.
Thursday evening we docked at the Flamenco Marina. We had a marlinspike rum punch to celebrate our arrival in the Pacific, followed by mail call and dinner at 7:30...much later than our usual 6:00pm. The only reason the time of dinner mattered to me was because I was on galley duty so I had to stay around to clean dishes, pots and pans. We finished at 9:30pm. Having started at 5:30am, it was a very long, hot and tiring day. I was more than delighted to step ashore into an air conditioned restaurant to sip on a gin and tonic!
Because I had been on galley duty all day, I did not have to stand watch that night...got to sleep straight through. And I was lucky to have the next three days for shore leave. My ship work day is Monday, June 27th. We are scheduled to set sail again on June 28th.
I've been staying in an air conditioned hotel with shower and flush toilets for three days, no work other than going shopping and sight seeing. And I spent several hours trying to find out why my video camcorder is not working properly, which gave me a great opportunity to practice speaking Spanish. I have really enjoyed talking Spanish again with everyone, bargaining with vendors in the craft market and soaking up the latino ambience.
Saturday night several of us went to a restaurant that specializes in typical Panamanian food and has a folk dance show. It was delicious and delightful. The native costumes are intricately designed and absolutely beautiful from the headpieces to the shoes.
Our next stop will be the Galapagos, then on to Pitcairn Island.
Watch the ship's website for news as we sail along: www.picton-castle.com
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