This morning the National Geographic Sea Lion anchored in Gatun Lake, right next to an island named Barro Colorado. Barro Colorado, is an island that has a wonderful research and lab facility to observe and study tropical plant and wild animal life that have lived and reproduced on this piece of property for many years. The laboratory facility found on Barro Colorado, is managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. After breakfast, we had an opportunity to meet Dr. Leigh, who spends most of his retirement on Barro Colorado. He explained how scientists spend most of their time, and what it would be like in a typical day at the research institute. There was an opportunity to walk with a couple volunteers, who showed us around the island. They were very helpful as they explained the tropical life on the island. There was an expedition landing craft ride offered to those who did not want to hike, also accompanied by a volunteer. The morning cruise, explored the coast that surrounds the island. There was an amazing animal spotting, and had a chance to see a three-toed sloth, agoutis, a range of birds, howler monkeys, lizards, and also learned about the plants that live in the jungle.
Later in the afternoon, as we waited for our pilot to take us to the entrance of the canal, we had a chance to relax, and reflect on the morning. As our pilot arrived, we were able to cruise towards the Gatun Locks, and waited to transit through the Panama Canal.
Shout out to Ms. Lindquist’s class at Moose Pass School in Alaska, for following her journey on the National Geographic Sea Lion!
