It is 100 years of history. The Panama Canal and its operation is one of the most outstanding human achievements of all time. It is the living proof of a time that determination, creative vision, and knowledge provided a main artery for international trade and communication in the world.
We are extremely delighted to finish our week together witnessing a master piece of engineering in full operation and, at the same time, discovering one of the most important research facilities in forest ecology: Barro Colorado Island (BCI). Due to a special agreement National Geographic Sea Lion is permitted by The Panama Canal Authority to interrupt its crossing and have a morning visit to BCI. Either hiking or cruising with our expedition landing crafts, we were able to have a distinctive nature encounter, where scientists from the whole world come to cultivate research projects.
Administrated by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, BCI has been a major cornerstone in the study of forest dynamics and its results have projected internationally the importance of tropical ecosystems. Many guests enjoyed observations of Central American spider monkeys, agoutis, American crocodiles, snail kites, among other species.
By mid-afternoon we were reconnecting with the marvels of the Panama Canal. Gatun locks were our last segment of the crossing. The locomotives were aligning our vessel, our three level descend of 86 feet brought us down to sea level again on the Caribbean side. Definitely, we felt overcome with different emotions. Costa Rica and Panama granted unique memories for a lifetime experience.
