The last day of our expedition had a different start, normally we will have just the sound of the waves heating the ship, but today by been anchored close to the Smithsonian Research Institute Island the sound of howlers monkeys, mealy parrots, toucans plus many other tropical bird sounds, made us feel in the real wild.
The Barro Colorado Island has been since the 1940’s the most important research station in the world for tropical ecosystems; hundreds of scientists had walked the trails that we had the opportunity to hike today. After breakfast a solid group of guests decided to take their last walk through a tropical rain forest, accompanied by the guides from this research station. As deeper as we were going in the forest the sightings of monkeys, parrots, toucans, peccaries, agoutis were increasing but the one animal that caught everyone’s attention was a little but not for that reason less dangerous, Fer-de-Lance snake, its reputation comes from the fact that it is a very aggressive snake compare to other vipers, its venom is hemotoxic, which means it will damaged tissue and blood cells, different from coral snakes which will damaged the neuro system of the body. But apart from the idea that the rainforest is loaded with this animals, the real fact is that spotting one is a big treat and for that reason it deserve to be part of today’s DER.
After all guests were back on board and our Panama Canal Pilot arrived, we left anchored and cruise toward the Gatun Locks. Today was really an amazing crossing; the time of the day was perfect to finished right at sunset, plus having the chance to be almost by ourselves in the chamber, just sharing it with two tow boats! Was a great closure for this trip and this year!
