This glorious day started with calm waters as we made our way deeper into Panama towards the Panama Canal. The morning light, winds, and serene ocean complimented the reflective atmosphere on the decks of the National Geographic Sea Lion. The morning was sunny and pleasant as we ventured forth our expedition landing craft excursions into the coastal wilderness of Bona. The bird life was stellar and there were sightings of a frigatebird colony and the occasional blue-footed booby.
The afternoon brought us close to our destination at the Panama Canal and Panama City. We stopped by a quaint little island called Taboga, where some walked the shoreline, went swimming, and strolled through the city streets. The town’s historic church was a highlight, complete with an old bell tower that overlooked the water. Erasmo Estripeaut, the hotel manager and local resident, was in his element while he engaged us all with stories and history of the island and local customs. He even invited us into his home for a refreshing beverage before we all made our way back through the shady parts of the streets to disembark the island and make our first transit through the Panama Canal.
The first transit through the canal went smoothly as we experienced the sounds and light of the enormous structure of the Panama Canal. The pilot and line handlers came aboard while the transfer between the locks took place. The activities and delightfully traditional Panamanian dinner cuisine helped to elate spirits and brighten the evening. Another wonderful day in paradise!
