Our spectacular first day started early, at anchor, in Gatun Lake. After the first stretch of the Panama Canal, our guests of National Geographic Sea Lion enjoyed a hiatus on 1500 hectare Barro Colorado Island, for the morning of explorations. The hiking groups had “long” and “medium” trail options to be guided through the biological wonders of this famous research facility. It was founded in 1923 and was originally founded for study in hopes to control disease. Today monkeys, birds, and plants were the focus and were most definitely subject to avid photographers on this photo specific trip. Some adventure photographers went on expedition landing crafts to lookout for more wild life surrounding the island, such as crocodiles and snail kites.
After our morning of activities, our pilot embarked the ship and we left for the rest of the Panama Canal going through Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. The spectacle was unique, only to this grand building feat that is the Panama Canal. The lights, sounds, and smells that are signature of the trains ferrying us alongside the ship, the lights and markers, the sounds of the bells dinging and water rushing around the ships. The narration attempted to answer all our questions about this world renowned feature that unites two oceans and allows for commerce around the world to continue in an efficient and controlled manner.
Our lovely dinner was served buffet style to accommodate the changing times of our transit and to top off the sweetness of our valentine’s day Sunday, we had a fantastic “tres leches” cake for dessert made with pure love by our amazing galley crew!
