Barro Colorado Island and Panama Canal
Today we had the extraordinary opportunity to explore Barro Colorado Island and Reserve. Known by the locals as BCI, this biologically rich reserve is managed by the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. Much of today’s knowledge about the tropics exists because of the extensive research and studies done here.
Vicente, our local Smithsonian guide, met long hikers and we began our journey into the shaded and (relatively) cool trails beneath the rainforest canopy. The calls of howler monkeys filled the air as we discovered a plethora of flora and fauna. From tiny, herbivore leaf-cutter ants, to the menacing and carnivorous bullet ants, lizards, bats, magnificent fungi and the giant ceiba trees, BCI felt like a scene out of Jurrasic Park. Vicente explained the delicate symbiotic relationships that make this tropical bio-land so unique and we all walked away feeling a little closer to nature.
On the outskirts of the island, Zodiac cruisers spotted monkeys, baby crocodiles, iguanas and even a two-toed sloth; not to mention dozens of species of birds including the crested guan, a white hawk, toucans and bats. The peaceful scenery of the rainforest was occasionally married with the horns and wake of gigantic tankers and merchant ships making their transit through the Panama Canal.
Back onboard the ship, the National Geographic Sea Lion also continued her transit of the Canal, passing through the Chagres River and finally through the locks of Lake Gatun, where we were lowered down to the Atlantic Ocean. Our final recap was heart-felt as Expedition Leader, Isabel Salas (Isa) reflected on the past week and gave a toast to the newly formed friendships amongst guests, staff and crew.
