Barro Colorado Island and Panama Canal, Panama
James Smithson (1765-1829) was an English chemist, mineralogist and philanthropist who never set foot on the United States; however, before dying he left his personal fortune to the people of the United States so that they would use it to create an institution consecrated to the improvement of the human condition and the pursuit of knowledge. In 1846 the U.S. Congress in representation of the American people decided to found the Smithsonian Institution, which in time has expanded into a whole series of invaluable museums and collections. Barro Colorado Island Natural Monument is located in Gatun Lake. Before the construction of the Panama Canal this island was actually a mountain top. When Gatun Lake was created it became the island that we see today. In 1923, it was declared a natural preserve and since 1946 it was placed under the custody of the Smithsonian Institution. Every year about one hundred scientists carry out their research on this island and the surrounding peninsulas. The research of these scientists has proven to be invaluable in the understanding and conservation of the tropical forests of the world.
This morning, after having spent the night at anchor in Gatun Lake, we visited Barro Colorado Island. Some of us went on a long walk, others on shorter walks or Zodiac cruises accompanied by some of the researchers of the Station who shared their passion for their research and the wonders of nature with us. Our visit to BCI ended with a visit to their store where we could buy publications of the Smithsonian or at least a cap or a T-shirt. Then came lunch and around 1:00 P.M. the Panama Canal Pilot showed up and took us through the canal during the afternoon. By the time the sun set we had entered the Atlantic Ocean amidst a strong and refreshing wind which none of us will ever forget. Thus concluded our journey through Costa Rica and Panama.
James Smithson (1765-1829) was an English chemist, mineralogist and philanthropist who never set foot on the United States; however, before dying he left his personal fortune to the people of the United States so that they would use it to create an institution consecrated to the improvement of the human condition and the pursuit of knowledge. In 1846 the U.S. Congress in representation of the American people decided to found the Smithsonian Institution, which in time has expanded into a whole series of invaluable museums and collections. Barro Colorado Island Natural Monument is located in Gatun Lake. Before the construction of the Panama Canal this island was actually a mountain top. When Gatun Lake was created it became the island that we see today. In 1923, it was declared a natural preserve and since 1946 it was placed under the custody of the Smithsonian Institution. Every year about one hundred scientists carry out their research on this island and the surrounding peninsulas. The research of these scientists has proven to be invaluable in the understanding and conservation of the tropical forests of the world.
This morning, after having spent the night at anchor in Gatun Lake, we visited Barro Colorado Island. Some of us went on a long walk, others on shorter walks or Zodiac cruises accompanied by some of the researchers of the Station who shared their passion for their research and the wonders of nature with us. Our visit to BCI ended with a visit to their store where we could buy publications of the Smithsonian or at least a cap or a T-shirt. Then came lunch and around 1:00 P.M. the Panama Canal Pilot showed up and took us through the canal during the afternoon. By the time the sun set we had entered the Atlantic Ocean amidst a strong and refreshing wind which none of us will ever forget. Thus concluded our journey through Costa Rica and Panama.
