Barro Colorado Island, Panama Canal
Barro Colorado Island, home for many scientists and heaven for naturalist. This island which was formed by the creation of Gatun Lake serves as a living laboratory for the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute since 1946. The rainforest has been protected and studied for many years because of its rich biodiversity. This day we took Zodiac cruises through canal waters near huge panamax vessels looking for wildlife in small islands of the lake. Many of us took hikes to the island of BCI and were able to spot interesting things that were not unusual, like brocket deer, spider monkeys, and even a tyra! Huge trees, birds, and talking with some of the scientist delighted our morning at this scientific research station.
Last but not least, the final transit of the canal: Gatun Locks. Transiting through the locks in daytime was a great experience thus, we were able to see and admire all of the details of the structures. You could really feel the going down of level of the water and the shaking of the currents while descending a total of 85 fees above sea level down back to sea level. A huge automobile carrier transited right in front of us showing its short clearance of only two feet. We were able to see a huge panamax tie cables, escorted by the locomotives, and lowered in these narrow chambers in just a short distance.
The technology of the Panama Canal and the nature of the rainforest was a farewell voyage in this beautiful country.
