Barro Colorado Island and Panama Canal
Another beautiful day in paradise! That is the way the last day of the trip should be called. The morning begins with hikes and Zodiac cruises at Barro Colorado Island.
Barro Colorado is one of the biggest islands formed in Gatun Lake after the damming of the Chagres River. Barro Colorado is an island set aside for the study of tropical rain forest. Managed by the Smithsonian Institute the island is a landmark in tropical biology. An enormous amount of research has taken place since its conception and is still taking place today.
Some of the local biologists served as guides for our group as we explored the luxuriance and variance of this tropical paradise. Our last visit to the tropical rain forest has its rewards. Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, army ants and two kinds of toucans are among those rewards.
Back on board and while having lunch we started sailing toward the second set of locks on the Panama Canal. Having crossed the Pacific set of locks by night the day before, today we have the chance to cross the Atlantic set of locks by day. This lifetime experience is enjoyed under the tropical sun while people get the last touch to the tropical tan. The day ends while we enjoyed the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean, Panama being the only country in the world where this is possible due to its orientation from east to west. Right after sunset we have our farewell dinner commenting on the last week and arranging memories for the trip back home.
Another beautiful day in paradise! That is the way the last day of the trip should be called. The morning begins with hikes and Zodiac cruises at Barro Colorado Island.
Barro Colorado is one of the biggest islands formed in Gatun Lake after the damming of the Chagres River. Barro Colorado is an island set aside for the study of tropical rain forest. Managed by the Smithsonian Institute the island is a landmark in tropical biology. An enormous amount of research has taken place since its conception and is still taking place today.
Some of the local biologists served as guides for our group as we explored the luxuriance and variance of this tropical paradise. Our last visit to the tropical rain forest has its rewards. Howler monkeys, white-faced capuchin monkeys, leaf-cutter ants, army ants and two kinds of toucans are among those rewards.
Back on board and while having lunch we started sailing toward the second set of locks on the Panama Canal. Having crossed the Pacific set of locks by night the day before, today we have the chance to cross the Atlantic set of locks by day. This lifetime experience is enjoyed under the tropical sun while people get the last touch to the tropical tan. The day ends while we enjoyed the sunset in the Atlantic Ocean, Panama being the only country in the world where this is possible due to its orientation from east to west. Right after sunset we have our farewell dinner commenting on the last week and arranging memories for the trip back home.
