Isla Bona and Panama Canal, Panama
Today there was much excitement in the air as we awoke, perhaps eager anticipation for our transit of the Panama Canal? But that exciting event was slated for the afternoon. First we had the opportunity to explore the remarkably rich waters that are found in the Gulf of Panama. Indeed, this is an area of ocean upwelling, and consequently the waters teem with life.
Even as we approached the small islands of Bona and Otoque, we could see fishing boats, seabirds and evidence that these waters contain many fish. When we did drop anchor at Bona we could see that these waters do indeed support an amazing number of seabirds. The treetops were crowded with Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans and Brown Boobies. There were birds in every direction, the skies had frigatebirds circling, waiting for the return of the boobies with their bellies full of fish, that the frigatebirds could then steal! We spent the morning in Zodiacs exploring these colonies of nesting seabirds, and during lunch lifted anchor as we headed for one of the marvels of the Modern World, the Panama Canal.
Our transit began as the sun was setting and we raised our glasses to toast the Bridge of the Americas as the sun slipped behind some colorful clouds. As you can see in the picture, a beautiful sight and a fitting start to our transit, as we leave the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean behind and head for the Caribbean.
Today there was much excitement in the air as we awoke, perhaps eager anticipation for our transit of the Panama Canal? But that exciting event was slated for the afternoon. First we had the opportunity to explore the remarkably rich waters that are found in the Gulf of Panama. Indeed, this is an area of ocean upwelling, and consequently the waters teem with life.
Even as we approached the small islands of Bona and Otoque, we could see fishing boats, seabirds and evidence that these waters contain many fish. When we did drop anchor at Bona we could see that these waters do indeed support an amazing number of seabirds. The treetops were crowded with Magnificent Frigatebirds, Brown Pelicans and Brown Boobies. There were birds in every direction, the skies had frigatebirds circling, waiting for the return of the boobies with their bellies full of fish, that the frigatebirds could then steal! We spent the morning in Zodiacs exploring these colonies of nesting seabirds, and during lunch lifted anchor as we headed for one of the marvels of the Modern World, the Panama Canal.
Our transit began as the sun was setting and we raised our glasses to toast the Bridge of the Americas as the sun slipped behind some colorful clouds. As you can see in the picture, a beautiful sight and a fitting start to our transit, as we leave the rich waters of the Pacific Ocean behind and head for the Caribbean.
