Panama Canal Transit -Tomorrow?

Looking good for us to go through the canal tomorrow. No time yet! But once that's known this link may come in handy for any of you early risers that want to spot us as we move through...http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html

I have spent some time thinking about delaying for a day and getting permission to anchor oVernight in the lake halfway through. How great a spot would that be for New Years?
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But...the more I think about it the better just getting all the way to the other side seems.

jim

Patrick has left the building....

Very few parents are lucky enough to spend two plus solid weeks of time with their college age kids.  Debbie and I just had our son Patrick join us for the sail (and stops) from Northern Costa Rica to the Panama Canal.  Two weeks that I think we all enjoyed.  Wish he could have stayed longer!!

Phase 1: Complete!! We've made it to the Panama Canal

Really a pretty exciting place to visit.  For the past couple of days, we've noticed the increase in shipping traffic and traffic in general.  After weeks of seeing one or two boats a day, we see several at all times and are tracking many more on the computer.
We arrived in the "Canal Zone" at about noon this afternoon.  Ships anchored or underway everywhere.  The procedure is that you call into Traffic Control when you are one mile off the entrance bouy.  Give them your boat type, length, and speed. Plus a destination.  After that you are under their direction.

Check out the picture above to see what the traffic situation was when we arrived!!!

Moored at the Balboa Yacht Club now to clear customs and wait for friends that arrive on the 29th.  Best case we'll transit the canal on the 30th!!

_jim

Christmas Dinner in Panama

A formal sit down affair.  Cornish Game Hens, Sausage Stuffing, Fresh Baked Bread, a little bit of Wine....NICE!!!

Christmas Onboard

Happy Christmas Eve!

Well, we had hoped to find a place with internet access so we could call some of you on skype tonight, but instead we are anchored off of a beautiful island that will be one of our last stops prior to the canal scene.

And what a scene that will be. Last night was a nightmare of dodging super tankers and trying to stay out of the way. Today as we sit alone in this anchorage, I have 168 targets on my AIS ship tracking display!! 168 when I normally might have 4! This place has to be seen to be believed.

Anyway, we have sworn to take it easy today. The anchor is down, the swim ladder is down, the dinghy is in the water and we are getting ready for Christmas!!

To all of you, from all of us.....Merry Christmas!!!

-Jim, Deb, and Pat

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