130 Check one--bucket list

A check mark on the bucket list

I don’t know why but I have wanted to transverse the Panama Canal for several years now. My husband did not share my interest in this adventure. But for some reason this summer, he gave in, and the trip became a reality as well as a check mark on the bucket list.

The trip did not disappoint even for my husband as we went from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean in 8 to 10 hours. (about 50 miles) on a small cruise ship. The weather was amazing and the views spectacular. 

From one lock to another, we rose and fell in a rhythmic pattern until we reached a huge lake. We had no idea the canal was part freshwater lake. We crossed Gatun Lake which is 85 feet above sea level to reach the locks to take us to the Pacific.

The guide that joined us on the cruise ship to cross the canal was extremely knowledgeable and so informative. There was no facet of the operation that he did not explain or report.

Also, special pilots come aboard the ship to take over from the regular ship’s pilots to ensure a safe and successful crossing. Machines with ropes reaching to the ship on each side appear to pull or guide up and down the locks – the machines are on a track that runs along the locks on each side.

From 13,000 to 14,000 ships pass through the canal yearly with 35 to 40 a day. So there is plenty to see and observe on the deck as the journey takes place. The locks fill up quickly and also empty fast so the ship can reach its destination.

We were as close to the large cargo ships as we are to trucks hauling goods on the interstate highways. But the pace is much slower so you have time to guess what is in the huge containers and where the cargo is headed.

We began the journey by land in Panama City and drove to the Atlantic side. We boarded the ship and crossed the canal to the Pacific so we landed back in Panama City. A very unusual strip of land enables the crossing to be so much shorter than going around Cape Horn. The United States accomplished the construction of the marvel more than 100 years ago after others had suffered defeat.

As the guide pointed out sites along the trip, one stood out as the prison where dictator and drug trafficker Manuel Noriega was kept. He ultimately died in a Panama hospital. The guide remarked as the prisoners waved to the passing ships – how often would this happen anywhere else in the world.

A few more interesting facts about the area--Panama City is thriving with amazing high-rise buildings dotting the landscape. The guides told us the population was close to two million in the city and surrounding area. It was a bustling metropolis with the atmosphere similar to any large city in the U.S.

Also, we learned that a Panama hat is made in Ecuador. There are many stories about the origin of the popular headpieces. In 1906, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt gave the hats a boost when a photo was taken of him looking over the construction of the canal.

My husband agrees the canal is amazing and definitely worth the trip. In addition, the Panama beaches, as well as those in Costa Rica, were gorgeous. The monkeys, sloths, lizards, birds, and various other wildlife did not disappoint.

My favorite visit was to a chocolate farm with refreshments, made from the crop and offered at the end of the tour. The fresh fruits were also spectacular, cut from the vines and trees and served on the spot.

A special bonus was meeting many interesting travelers who were also intent on crossing the canal. The trip must be appealing to a certain generation that is not of the younger variety.
Don’t hesitate to see these amazing places and enjoy the people, foods, and wildlife.