Colon, Panama

We docked for a day in Colon (named after Christopher Columbus) at the Atlantic end of the Panama Canal. Instead of exploring Colon I chose the Flora and Fauna tour on Lake Gaton (Created to supply water and passage for the Panama canal). Our guide was strong on fauna and weak on flora. We saw Capuchin and howler monkeys, a large caiman, a Jesus lizard (because he can walk on water), iguanas, a giant sloth, an osprey and a yellow headed caracara (a lifer for me!). As we motored back to the dock the heavens opened and drenched us.
In the evening was a presentation on herptiles--reptiles and amphibians. Factoid for the day-- snakes do not suffocate when they ingest prey as big as or larger than their mouths because the windpipe is located on the side of the throat.
Meanwhile Bill took the train fom Colon to Panama City and back. It parallels the canal and was vital in its construction.
Photos are Capuchin monkey (white face), howler monkey, Jesus lizard, iguana, sloth and me after the deluge.Read more