Panama Canal

Clocks ahead last night so the 5 am alarm felt like 6. Still dark when we got to our preferred viewing spot on Deck 4 at the bow, the lights of Colon welcoming us. Through the first locks at 7 and enjoyed the traditional hot coffee and Panama buns while listening to the Panamanian narrator describe the building of the Canal.

By 10, it felt like we needed a snack so sampled the crepes with apple filling.

A nap on the Promenade was welcome as we sailed leisurely through Gatun Lake.

Stopped for lunch and a bit of a rest. 35C is pretty hot and hydration is essential.

Watched our final passage through to the Pacific Ocean at Fuerte Amador where we had had an excursion 10 years ago. This was the only set of local where they used the row boats to move the ropes to the ship.Read more