Panama
Cerro Corozal

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    • Day 167

      Fighting wind and traffic

      February 21, 2020 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

      Another day on the highway... Luckily, we had a good night's sleep in an airconditioned room and 2 breakfast (because we had to try 2 different traditional dishes - no complaints from our side 😉). Strong headwinds, more and more traffic and a shoulder in a bad condition. No fun! Also, a police officer stopped us to have a chat and warn us about crazy and drunk drivers around carnival. The positive thing of the ride was a little bit of refreshing rain.
      We were going to go for a swim at one of the beaches further up North. But when we got there, it was all private and they wanted us to consume for at least 25 dollars. So we decided to call it a day and half-heartedly tried to hitchhike to Panama City to also avoid more of the highway. However, it was a bad spot with cars passing way to fast and no shade to protect ourselves from the sun.
      So after 10 minutes, we decided to cycle to the next town another 20km from that spot and try again. Once we got there, we really didn't want to cycle another metre on the highway, pulled off to stop anyone who could take us to the city. After 5min, a minibus stopped, they tied the bikes to the roof and we finished the last 90km to the capital by bus. We were actually happy to sit in a car with a crazy driver rather than being on a bicycle with crazy drivers around us.
      In Panama, we found a place where we could sleep in a giant tent with a fan for 10$. We cooked dinner with the residents and shared a beer before going to bed.
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    • Day 9

      Dec 30: Panama Canal

      December 30, 2023 in Panama ⋅ ⛅ 57 °F

      In 1880, the French attempted to build the Panama Canal. French Diplomat and Suez Canal builder, Ferdinand de Lesseps, failed to complete the job. After 9 years and over 20,000 lives lost, the project went bankrupt. America then took over and in ten years, completed the project in 1914.

      Forty-eight miles long, the Panama Canal crosses the narrowest stretch of the Isthmus of Panama. Witnessing this engineering marvel at work is truly memorable!

      Our ship passed through 3 different Panama Canal Transits (locks); Gatun Locks, Pedro Miguel Locks, & Micraflores. Steel ropes are attached to mules (little trains) operated by the Panama Canal Railway Company that guide ships through the canal - one mule port and starboard, fore and aft (four in total) for each ship navigating the locks. It's a slow process but very fascinating!

      When the locks open, fish pour out. Knowing this, the Crocs & Pelicans come straight at them for a tasty meal. 😳

      The Micraflores Visitor Center (20 minute drive from Panama.City) is a common way to visit the Panama Canal and to view ships coming thru the locks. It was packed with people waving as we floated by.
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    Cerro Corozal

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