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Transiting the Panama Canal |
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The next
morning we woke up, tied up next to a mooring that we had arrived at the
previous night. A new pilot came aboard and we headed off across the
lake through the banana cut, followed by the two other boats, and
keeping a close lookout for crocodiles. After a while, we re-joined the
main channel and motored side-by-side with some of the enormous cargo
ships. Soon, we passed into the Gilliard cut where there were loads of
machinery and vehicles, all working to widen the channel. There were
lots of plastic pipes stuck into
When we
neared the other end of the canal, we passed underneath an enormous
suspension bridge that crossed the Gilliard cut. Once again, we rafted
up to the mono-hull and moved into the lock, closely followed by the
Liv-1 crew who were helping aboard another yacht. The gates closed
behind us and we began to get that sinking feeling as all of the water
was sucked out of the lock. After the Gilliard lock, we crossed a small
lake (still rafted up) and went into the Miraflores locks, at which
point, Jack was hoisted up the mast to take some photos! The final lock gate opened and we entered the Pacific Ocean, untying from the other yacht and motoring down past the Panama City boat-yard towards the yacht club. The pilot boat came along side and our pilot jumped aboard, ready to go and lead another boat through. We picked up a mooring buoy outside of the yacht club and settled back for a beer and a quick swim for the boys! It was a sad moment when we had to leave Kind of Blue, and we all waved goodbye to Dick and Anita from the shoreline as we carried our bags (and the tyres!) across.
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