The Panama Canal Narative

23rd January

Today we arrived in Cristobal in the city of Colon, which is situated on the Eastern coast of Panama at the end of the Panama Canal. Its position gives it a two-season climate – the dry season lasts from January to mid-April and the rainy season from mid-April to December. Temperatures in and around Colon are typically hot and vary little throughout the year at about 25 Degrees C - today its 28 Degrees C.

Second only to Panama City in West Panama, Colon has a population of 204,28. American workers building the Panama Railroad founded it in 1850 and since then it has developed into an important port, commercial centre and tourist destination. Despite all this the town itself was extremely dirty. In 1953 it was made a trade free zone and is the world’s second largest duty-free port. On January 28th 1855 the first train crossed the isthmus of Panama from coast to coast.

The city was built on a swampy island and was notoriously unhealthy and often plagued by yellow fever. In present times, however, Colon has re-invented itself as a new destination for cruise liners and is essentially an industrial port. It is ideally situated for day trips to Panama City, the Panama Canal and Gatun Lake.

Our excursion today was entitled Panama Railroad Experience (Dome Car). Our train ride began as we set off from Colon City on the Caribbean Coast. We were in the Dome Car section of the train, the glass top wagon provided us with panoramic and elevated views. We soon crossed the Continental Divide and found ourselves on the Pacific side. From civilisation to the beauty of nature, our route took us through the lush Panama rainforest. We were told to look out for the local Howler Monkeys and colourful toucans, but unfortunately the sun was in our eyes and we saw nothing. Someone did see a lazy crocodile (or was it alligator, not sure). The train ride lasted about one hour as we travelled alongside the Gatun Lake with views of the ships transitting the Panama Canal. The tour guide was very jovial and kept us amused with various anecdotes on the journey. It was extremely enjoyable and relaxing.

When we got to the other end just short of Panama City, we drove to the Miraflores Locks, one of the three sets of Locks along the Panama Canal. We sat there at the locks for about half an hour and saw nothing. It was then explained that the traffic (ships and boats) from the Pacific side had gone through and they were waiting from the traffic from the Caribbean side, which was on its way. We then went to see a film about the construction of the Panama Canal and then went back to the lock to see the boats coming through.

We then boarded the coach again and drove through the outskirts of Panama City and across a causeway to three islands offshore of Panama Bay, where we had panoramic views of the city. We stayed here for three quarters of an hour – Doreen catching up on her shopping therapy and Geoff grabbed a enjoyable ice cold beer.

We now had an hour and a half coach drive back to Colon. I must just add that this drive back was horrendous. We were sitting right at the back of the coach, the driver was driving much too fast and his engine was right under where we were sitting, and it was getting hotter, and hotter. The air conditioning helping the people sitting down the front of the coach was just not reaching us. By the time we got back we were like drowned rats – not a very nice end to a very enjoyable day.

24th January

Today we were going to do a partial transit of the Panama Canal, going through the Gatun Locks to the Gatun Lake, anchor for a few hours and then go back through the Gatun Locks.

The Gatun Locks are one set of the three sets of locks along the Panama Canal, the others are the Miraflores locks (mentioned above) and the smallest set, the Pedro Miguel. At the Gatun there are two parallel sets of locks, each consisting of three flights. The locks at Gatun lift ships a total of 26 metres, the biggest rise on the canal. Small electric locomotives called ‘mules’ run on tracks along both sides of the lock. At the end of the Gatun Locks is Gatun Lake, which is a man-made lake.

Our day started early at 6.30am, when we went up to a vantage point at the bow of the ship, where we could just see through the smog (caused by a local factory and smoke from deforestation in the area) the P & O sister ship, The Arcadia, sailing in front of us towards the Gatun Locks. She was embarking on her 2010 World Voyage. P & O had arranged with the Port Authorities for the two ships to transit the Locks at the same time, The Arcadia via the eastern locks and the Oriana via the western locks. There was much cheering and shouting between the ships, including the captain and various members of the crew. Although we started the transit behind the Arcadia we emerged into Gatun Lake ahead of her, much to the satisfaction of the Captain. As we turned and dropped anchor in the Lake we watched the Arcadia sail past to continue its round the world adventure.

After three hours at anchor the pilot instructed us to up anchor and we started our return through the Locks. This time following one of largest container ships able to use the Panama Canal. Geoffrey has thoroughly enjoyed today watching from close quarters the working of the canal. We will tell you how they use the ‘mules’ to assist the ships on our return.