OCEANRANGER

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

GALAPAGOS

Didn`t make Galapagos for my birthday. Trying passage taking 10 days. Head winds, no winds, torrential rain, electrical storms and heavy seas. Galapagos making it all worth while. Anchored in Academy Bay, Santa Cruz opposite Darwin Centre. Embarking on 4 day guided luxury cruise of the other islands. Pictures to follow.

Tuesday, February 05, 2008

PANAMA

Panama City is very lively especially during Carnival. Entertained by Panamanian dancers and the people are very friendly. Visited Gamboa tropical rain forest and saw snakes, monkeys and orchids. Note the flower called Hotlips. We leave for Las Perlas islands Thursday for a week of chill out and hope generator will be fixed by then. Hope to arrive in Galapagos by 21st Feb. my birthday!



























Saturday, February 02, 2008

PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT

The transit of the Panama Canal was one of the highlights of the voyage. After spending a few days in Shelter Bay Marina we anchored in the Flats off Port Cristobal where we took on our transit advisor/pilot. We proceeded to the Gatun locks where we rafted up in groups of 3 yachts. Fortunately we had a dedicated yacht chamber and did not have to share with the leviathans. We ascended the 3 Gatun locks to the Gatun Lakes where we moored for the night. An early start saw us cross the lake to Pedro Migual and Miraflores locks where we rafted up again. We descended these 3 locks to the Pacific Ocean passing under the Bridge of the Americas which joins North and South America. We proceeded to Flamenco Marina opposite Panama City with its skyscraper skyline. Next week is Carnival!