We’re approaching the Panama canal, about 150 miles distant. It feels like were in the middle of a freeway, riding a bicycle between lanes. Big ships are everywhere, passing us on all sides. There is no traffic separation scheme here, so the ships pass each other port-to-port, starboard-to-starboard and they overtake each other (and us) on whatever side seems like fun. I won’t be sleeping much the next night or two….
It’s gray and raining. It’s been that way pretty much since the beginning of May. To anyone thinking of retiring down here, I suggest first sitting in the shower for a month before you make up your mind. We decided to pass by the Western Panamanian islands, though they are supposed to be nice. But we’ve had enough of watching howler monkeys, toucans and orchids in the rain. We got all the jungle we could handle in Costa Rica, and the beaches aren’t attractive in the rain. On the other hand, sitting in a dry restaurant after taking a warm shower in Panama City is very attractive.
We should arrive in Panama Sunday morning. Most of the official offices (immigration, customs, canal authority) are closed then, so me may have to hang out for one extra day so that we arrive on Monday. In any case, we’re almost there!
David and Gunilla