Firefly - Into the Pacific

On Friday 31st January, Firefly descended through the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores locks, and motored under the bridge of the Americas to enter the Pacific. The whole Panama Canal transit was really well organised both by World Cruising and the Panamanian Canal authorities - its surprising just how many people are involved in making a transit happen.

The World ARC fleet are anchored in La Playaita which is fine, if a bit rolly, with the amazing backdrop of Panama City a few miles to the North. In the last decade or so Panama has attracted a lot of investment and the skyline resembles a small Manhattan or Hong Kong with a some very modern skyscrapers and a number of new ones under construction.

As we have been learning a lot about Panama and the canal itself here is a very short synopsis for you. Originally Panama was a state of Colombia. In the late 1800's France signed an agreement with Colombia to build the canal. Fraught with problems, principally malaria and mud slides, the French attempt went bust twice. Then around the turn of the century, the Americans took over the mantle but could not agree terms with Colombia. The eventual outcome enabled by the Roosevelt administration was Panama became independent and the USA made an agreement with the new state. The Canal design was changed to include locks, as opposed to using the Chagres River and was completed ahead of time and below budget, albeit with the size of the locks being reduced mid project. Interestingly, technology for the eradication of Malaria was a significant factor. It opened in August 1914 so its the centenary this year. Currently new locks are being constructed to enable much larger ships to transit and the ongoing work is very much in evidence. The principal difference is that the new locks will be about 50% wider as well as longer and deeper. The consensus from most of the Canal Employees we spoke to was that it will be completed within 18 months a little behind the original schedule.

So having reached Panama City we boarded a Party Bus for a memorable night out with our fellow World ARC sailors. They are very popular in Panama - basically a stripped out classic American School Bus, vividly painted and lit with neon, with a bar at the back and a separate generator to power the sound system. We found ourselves on the bus with the younger crowd and as we drove towards the city along the Amador Peninsula, the party got underway. Initially we were treated to Michael Jackson and Abba tracks before the DJ switched us onto the techno. The volume increased, beer and punch was passed down the bus to everyone who was either sitting on side benches or trying to stand or dance in the centre. The bus was literally shaking in time with the music and everyone we passed would wave, cheer and smile. To celebrate Chinese New Year there was an impressive firework display taking place as we approached the city and we had a great view. A few of the older passengers on the bus were seen with their fingers in their ears! After a couple of extremely enjoyable hours touring around the city the bus stopped to give everyone a break. When we got back on board the generator would not restart and there was no alcohol left - so we had a relatively quick trip back to the start drinking cranberry juice in silence, somewhat of a contrast.

On Sunday we head about 40 miles South to the Las Perlas Islands (known for its Pearl diving) and are looking forward to some quiet anchorages and good snorkeling spots.

Paul, Susie and Peter