Panama Canal

There is something unique about transiting the Canal, on so many levels. The crew were all excited, the officers excited and a little nervous.

There are so many ways to explain the feelings on board. Nearly everyone had friends and family at home watching on the live cameras which was probably like watching paint dry but for us it was wonderful. A couple of the girls were in tears because they were able to wave at a distant camera where Dad or mum or a boyfriend was able to see exactly where they are and have a moments contact. It was so brief and we are all able to use messenger and Skype but somehow this was better. beeped and buzzed text messages " I can see you" seemed to be enough for everyone to be up lifted." My mate is watching" "Mum just text me to say she can see me"
The Canal it's self is brilliant too, with thousands of people giving their lives to build it, the area rich in history and the pure fact that you cross a continent instead of an ocean feels plain wierd. For us Europeans we now feel further from home. On the wrong side of the Americas, The philipines, Thai, New Zealand and Australians,all feel closer to home like they were next door.
It was an epic exercise in staying awake, we left the Atlantic at 1700 and tied up in Flamenco Marina after taking fuel at 1130 the next morning. I really enjoyed the transit because I was really involved and the pilot was interesting too.