May 30, 2010
Up early to greet the new Pilot Captain to take us across Lake Gatun and through the next set of locks. This lockage will be easier as we are going down which creates less turbulence than the up lockage.

The journey across the interior reminded me of the Mississippi River in many places. Remove a few palm trees and we could have just as well been in Wisconsin.

As the ships round the corners coming across, I found myself questioning if we’d have room to pass.

Locking down was easy as predicted.

Once through the Pilot boat came out to pick up our Pilot captain and we were on our way to Flemenco Marina in Balboa Panama.

We spent a few days here enjoying the marina and taking some time to go out for another tour of Panama City. It is a very large city and a magnificent skyline. Upon closer inspection however once notices a lot of construction which seems to have been put on hold.

While in Panama City, we were informed by Captain Jim that his mother had been admitted to Hospice and was not given much longer to live. We arranged for Jim to fly home and were happy to report that he made to in time to see her before she passed away. Our sincerest condolences go out to Jim and his family for their loss. We will miss having Jim aboard.