Day 3 - January 30, 2011

The first place we stopped today was the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI).  We heard an interesting lecture by Dr. Anthony (Tony) Coates about the biodiversity of Panama.  He spoke about migration of animals  between North and South America once the Isthmus of Panama was formed.  STRI provides an environment for nearly 1000 scientists per year to study biological diversity including Barro Colorado Nature Monument, dry and rain forest cranes and marine laboratories on both oceans.

Our next stop was Gamboa Rain Forest where we rode an aerial tram thru a mile of the rainforest. We had a naturalist guide who helped us understand what the different plants and animals were.  We climbed a tower at the end of the tram line where we could see the Chagres River.

We saw different wildlife this day including the two iguana above and a two toed sloth!

Next we proceeded on an adventure to try to get to our ship, near Colon (Caribbean shore). Due to the ship having to anchor rather than dock and a huge traffic accident, we had to go back to Panama City and then take a different road to get to the ship.  We ended up in the Colon Free Zone and learned about the wholesale global trade which is transacted there.  We also saw an Arab community just near the Free Zone.

Then to a small road and narrow, rickety bridge to cross over top the Gatun Locks at the entrance to the Panama Canal from the Atlantic/Caribbean.

We pulled into a marina, walked to the end of the dock, and boarded Zodiac Boats to transit to our ship Le Levant.  We had a welcome drink, received our cabin assignments and had a nice dinner, while the ship bobbed in the rough sea.

What an anniversary present to be on this trip!