Northbound ships go through the second part of the canal in the afternoon, so after breakfast we rode a bus out to within a mile of San Lorenzo National Park. On the way we saw howler monkeys in the trees, and an ant eater appeared briefly beside the road ahead of us. We walked the last mile looking at butterflies and other wildlife on the way to the old fort. There we investigated the old canons and the buildings. Then we went back to the ship.
Lunch was potato soup and salad. Then we stood on the deck and watched the ship go through the canal. It was extremely interesting to watch the gates in each lock open after the water had gone down to the level of the next lock. It was fascinating to watch the gates open for us to enter the next chamber. Finally, we were out of the canal and cruising to the town where we are tied up for the night.
We had a lovely farewell dinner and dance. Then we came down to our cabin to prepare to disembark tomorrow morning.
Howler monkey seen on nature walk
Paul riding a canon at Castillo San Lorenzo
Castillo San Lorenzo, an old fort
Canal pilot sitting next to Captain Carol
Going through the Panama Canal locks