It is December 22, 2012, around 4:00 am. We are just entering the first of three locks which will take us through the Panama Canal. The entire Canal runs though Panama for over 50 miles as it connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Even though we are beginning the passage at night, we are able to see the 24 hour a day process of creating yet another canal for the maritime needs of the world.

As dawn broke we could clearly view the exotic and beautiful jungle area that lined the waterway. Birds chirped to mark the excitement of our passage. Eagles soared overhead and parrots put on exhibitions of gliding for our personal viewing pleasure:)! The alligators lined the sandy beach area to spy on possible prey.

To top it all off our family went on http://www.pancanal.com and WATCHED our ship LIVE as we made the passage!!

It was certainly an experience that exceeded our expectations!