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February 10, 2008
Portobello to Colon, Panama
We left the anchorage in Portobello around 7am and steered for the Atlantic entrance to the Panama Canal. The forecast was for very little wind, but we managed to sail a broad reach in light northeasterly 10 knot winds. The closer we got to the breakwater of the canal, the busier the container ship traffic became. We lost count as we got closer and closer, until finally we could see the channel into the port. I had expected something slightly more dramatic – like a poured concrete wall, about 10 feet high. As it turns out, part of the old historic forts in Portobello were torn down to provide fill for the breakwater.
We arrived at Shelter Bay Marina, tied up, and quickly set to finding internet, telephone and the usual creature comforts that we had been missing for two weeks. By this point, over three weeks away from home, I was growing increasingly homesick. My mission was to connect with the airline to begin to put the pieces together for my return home. The marina had one telephone, which they monopolized for their own telephone and fax needs. There was an international telephone outside the office, but local calls required the rental of a cell phone. $1.50 per day, $0.35 per minute. I bit.
The marina office told me to give myself at least 3 hours to get to the airport in Panama City, and that I would need to hire a driver, probably $75. Friends of Mike and Judy on Tango highly recommended Stanley. First, I called the airline. I could get a direct flight at 9:30am or a connection through Houston at 2:30pm. Dreading the thought of leaving the marina at 3:30 in the morning, I opted for the 2:30pm flight. Then I called Stanley. He suggested a 10am departure for the 2:30pm flight. Got it.
On our way to the marina, we got stuck at one of the canal locks. In the following photo, behind the bus you will see stacked containers. These are on a ship in the canal. In the centre of the photo, you will see a little train on the top of a rise in the track, sort of like a roller coaster. The container ships are tied to the trains, and the trains guide them through the canal. Cool!
They finally opened the gates and we passed one of the locks. This photo was taken from the swing bridge while we passed the canal gates, with the container ship behind.
I caught my flight, landed in Houston, barely made my connection, and arrived in Newark around 1am. I collected my backpack from the carousel, and walked out to get a cab. I was hit by a blast of cold air and wind. 10f, -12c, 25 knot gusts. My suntan/sunburn froze and fell off. Clearly I had become acclimated to the southern Caribbean weather.
I arrived home around 2am, and I was really thrilled to find Chis sleeping soundly. The apartment seemed warm, inviting, but so not a boat. It has taken me a few days to settle back in to life ashore. I am grateful that Chis is patient and supportive of my sailing excursions. It is a tricky balance to long for the sea, and yearn for my spouse. Ideally, Chis, the sea and me will once again rejoin. It is important to dream, and dream BIG. Adventure keeps us young and alive.
Many thanks to my dear hosts, Mike & Judy, for your limitless support and hospitality. Expressing my concern that I had overstayed my welcome, Mike simply said “What? You’re almost family.” Mike has never met my family, who after almost a month in close quarters on a boat I would likely have hoisted in a bosun’s chair to the top of the mast and left there for the turkey vultures. I adore you both, and your continued voyages inspire me. Your courage is endless.
And next on Dave’s quest to sail the world’s oceans? Perhaps this volunteer crew thing is a great way to see the world? Maybe I can circumnavigate the globe by hitching rides with others? Stay tuned. The journey has only just begun!
Posted by dave at February 10, 2008 07:41 PM