Shelter Bay & Panama Canal transit times
Marita3
Mark & Helen Syrett
Sun 19 Feb 2012 14:34
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We are still at Shelter Bay, just inside the
breakwater, awaiting our transit.
 The marina is at the old US army base of Fort
Sherman where the American GI's did their jungle training for Vietnam and
Cambodia. Jungle is taking over the buildings, it is hot and humid and a
crocodile came into the marina the other day.
 The marina itself is good with a swimming pool and
excellent bar/ restaurant but otherwise it is in the middle of nowhere with
armed guards on the gates and around the compound.
 We went to the spermarket the other day which was a
40 minute drive in the Marina minibus----we had to cross over the Gatun locks
and also saw in the far distance the new canal cutting which will allow even
larger ships to use the canal.
  The supermarket also had armed guards, both inside
and outside, and the surrounding shopping mall was a bit desolate. You are
advised not to wander off into the back streets!
We have now been given our transit date and
approximate times. All time are local times (UTC -5hours)
Bruno and Vera, Tom's in laws, join us on
Monday afternoon as they are transiting with us as line handlers. The bowline
knot is being practised!!
Tuesday 21 February: We go to the Gatun locks at
about 1600 and pass up through the three locks. At sunset (1830) we anchor in
the lake for the night.
Wednesday 22 February: At about 0530 we
set off across the lake to the other locks reaching the Pedro Miguel lock and
the two Miraflores locks at about 1200 (midday).
We then pass down through those locks and under the
Bridge of Americas into the Pacific. About mid afternoon we will pick up a
mooring off the Balboa Yacht Club for a few days in order to visit Panama
City.
There are web cameras at the Gatun locks and the
Miraflores locks for those who are interested---it may be like watching paint
dry!!.Just google Panama Canal and then scroll down and look for the link to the
live cameras.
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