8:55N 79:32W

 

Transit day loomed and Bandit looked like a cargo ship with four massive lines, fenders plus all our “toys” on deck.  Yachts must take four line handlers plus an advisor for the transit so all our berths were needed meaning the bikes, paddleboard and kayak had to be lashed on deck.  Paul, a sailing friend, was our number one line handler and took care of the bow while I did the stern.  Being rafter together in a nest of three meant we only needed two line handlers but canal requirements insist you take four.  Our third line handler was an entertaining and enthusiastic young Scottish backpacker Luke, who is travelling around the world on a budget of $4 a day!  We enjoyed his company immensely.   Our fourth line handler was there for the experience only.

 

We picked our advisor up off Colon late afternoon and headed straight into the Gatun Locks.  It all went very easily thanks to our calm and knowledgeable advisor who told us what to do.  We then overnighted in the Gatun Lake before motoring to the Miraflores Locks the next day.  Down locking also went well and it was a relieved Bandit and crew that anchored off La Playitas late afternoon.

 

We’re now busy provisioning (still....how much more can Bandit take?) and doing last minute repairs.

 

Boats are coming through the canal each day and the anchorage is filling up.  A few boats have already left for the Galapagos and we’re listening to their progress on our SSB.

 

We hope to be away within a week – depending on repairs and weather.....the two things that seem to always influence cruisers!