John AKA Galley Boy
Winya_wynah
Wed 29 Apr 2009 15:07
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Well I have never replied so quickly to an
invitation in my life! 10 days going through the Panama Canal and into the
Pacific sounded too good to be true - until I found out I was galley boy when I
arrived!
After a 21 hour journey via Madrid and Guatemala I
arrived to find Gary waiting with transfer & hotel booked. So off to the
hotel & drinking complimentary beer at 6am UK time - nothing new
there!
Then on to Colon by local bus in a tropical
storm & found Winya Wynah, Skipper and No.1 waiting in the rain. After 2
days preparation and a paddle in the Caribbean, we were off, having practised
our knots, rope and hooking skills following extensive training.
 Time to go to meet our advisor.
 We were accompanied by dolphins to the first lock.
  Training & teamwork proved itself & a
fantastic experience ended in a night under the stars in Gatun Lake, complete
with crocodiles and howler monkeys.
Next morning the main canal - what canal? they all
seem the same from a Galley!
What a great journey - at speed - through the lake. The locks are fantastic & fun, especially when you are just feet from a large ship and rafted to other boats, but the lake is amazing.Tropical rain forest, islands, frigate birds, vultures, pelicans, cruise ships and container ships, tugs and so much more.  Then the Miraflores locks, the Bridge of the
Americas and our mooring in the Pacific. Hugs all round, and bubbly to
celebrate a great day with a job well done by a fantastic team. An experience
never to be forgotten with friends who never will be.
  Can't wait for the 3000 mile section - sorry all
you folks at home.
Hasta la vista!
Photo's c/o John our official photographer (&
Galley slave)!
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