Gulf of Panaman Bona & Taboga Islands, Panama Canal
Gentle tradewinds and a colorful sunrise off the starboard bow welcomed the National Geographic Sea Lion to the entrance of the Gulf of Panama. Our destination this morning … the wildlife-rich islets of this great bay. Nourished by the upwelling currents of the Pacific Ocean, the islands support a wide variety of bird and animal life. As our Zodiacs guided us along the rocky shores of Otoque and Bona islands, the morning warmed us. Thousands of magnificent frigate birds took to the air, soaring on the gathering thermals in a glorious aerial ballet. Blue and brown-footed boobies nested on the sheer cliff-faces. The confluence of wind, sea and wildlife provided photographic challenges that pushed our abilities to the maximum, with the images and incredible wildlife experience the reward.
Sailing further into the Gulf, our next stop was the boyhood home of our shipboard hotel manager, Erasmo Estripeaut, the little island of Taboga. Small though it may be, the island is steeped in the history of Spanish conquest of the New World. In 1534, the famous Conquistador Francisco Pizzaro spent six months on the island, establishing the Church of San Pedro, before departing for his expedition to Peru and his confrontation with the Inca Empire. The church is the centerpiece of the colorful town and still stands today, stark white against the cerulean Panamanian sky. The photographers among us had plenty of subjects for their attention, as we explored the old church and wandered the streets of the little historic village on the “Island of Flowers”.
Late afternoon on a near perfect day found us on the aft deck of the National Geographic Sea Lion, enjoying a special ceviche, along with guacamole and other snacks prepared by our galley. Anticipation was building, because we had taken our Panamanian pilot on board and assumed our position in line for our trip through the first locks on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal. For photographers, and for anyone really, the timing couldn’t have been better. We reached the three sets of the Miraflores Locks while the sun was still just above the horizon. Golden light below a deep blue sky reflected off the four powerful locomotives, two on each side of the ship, that were going to guide us through the narrow channel. As we slowly made our way through the three sets of locks, the setting sun and the gathering of dusk, coupled with the blazing lights that illuminated the locks, splashed a colorful palette of colors across the scene. Gold and blue. Indigo and orange. Nearly everyone on board crowded the forward decks to make photographs, or to just wonder at the marvel of the experience. A Panama Canal passage.
