The boat stopped in front of a little island which we could quickly see was “Monkey Island”. The White Face Monkeys came running out to the end of the limbs on the trees to greet us. You can tell that they are used to boats coming up to them with food. They're not shy at all. Quickly about 6 monkeys jumped on our boat. One climbed right on Scott’s lap as we fed them pieces of bananas that Victor brought along. They were so cute! They kept grabbing bananas out of our hands and stuffing their faces. They would let you touch them and they would wrap their soft little hands around your fingers. It was so cool! Then they would jump back to the trees in the jungle. Then we would go a little further and more would jump on our boat. You have to watch your stuff or they will steal it and jump away. One of them took a little bag that Victor had. Their quick. What an amazing opportunity to be this close with wild monkeys. I wish so bad that Hunter and Parker could have been here to do this too.
Here is the big Iguana in the tree.
Look close for two black monkeys.
Here they are closer.
Next we got back in the car and headed to Miraflores Locks. We went into the museum and watched a video explaining the history and how they built the Panama Canal. In the early 1900’s many different cultures came together to build the canal that would go through a strip of land 48 miles wide and connect the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans. What a feat! The locks are necessary to bring the boat from sea level up to the level of the canal and lake. They do this by filling the locks with water, or letting water out. This brings the ships up or down each section. We were able to watch a big freighter go through the locks, which was very interesting to see. There are actually 3 sets of locks along the canal and we were at the one that is the entrance/exit with the Pacific Ocean. There are currently 2 lanes at the locks and boats can go through both ways. There is currently a huge expansion going on in which they are planning on building another set of locks, as well as widening and deepening the existing channel. They anticipate that this will be done in 2014. It was interesting.
6 comments:
What a fabulous day! It is so great that you get to tour the area with handpicked guides. The monkeys are sooo cute. Thanks for sharing your adventure.
Love,
Mom
Those are great pictures! We almost feel like we were there! The rain forest is such a contrast to all the high rise buildings in the city. You are having such a wonderful experience. Thanks for the update! Lots of love, Mom & Dad
Trish & Scott,
Another great experience for the two of you. And it sounds like your hosts are dedicated to make sure you have an excelent time ... both on the medical side as well as the tourist side.
Thank you for taking all the beautiful pictures, and for posting such interesting commentary.
Keep up the great work ... we all love sharing the experience with you.
Dad & Donna
I'm glad to see you're enjoying yourselves while you're there. How cool to see the monkeys up close like that. Glad your treatments are going well...
Kelly
Wow, what an adventure. Just read all your past blogs and have enjoyed reading about your trip and have especially enjoyed the great pictures.
One of the things that amazed me was that you were able to have your blood drawn in your condo. What a caring touch. That would never happen in the states.
Another amazing event was seeing your friends from Costa Rica. Small world.
Most amazing of all is your continued positive energy.
Sending positive healing energies and prayers your way.
You amaze me,
Myrna
Well it looks like you guys are having a great time down in Panama. We here at SOS miss you and can't wait for your return. I have been keeping up on your blog and it seems as though you are getting treated pretty darn well. You deserve it that is for sure. Well sorry I haven't posted anything sooner. I'm so happy you guys are having such a good time. I can't wait to here more details when you get back.
Jodi
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