7º 10' North Latitude

Next up, the Panama Canal!

On January 25th we had reason to celebrate. We weighed anchor from Bahia Arenas at 7:00 a.m. and headed south before rounding Punta Mariato on the west end of the Azuero Peninsula. At 1009 hrs we logged 7º 10' North Latitude, our southernmost latitude on the Blaine2Maine route! With so much more to look forward to between here and Maine, there is also a great feeling that accompanies the thought of heading for home.

On the morning of 1/26 we rounded Punta Mala and were instantly greeted by the conditions the eastern corner of the peninsula is known for. For several hours we beat into wind and waves, the bow often rising and diving at a speed over ground of less than two knots. Eventually, the seas calmed and we were able to drop anchor after dark at a random location along the northeast shoreline of the Gulf of Panama in 30' of water.

On 1/27, we sailed toward the Panama Canal. As we approached, there was some momentary confusion about why the island 5 miles ahead was not identifiable on the chart plotter. The answer came when the island revealed itself as a massive cargo ship, which turned out to be one of many.

Today we are making final preparations for Traveler to transit the Panama Canal. Private boats are required to have an advisor on board, and we are scheduled to meet on the water at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. If all goes well, we hope to be entering the Miraflores locks between 7:00-8:00 a.m.

The Panama Canal hosts webcams at various locks along the route. The chances of catching Traveler along the way may be slim, but if interested in viewing the canal activity in general, this is the link: https://multimedia.panama-canal.com

We are excited for this transit and look forward to posting photos and a description soon.

As always, thank your following our adventure!