Rio Chagres
09° 16.45 N 079° 56.35 W
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8 to 13 December 2007 |
One highlight of visiting Colon is a trip up the Chagres River. It is only six miles, from polluted noisy Christobal port (Colon) to the tranquility of the rainforest.
Gilana makes her way up the first mile of river.
Surrounded by beauty, Gilana at one of four spots we anchored in.
The happy campers waiting for Liz to return to base, after a Jack P-trip.
All views here are this spectacular!
The clean fresh water was so calm, we could have been on blocks.
Six miles up the river we reached the Gatun Dam, we could navigate no further. This dam provides the level required in the Gatun lake that raises and lowers the ships in the locks, and the Hydro Electric power for a lot of the canal operations.
On the left is the power station.
Ships are pulled into the locks by locomotive. Liz and Laura went on a hike to the Gatun Locks, and watched a few ships pass through.
Here one of the six locos (per ship) goes up the incline to the next lock level. We noted that the maintenance was superb, and the grounds of the canal zone were immaculate.
Locomotives wait for the ships that wait for their "slot" in the schedule.
It amazed us that, as "High-tech" as the canal operation is, they still row out in little boats to catch the lines.
The canal passes right through the jungle.
A view from the Gatun dam, looking down the Chagres. Gilana was anchored just out of view to the right.
Liz looking for interesting insects...
...like this beetle, yet to be identified (by us)....
...and these Leaf Cutting Ants.
It was time to move Gilana to a new anchorage, and new views.
This looked like a good place so we stopped....
...and took some side trips up smaller tributaries.
You can only imagine the peace and tranquility. Good for the soul.
We came across two White Faced Capuchin monkeys, that leapt across the river from treetop to a tree on the opposite bank. Liz set her camera to a higher speed, and waited, then caught this little guy launching himself across.
That was a hell of a leap, he seems to be congratulating himself.
We saw five crocodiles in the river. Hard to photograph, they stealthily cruise the banks. This was one that we missed, but the closest we came to capturing one on film. Yes, we did swim in the river, but kept a sharp lookout.
Another potential Crocspot.
The next hike was to the fort of San Lorenzo.
"A Brief History of the San Lorenzo Fort"
1597 King Philip II of Spain orders the building of the fort on the mouth of the Chagres river as part one of the fortification of the coast from pirate attacks.
1671 Henry Morgan captured the fort and used it as his base for attacking Panama City. On his return he destroyed it.
1677 The Spanish rebuild the fort and inprove it, with additional cannon batteries and barracks.
1740 English admiral Edward Vernon bombards, captures and demolishes the fort.
1750 The fort is rebuilt again, the structure is the present day ruins.
1821 Panama declares independance from Spain and the Spanish troops leave the region departing from here.
1942 During WWII the United States Army installs artillery in the area of the fort as part of the defense system of the Panama Canal.
The Fort, as it looks today.
Laura and Guard Dog Jack on patrol.
A strategic location commanding an excellent view of the mouth of the Chagres.
Once again spotting wildlife on the hike.
Like this Keel-Billed Toucan.
A Howler Monkey.
A common, or thick booted hiker.
After the hike we went potholing up a small tributary.
Refreshing to have the cool waters rushing over our feet.
When Jack sees water, he looks for fish, even in the smallest pond.
Liz swimming in the jungle.