We have just learned that the Panama canal pilots have banned together and are in the midst of what is being refered to as a slow down. They can't strike so they are deliberately slowing the number of vessels down per day in an effort to get a pay raise. Jean and I are in the midst of scrambling to see what we can do in the mean time. As many of you know our trip is driven by the hurricane seasons and the delays will put us in Panama durring the N Atlantic season. This is something we have hoped to avoid. The panama area is safe enough from storms but a late season canal passage puts us in danger of a Pacific cyclone on the west side.
We are speaking with experts on what this may mean for the rest of our trip this year and will keep you informed here on our site.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vi19z4LEi0