Last night we anchored in Linton Bay, up close and personal to reefs and the jungle. As the darkness settles over the jungle the terrifying sound of the howling monkeys along with the all night drummers (maybe the Kuna Indians) hindered our sleep. Whoever it was the rain did not hinder them. He Who Hums stayed on top deck suffering all three, despite the ear plugs of gave him. Apparently the howler monkeys can be heard 3klm away even through thick jungle, so orange ear plugs were definitely not the answer. 🙉
At first light Jade quietly mooched out and around the many vessels. Some obviously abandoned, some with sleeping owners whose guard dog chatted us. The guard dog’s furry companion lifted his head, eye rolled and resumed his resting position. Another day and another threat. As is like the graveyard of masts protruding from the water yet motionless in our wake. I shudder at the tragic loss of these vessels. The hidden monkeys sounding way more upset than the agitated dog to see movement so early in the morning.
A beautiful day in front, rain clouds building behind and restless cranes stirring in one favourite tree waterside.
Underway we watch hard and heavy rain fall, some threaten us, others caught up to us. But there is nothing like a fresh deluge of rain to break up the journey and cool things down. An hour can disappear quickly along with the sight of land. With very large dump of rain I can imagine the ecosystem of the jungle (now non visible) is ignited. Under the huge canopy is home to jaguars, pumas, spider monkeys, anteaters sloths and armadillos. Would loved to have seen a sloth!
The Atlantic side of the canal is very different to the Pacific side where the city of Panama stands.
When we transit the Canal leaving the Atlantic it will be the end of Pedros stories. I have enjoyed hearing about Blackbeards antics, Sir Francis Drake discoveries and Sir Henry Morgan's callivary and the soldiers who were sent to conquer. Many of them would never have seen the cross fire coming.
We only spot the cannons and gunneries clearly as as we exit each beautiful location.
These lands now inhabited with the surviving generations of the Pre Columbian Indians, the Europeans - Spanish and Portuguese, French, Africans, the Dutch and German along with the island natives, who together create the tapestry of nationalities living in the Caribbean islands.
What a magical carpet ride it has been for us. We, who came from our own large island, far from the history of gold smuggling, pirate raids and bloodbath battles of these lands.
We love our place down under we call home in the Pacific. The lucky country Australia!