Wednesday 23 January 2013

Garden - Groundhogs in Panama

Update - Transiting the Panama Canal was the second Life-Long ambition on this journey!
Another 'early' Post as we venture further afield  early morning.
As if flicking a switch the cruise has, at least for the time being, come to an end. Seven weeks of what I have enjoyed as ‘luxury’, comprising ‘top quality’ food and drink, comfortable accommodation, the very best of service and in part the good company of fellow passengers. Add to this the great geographical interest en-route, it is an experience I would strongly recommend to those who wish to see a good proportion of the world (for much less than a King’s ransom) in a relatively short time in safety and comfort. For the next leg of my journey I doubt there will be much of the latter, but a continuation of the ‘Great Game’ doesn’t necessarily rely on that!
During my 48 years as a mariner I had been privileged to serve with some of the ‘best in the game’, so it was refreshing to witness that the profession is still in the safe hands of the crew of M/V Voyager. Captain Neil and his Officers kept us safe in all respects, updating us on a daily basis (course, speed, distance covered, weather etc) and afforded us a rare glimpse into the workings of the bridge of a ship at sea. What I might describe as the Corporate Department was, in every respect, totally committed to resolving any and all passenger issues, while my highest accolade has to go to Catering and Housekeeping. All worked tirelessly to provide the highest standard of menu and restaurant service, an immaculate cabin service all in the most cheerful and respectful manner. Never at any time did I feel that anything was ‘too much trouble’ for any member of this fine team .
CONGRATULATION to you ALL!
A throw-back to the Canal Transit, with the National Geographic Vessel 'SEALION' passing us in Gatun Lake.
A one day lay-up in Panama City, and what better place to stay than the Mateus household. A well kept little guesthouse with all the creatures shown below photographed in their garden. Soon after arrival I met Moses a Peruvian student who invited me to the
 not far up the road, with Internet access. Unfortunately he went off into the city and I didn't see him again. Enter the lovely people who welcomed me into their home and allowed me to get the post away.
 PLAIN TANAGER
 TROPICAL KINGBIRD
 CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER
 OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER
 HOUSE WREN
 
 BLUE DACNIS
 GREY-BREASTED MARTIN
 What a GRASSHOPPER?
 
 Jury's Still Out On This One!
 DRAGONFLY
 
 WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN
 BUTTERFLY
 HAWK-MOTH
 DULLER GRASSHOPPER
 GEOFROY'S TAMARIN
 
 VARIEGATED SQUIRREL
 BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR
 PLAIN TANAGER
 RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
 RED-LEGGED HONEYEATER (male)
RED-LEGGED HONEYEATER (female)
 JESUS CHRIST LIZARD
 
 AGOUTI
 
 SUMMER TANAGER
 
 RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (male)
 RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER (female)
 CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER
 BEETLE
 GREEN HONEYCREEPER
 VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD
 COLLARED ARACARI
 
FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER (just look at the expression on that hapless Spider)
PLAIN TANAGER, FLAME-RUMPED TANAGER, CRIMSON-BACKED TANAGER, OLIVACEOUS WOODCREEPER, BUFF-THROATED SALTATOR, VARIAGATED SEEDEATER, HOUSE WREN, BLUE DACNIS, RED-LEGGED HONEYEATER, WHITE-NECKED JACOBIN, PALM TANAGER, RED-THROATED ANT-TANAGER, SUMMER TANAGER, VIOLET-BELLIED HUMMINGBIRD, GREEN HONEYEATER, RUFOUS-TAILED HUMMINGBIRD, COLLARED ARICARI,
GEOFROY’S TAMARIN, VARIAGATED SQUIRREL, AGOUTI