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