First weekend

I got back this afternoon from another weekend of adventure. I went to the Atlantic coast of Panama on a last minute trip with Hobin, Nathalie, Tanya, and our professor's son who was looking to set up ropes to climb up a few trees. We drove from the city for only hour and a half and made it to the Gatun Locks of the canal. As you drive through you are only 20 feet away from the locked doors to one side, and beautiful sights as this sail boat to the other.

We passed through Colon and had breakfast at a little restaurant on the side of the road. Patacones (fried plantains), hojaldres (yummy fried dough) and eggs.

 

STRI has a huge crane in the Parque Nacional San Lorenzo where we camped for the night. You can go up to get a glimpse of the canopy. We ended up slingshotting ropes over trees in preparation for the rest of the class when we all come in a few weeks.

After packing up camp today, we went to Fort San Lorenzo (an old Spanish fort) that is on what used to be the old american military base of Fort Sherman. Located where the Chagres River joins the Atlantic ocean, Fort Sherman used to be the "jungle school" for the US army who would train here before going to Vietnam.

The views of the ocean were stunning!

We finally made our way back to Panama city, with a quick stop at the Shelter Bay marina where we once again saw the most beautiful boats preparing to cross the canal.

This week we begin our Bio course by a day of lecture tomorrow at STRI and a trip to Barro Colorado Island on Tuesday and Wednesday !