Captain's Log

May 14, 2006

Mothers Day on the Golden Bear started out with a beautiful sunrise and then a warm clear day with a slight breeze.  The morning was quiet around the ship as those who did not have work, watch or class chose to sleep in.

On the bridge the watch was very active as we were getting into the vessel traffic leaving and going to the Panama Canal.  From 0600 until 2000 this evening, we passed over 75 ships.  The rough coast of Panama was also seen off into the distance. 

As this was our last Sunday in the tropics until after Chile, we had our second BBQ.  Gil, our chief steward did it up big with Marinated Tri-tip and Polish sausage.  The stern fisherman helped out with a large tuna for the non meat lovers.  The evening was concluded with a golden sunset. 

Tonight will be an active one as we approach our arrival into the Panama Canal.  We round Punta Mala about 0200 and enter the Gulf of Panama.  That will be our first report in directly to the Panama Canal authority.  We will arrive at the entrance to the Canal about 0830 and either go to anchor in the very congested anchorage and await a canal inspector, or be boarded by our pilot and the inspector an proceed right to the fuel dock.  Once docked, the fueling should take between 10 and 15 hours. 

Two students from Panama who live only blocks from where the ship will berth are hoping to go home for dinner, but this will depend on the Panama officials as the ship has not been cleared to disembark personnel. 

Once fueling is complete, the ship will depart Panama and proceed directly to Callao Peru.