The Rio Chagres, one of the most important rivers in the world, remains relatively unknown in spite of its colorful history and current global significance. It is the river that has transported the wealth of nations in precious metals, jewels, commodities and manufactured goods, the river that has witnessed an extraordinary level of man’s greed, agony and ingenuity, and the only river in the world that empties into two oceans.

Heather arrives to Simpatica anxious to get to underway. We departed Isla Linton and had a fantastic overnight sail to Shelter Bay Marina Colon where the girls headed to the city for fresh veggies and Captain Louis stayed with the boat getting fuel. Durning the overnight sail the moon was about 3/4 fuul, what a sight it was.

As we eneter the mouth of the Chagres River, there stands Fort San Lorenzo, what’s a trip to Panama without visiting the ruins at  Fort San Lorenzo?  The fort at San Lorenzo was first built during the late 16th century (the actual year varies).  King Philip II of Spain ordered a fortress to be built to overlook the mouth of the Rio Chagres which was heavily used by commerce and slaves ships.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We motored up as far as we could go until we reached the Hydro Electric plant at the Gatun dam. Gatun Dam on the Rio Chagres is a key operational element of the Panama Canal complex impounding Gatun Lake, which in turn carries ships 33km as part of their transit across the Isthmus of Panama. At completion, the dam was the largest earth dam in the world, and Lake Gatun was the largest artificial lake in the world.

We hiked up the hill and found ourselves on the shores of the Gatun lake. Further down the field we approached the end of the 3rd lock of the Caribbean side of the Canal. Ships lined up to leave the lake and head down the locks to arrive into the caribbean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are carefully taking a swim in the fresh water, and  we are constantly looking for croc’s and gaters, from what we are told they still roam the river frequently.  As we dingy through the river, exploring the many tributaries we find ourselves under some  fantastic waterfalls.  The heavy rush of falling water has the effect of a personal message.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have been hearing the howlers and as we walked along there they were.

What a great vegetable stir fry Julie has made today

 

One of the many old school busses now used for public transport in Panama.