Final moments on the Canal Journey - Day Two - Pacific here we come!

Day Two started early - we were to be awake and ready for our second advisor to join us - 6am to be exact!   So around 7 am the pilot boat showed up with “Our Roy!”  He choose us - the catamaran because of the smoother ride - He didn’t know he was going to have so much fun!    But to say the least we were in excellent hands with Roy - his 25 years of experience was obvious!

Of course - Ed and Dale made fast friends with Roy - we had a 21-mile motor to get across the Gatun Lake to The Cut and an additional 8 miles to the next 3 locks for our descent to the Pacific.   Again we were to provide breakfast and lunch for our advisor - Garrett the resident Pancake Chef - did a great job - so with mochas for us girls, coffee for the rest - we were ready to get started.

Having Ed along for the past 4 weeks of the journey was really good for the morale of the boat and especially for the Captain - Ed knows how to have FUN!  So all week long he has been prepping everyone (at least he thought he was) and organizing a Toga Party Crossing. So out he comes with his “practice” Toga  …. Comic relief at its best!

Caesar?  A Roman? Superman?

Of course that just motivated the rest of the crew and Roy "kind of chuckled" … not to sure what he got himself into!  Dale just continues to motor across the Gatun Lake leading the other 2 yachts that were to be in the locks with us -  Ed disappears below for a little bit …and reappeared "Toga Ready!"

Really …… this must be our gladiator! Yep - no mistakin’ our genuine gladiator!

Spurring on the guys - they quickly got in the act… it is amazing what sheets and pillowcases can do!

Being part of the crew - means we work - regardless of the “dress code” -

So with that said …. Work had to be done … “move that boat!!”

Garrett knows how to handle his lines…..

Rose and Kurtis

    Tanya and "G-Man"     aka: Garrett

 

Rose and Kim - guess I should have brought my "goddess dress" from Em and Kyle's wedding!

 Dale was relieved to have such a happy crew …. fun lovin' and hard workin'!

Taking a moment to enjoy the upfront and personal view…

Roy radioed ahead to the Miraflores Locks so the cameras would be ready as we pass by the crowd at the museum and of course for the live webcam!!  Ed wanted to make their national news ….. There was no mistakin’ Companion was making an entrance!!

Roy was a good sport and handled business as usual!!

Besides giving us great recommendations for restaurants and touring!

Twenty Four hours from the time our first advisor arrived at the Flats - we reached our destination at the Balboa Yacht Club  - 43 miles - 6 Canal locks - 30 mile motor across the Gatun Lake and The Cut - 2 advisors safe, sound and stomachs filled -  all seven members of the crew still on board  - We completed our mission!

Thank you Roy - you made it so very memorable for all of us! 

Of course we weren’t done till we got rid of the tires and lines…

Kurtis took charge…

Two loads of tires and 500 feet of rope returned!

Now we could have fun … we celebrated with drink and appetizers galore!

A real celebration with all of the fixin's!

To our "crew" - really our brother and friends - thanks for sharing this adventure with us - 

we made it to the Pacific!  What a great two days!

Companion's Panama Crew!

I would like to share one of Ed's toasts for the evening   … one of many!

“To Companion - we were with her today as she got her first taste of the Pacific - 
Her home waters!”  Cheers!

Once again - thankful for a safe ending to the journey thru the Panama!

Companion's historic moments - Day one Panama Canal

Historic, proud, excited, anxious, nervous, memorable - feelings that we were having Saturday morning as we left the dock in Shelter Bay  - I loved seeing our American flag fly in the wind…. We are getting closer every mile!

"God Bless America,Companion and Her Crew!”

Sailing/motoring to “The Flats” to be met by “our advisor”  - We all were getting goose bumps or at least I was - knowing how much this means to Dale - to truly start the process of this voyage  - bringing Companion to the Pacific.

“We are really doing this!”

The Panama Canal provided us with an advisor to sit with Dale as he captained thru the locks of the canal.  Osveldo was a gracious and knowledgeable gentleman that would lead us thru our “game plan”.

Osveldo making sure everything is a go!

How to raft up with another monohull - Corvallis - makes it easier to control with two boats side by side … securing the tires as fenders between the boats and protection from the canal walls…

12 tires and 5 fenders protecting our hulls plus over 500 feet of line!

Corvallis - Roy and Gail’s sailboat from Massachusetts - headed to Costa Rica

What to expect when the linesmen throw us the canal line …. new terms … like “the monkey fist” - a pretty big lead shot covered in a braided rope - that when tossed to us would be heavy enough to reach us.

Monkey fist weighs about 1 pound and the canal linesmen know how to toss and aim!

We thought we really should have had a baseball mitt to catch the monkey fist!

Dale, Ed, Kurtis and Garrett had spent the better part of the previous afternoon rigging our line stations for the canal. So the 125 foot lines could go thru our spinnaker blocks attached to the cleats then to either the mast winches or helm winches. Giving us control on the winches - very slick if I say so myself … the guys were proud of themselves as it took the pressure off of the cleats and worked like a charm …

Sometimes we were eye level with the linesmen - they walked with us as we maneuvered in the locks.

Osveldo got us organized on the deck - all systems ready to go - Dale at the helm - ready, set.  Proceed with caution ….  Ahhhh … Companion is starting her trek to the Pacific!

Our faithful crew ready for action! This is the reason for the journey!

As I watched Dale’s body language it was very clear that he was excited to be bringing Companion to our new coastline - her new home!  Knowing how Dale thinks (most of the time - I can read him like a book) I will tell you that he was ready for this moment - to be able to share it with his brother - Ed and the crew that helped him get Companion to this point of the journey - Kurtis, Rose, Garrett and Tanya was extra special - and I got to watch all of the anticipation from the top of Companion's bimini.

Watching and waiting…

So when the huge iron gates behind us began to close - we had this huge freighter in front of us.

Garrett had everything under control ... “We’re really following that vessel?” Giving the thumbs up!

Rafted together with a monohull, Corvallis  - it was pretty incredible …

Roy stands watch - while Gail was at their helm

Water rising at a pretty quick pace - rising up about 30 feet in about 25 minutes. Water swirling behind the freighter - the canal linesmen along with our line handlers (Kurt, Rose, Tanya and Garrett - Ed acting as a “supervisor” !!!)

“That is one big freighter!” Ed reporting to the Captain!

No worries - Companion was in good hands ...  Capt’n D got to watch standing on his seat - a bird’s eye view!

Dale, Kurt and Rose - thinking this is a breeze!

Tanya workin’ hard!

 Two more locks to go and another 60 feet to rise - no problem..

I even got a chance to pull the line!

Osveldo guided us in the dark to a huge mooring ball at the lake’s edge - where we were to rest for the night.

Twilight as we left the Gatun Canal Locks.

We were to provide “dinner” for the advisor - so like most of our discussions - food is always at the forefront - we decided on a Dirty Rice Jambalaya - so our early morning preparations were perfect and Osveldo   (FYI:  he had never had Jambalaya before) said it was the best he ever had! Even had second helpings!  Made the galley chefs mighty proud!  As he ate his dinner - we secured to this jumbo - mammoth mooring ball …

It only took Garret one good size leap to get over to the ball with our lines.

Time for some fun!

Then our dinner, a glass of wine or two -  finally rest came easy ….

Grateful for a safe and successful first leg.  Amen!

Tomorrow is gonna be another big day!

Prepping for the Canal

We knew that leaving the San Blas Islands would be the next step to getting closer to the Panama Canal. What was planned was a two full day sail with an overnight at the Isla Grande - but it turned into a two-night stay.  We tried to leave on Tuesday but the weather and waves forced us to seek a little security back in the bay and wait out enormous rainstorms - one after another … we were safe just really wet ….

Anchoring in Isla Grande

being patient was good … of course we anchored fairly close to the “local establishment” … somehow Ed and the “kids” always find out where the “action” is at!

Kim with the bar owners kids - Kimberly and Almado  (kim squared!)

So Wednesday, we left about 7am with waves just over 2 meters (6 to 7 footers) - we sailed most of the way - which the crew enjoyed - about 34 miles - I slept a good chunk of the morning away  … arrived at Shelter Bay Marina by 1pm… (Just a thought:  I giggle every time I think of this - the last stop on the Atlantic side is the Shelter Bay Marina in Colon, Panama and the final stop /destination on the Pacific side will be our very own Shelter Bay Marina in LaConner - perfect wouldn’t you say?)

Once we were tied into the dock at Shelter Bay - a delightful afternoon with fabulous showers, ice cream treats, swimming pool, a fresh beer supply and dinner at the marina restaurant - also purchased the Panama flag … a real milestone for this boat to be able to raise their colors!   Ahhh  …. Civilization again!

  A good time was had by all ...  especially since we were cleaned up ...
a nice treat for all of us!

A great way to enjoy our first evening in Colon

The guys scrubbed down the entire boat with “boat wash” and fresh water - we girls did a mini “spring housecleaning” -and provision for the next few days - so we felt fresh and getting ready to greet the Pacific. ….

How many cart loads does it take to fed a crew of 7?

The tires (that will be our fenders) and long lines have been delivered to protect the hulls of Companion - the guys helped protect the solar panels with plywood covers, the wind generator blades removed …. Getting ready for Companion’s big day!

Dale’s planning is paying off as the immigration and officials came this afternoon - our agent for the crossing arrived early evening with plans for the inspector to be here Thursday to measure up Companion… our hope is that we will cross the Panama Canal starting Saturday afternoon and finish up by Sunday evening.  A historic memory for all of us!

Farewell to the San Blas Islands

“Idyllic” is what I will think of when I think of the San Blas Islands …  this has got to be one of the most pristine places left on this earth.  We … Ed, Kurtis, Rose, Garrett, Tanya, Dale and I  knew we were someplace really “special” -  a tropical paradise like nothing we had ever seen before.  Truly untouched by commercialism, commerce, pollution - where else can one go to witness that?

Capt'n D on Coco Cay

The Kuna Indians let us sail into their islands  -  just for a “look see” - and what we have our some pretty awesome memories - The Kunas shared their daily routine with us - a very simple life - with traditions and customs original to their tribe. We appreciate their lifestyle… they are happy. You can just see it when they look at you with their smiles - they just light up!

Rosalina and her granddaughter 

Our life on the boat was idyllic also - most of the mornings I was treated to a very special breakfast treat - Thanks Glori for sending me with the Frain’s chocolate and new frother - with Rose’s barista skills - this was pretty much heaven on earth!!!  Island Mochas for us!

I think this should be a commercial for Frain's!  Thanks sweet Sister for the supplies - Island Mocha!!

Waiting for the fisherman to show up so we could decide what dinner was going to be - was a real treat for us!

We refer to these guys as "OUR Lobster Boys!"

Reading, swimming, listening to Garrett’s guitar and song writing, card playing, and now a new hobby for the girls - embroidery - we made the time pass  - not is any kind of rush - no need to be -  we all relaxed and got into our own rhythm of each day - this made a fabulous 12 day excursion.

Quiet afternoons out of the sun

Thank you San Blas ………. just thank you ! 

Maybe just maybe we can come back someday!

Loved our time in the San Blas'

Lemmon Cays

Lemmon Cay - another tropical paradise … we about fell over seeing civilization… the first little shack bar we have had in about 12 days ....   As soon as we got ourselves organized and settled in for the evening - Dale, Ed and I had a scouting trip to check out the tropical drinks!  The kids took naps - so we felt it was our "duty" to explore! 

Dinghying back to Companion we saw “life” on the boat - so Ed thought it was his “duty” as the eldest to take the kids back to check it out!!  As Dale and I sat on the foredeck of Companion we got to giggling because we could hear the laughter (loud and clear) from the kids and Ed ... from the bar (of course) - a good quarter mile away!  Ed apparently was telling stories from the "good ole' days" - you know the early 70's .... as Tanya reminded us - she wasn't even a glimmer in her mother's eye yet!!  Oh - we are getting old!! But the stories I must admit are pretty entertaining!!

Dale and I had a good time making homemade pizza for the gang! 

Kind of a funny thought - for being in such a secluded place we went back to our ways and got wrapped up in the social aspects of our culture.  

Life is good .... 

Thankful ........

Thanksgiving takes on a whole new meaning when out in the open seas.

Being grateful for everything that has happened in the last couple of years…

And especially for the safe journey thus far…..

We sailed back to Coco Banderous and put down two anchors - I knew we would sleep so much better (especially us 3 girls!) and was extremely grateful for that security!

We really had an enjoyable day - actually being kind of lazy - reading, swimming and napping and just thinking about what kind of feast we would have…

Capt'n Dale thankful for a good crew and an unbelievable view

Just in the nick of time - the local fishermen showed up with a couple of huge crabs …

So the process started - bring out the pressure cooker and then the fun begins….

The four kids made us dinner  - which was delightful for me… a real treat…

Wine and crab pasta delicious … and like most families Thanksgiving comes with traditions …. So like the “Lamp Family Tradition” we all went around our table and shared what we are thankful for… puts life in perspective!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all ... 

Birthday celebration!

Birthday celebration!

Nov 21 night was crazy - a great way to ring in Ed’s birthday …

We had sailed to another outcropping of islands - Coco Bandores

They were gorgeous and pristine - the water - the beautiful blue that we have so come to love.

Our own private beach ...

Set our anchor in deeper than normal waters - about 30 feet deep - 

I sometimes get a feeling or inkling that something isn’t quite right - almost a sixth sense…so I stayed up and put myself on a self-imposed anchor watch for about 5 hours … then of course the wind and waves kicked up a bit and by 1AM we knew we were dragging… not a good thing when there are reefs and other boats close by.. so we had to lift the anchor and get ourselves out to the open sea - tough to do in the dark let alone a downpour that came from no where… That sure got all of our adrenaline going - we took shifts going in circles till the dawn broke.  Motoring one way and sailing back downwind. But at least we didn’t hurt the boat….  Dale and Ed took the morning shift and sailed Companion to another little anchorage near a village  - Rio Diablo - that had some provisions available. Quite an interesting little village; connected by a walking bridge two of the poorest islands we have seen so far…. but they did have food to purchase.

We enjoyed being stable that morning - with all of us taking naps and recouping from the evening “drill”.  And of course we needed to be rested for the birthday celebration!

Thank goodness we had decorated the boat before the “episode” ….  Pretty sure Ed enjoyed his day - Right before happy hour … we had a special DVD birthday greeting from Adri and Rylan - it was nice to be able to surprise Ed with a “family treat!” 

Dinner for the Birthday Boy was a lobster red curry - pretty darn fabulous if I say so myself. And of course Ed had to tempt everyone with his verbal rendition of what his favorite birthday cake, pie or Blizzard might have been for the evening.  Oh well - we need civilization for that to happen.

Finishing the evening off with a couple of rounds of “Oh Hell!”  It was a good day and we were safe.