Jennifer Davidson, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor
Rainforest Discovery Center and the Panama Canal, 1/24/2022, National Geographic Quest
Aboard the National Geographic Quest
We began crossing one of the wonders of the modern world last night when we entered the Gatun Locks and began the first half of our transit. Three sets of locks led us directly onto a manmade lake 85 feet above sea level. Early in the morning, those of us up early could hear howler monkeys calling from the island in front of us. These calls are a hallmark of neotropical rainforests.
We prepared for our first outing of the week by gearing up with binoculars, water bottles, cameras, and sunscreen. We left National Geographic Quest for a boat/bus/walking adventure at the Rainforest Discovery Center (RFDC). Established in January 2008 by then President Martin Torrijos, the RFDC is located on the famous Pipeline Road. The site is world-renowned for birdwatching. In 1985, 385 species were identified in two hours, a record number for bird counting.
The visitor's center and observation tower, the work of architect Patrick Dillon, make the least possible impact on their respective sites. In their own ways, each reflects sustainable design principles, including the use of recycled building materials (structural steel, wood paneling, and flooring), the collection, treatment, and consumption of rainwater, the treatment and recycling of sewage and other effluents, and the integration of natural ventilation systems.
We transferred from our Zodiacs to local fiberglass outboard engine boats. We admired the beauty of the rainforest as it draped over the light-reflecting waters of Gatun Lake. As we cruised, we spotted wildlife in the lake's floating vegetation and in the small islets inside the lake. The most amazing spotting was a giant vessel as it emerged from the forest-covered edges of the island.
Back on the ship for a well-deserved lunch, we spent the rest of our day transiting the Pacific Ocean for the second half of our Panama Canal transit. We crossed the Culebra Cut, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores locks. We then exited our crossing of the Isthmus of Panama under an iconic and classic bridge, the Bridge of the Americas. This marked the continuation of our week's adventure in Panama and Costa Rica.
Isabel Salas Vindas, Naturalist
Isa Salas is a Costa Rica born biologist, who loves her country and teaching about it. Known for her professionalism and experience in the field of animal behavior, Isa earned her master's degree in biology from the University of Costa Rica, where sh...
Jennifer Davidson has been a lifelong lover of wide open spaces. She grew up in a ranching family in remote West Texas. Her roots run many generations deep in that land, which she has always considered home. She studied marine biology on the sh...
Bahia Almejas
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
Barro Colorado Island and Panama Canal Island
We did our first set of locks of the Panama Canal right after we got on board yesterday, and today we had our first full day of the trip. We did the Gatun Locks on the Caribbean end, where we were elevated 85 feet above sea level to reach Gatun Lake. This morning, we paused our transit of the canal to explore Barro Colorado Island. The biggest mountaintop became an island when they built the lake, and it has been a protected tropical rainforest ever since. Nowadays, the area is run by the Smithsonian Institute. It is one of the most studied tropical rainforests on the planet. After our morning activities, we were ready to continue our Panama Canal Crossing.
Barro Colorado Island, the Rainforest Discovery Center, and the Panama Canal
Anchored in Gatun Lake in the middle of the Panama Canal, we enjoyed sunrise from National Geographic Quest ! Our canal transit was completed in two days. We were able to stop during our two-day crossing to visit the Rainforest Discovery Center and Barro Colorado Island, one of the meccas of the Tropical Research Institute. Zodiac cruises around the island and hikes in protected areas allowed our guests to explore. These living laboratories are a direct source of information for published research about tropical environments and inhabitants, symbiotic relationships, and the behaviors and habitats of many species of plants, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and more. A white-nosed coati with a collar was our first sighting. It felt like he showed up as an ambassador to remind us that in the Smithsonian Institute facility, the monitoring and tracking of creatures is one of many tools used to learn about the animals' habits. A troop of howler monkeys (Allouata palliata) demonstrated the power of their hyoid bones to amplify vocalizations from three miles away. They announced that we would find them on the trail later. We observed females, alpha males, and juveniles. Slaty-tailed trogons, rufous motmots, toucans, antshrikes, snail kites, and sloths appeared at various intervals. Then a small group of spider monkeys (Atteles geofroeyii) came along and crossed above us. Spider monkeys are a good sign of a healthy environment. They split their troops into smaller groups and spread throughout the forest in search of food, so they require a good extension of habitat to survive. Some guests saw crocodiles, an ancient creature that serves as a climate change indicator. Their nest temperature determines gender, and there is evidence of an inverse relationship among females and males. The National University in Costa Rica and National Geographic are doing research on this. During the evening, we finished crossing the Panama Canal and appreciated the great accomplishment in engineering. Despite limitations in instruments and technology, the canal dates back over a hundred years. The canal is part of infrastructure that is in full operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is something to admire, and it was the perfect closing to our journey in Costa Rica and Panama.
Panama Gulf and Panama Canal
Today was our second day in Panamanian waters, and what a great day it was. In the morning, we cruised the rich waters of the Gulf of Panama with seabirds as our escorts. In the afternoon, we enjoyed the Panama Canal, one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World.