The routine with the Canopy family was to get up early and hit the roof to watch birds and drink coffee/tea. Then we'd head out to bird in the field at about 7am. We'd return to the tower at about 11 am when we had a little time to relax (shower to cool off - it was hot and humid!). Then it was usually lunch around noon, then head back out to bird at 3pm until about 6. Everyday was a full fun day. And the trucks we rode in were fun too. :)
This is the road to/from the Tower. We birded with several different guides which was great fun. All were fantastic.
Here is guide Jenn Sinasac, one of the guides. We saw some amazing avian with her.
This was a bridge Dave dubbed "Bridge of Death". We didn't see anyone die, but there were elements of it that didn't inspire a ton of confidence. At least we couldn't see any gators or crocs in the water below it. This road runs adjacent to the Canal (to the right of the photo).
Dinner and the other meals were all fantastic. Nice to relax after a full and hot day each day.
We may not known what we were eating half the time, but I know it was good!
Another morning at the tower on the roof with guide Michael and a group from California.
This is the way to ease into one's day!
BIRDS!
Dinner with the crew from Southern CA.
We spent our last afternoon at a set of locks on the Panama Canal. A part of this time was spent going through the museum (super cool!) and watching a film about the canal.
I encourage you to read about the Canal. I bet you'll learn a lot you never knew. When we were there, they were just completing construction on the expanded locks. Since we've returned they are in operation.
Here is the wiki page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal
We were able to spend enough time there to watch several ships (commercial and pleasure) go through these locks. It really was pretty fascinating. But sad too having learned about how it is decimating the water in the area. The new locks are, in theory, supposed to correct that.
Lots of bird life around the canal as well.
Here is one set of locks opening (or closing?). You can see three sailboats in the other set of locks. Plus, this shows the incredibly difference in water level. There are three sets of locks at this particular location.
Monster cargo ship going through. Lots of people where we were taking photos. Lots of people on the boat taking photos of all of us! Pretty funny. Notice that there is almost no room between the boat and the canal walls. It is crazy tight.
Our final day at the tower. We got up and hopped in a car to drive a couple of hours to the Canopy Lodge. This place is higher in the mountains, a bit cooler, and featured many other species of birds that prefer that environment.
Part IV coming up!
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