Prepare to Paddle: Panama

Panama March 24, 2010
Another early start to the day, as the birds in the jungle trees outside our window began their loud chirping at 4 am. A very comforting sound to Rebecca, reminding her of her childhood. I was equally comforted last night at bedtime as we heard the ship’s horn of a vessel transiting the Panama Canal, reminding me of my tenure on Long Island Sound years ago.
Another of Rebecca’s favorite activities was to be up running before dawn, and she ran to La Boca and back, the second half of her run being a severe uphill ascent up Ancon Hill to the PVQ.
Our paddle crew once again set out for Gamboa boat ramp to paddle with our full complement. Our acclamation is still progressing as we worked out the difficulties of balance and equipment on the MOAB (mother of all boats). Luckily, we had today to practice as the boat and crew needed a bit of tweaking prior to the commencement of Friday’s race. We did not fare so well with the aft quartering swells produced by some of the Canal’s transiting ships or the pilot launches which created large rollers in the size range of 4 feet. We swamped several times to the dismay of all involved. However, we put our minds together to determine the suspected CG problem, and are adjusting accordingly.
The kids were once again in vacation paradise with their close cousins, and spent a lot of time in the PVQ pool, and seeking out the activities Rebecca provided.
Once I returned from the paddle, we participated in a family tradition of renting bikes and heading out the Amador causeway. Our destination was the Smithsonian marine exhibit, however, we arrived too late to make a meaningful visit, and plan to visit again tomorrow. However, a highlight of the excursion was to observe a sloth slumbering in a crook of the tree at the road to Smithsonian entrance. We also felt compelled to have a snack at Mi Ranchito, another family favorite.
Upon returning to the PVQ, we loaded up the maxi van and headed to Napoli pizzeria for a gathering of the Zonians.