We did it! Into the Atlantic.

April 8, 2007 (Easter)
Yesterday we finally made it through the Panama Canal. It was an easy trip. The hardest part is usually the upward locks because water rushes up from the floor of your chamber from the one above it and that causes lots of turbulence. That doesn't bother a ship, but little yachts sure notice it. But we came throug ih the Miraflores locks tied alongside a tugboat, which worked like a floating dock for us. We rose up alongside them without having to do anything but take pictures.
After we got through the 3 locks going up we had to race through Gatun Lake in order to get to the Gatun locks in time to lock down. Fortunately, we are very fast under power. Even our Canal Pilot was surprised at how fast we were. We had a team of 5 line handlers and a canal pilot in addition to the two of us. Andrea had to provide food and drink for all those folks as well as treats for the tugboat crews. She did a marvelous job as hostess and the crew commented that it was a special trip for them as well. We did a little flamenco along the way and basically had a good time. After we finished, Andi surprised them with shots of tequila and the crew left us in a very good mood! And the Moroccan Chicken dinner she made didn't hurt any either.
The downward locks were easier due to less turbulence, but by that time it had started to rain. Yes, the rainy season is definitely starting in Panama. It wasn't too bad while we were locking, but by the time we were putting the crew ashore, it was pouring.
Still, it was a very pleasant day with memorable scenes. We'll post some pix when we can get to the Internet.
Right now, we are about 20 miles off Colon on passage to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. That will be a long trip and Andi's real offshore baptism. Until now, we've stayed out overnight a few times, but mostly went from harbor to harbor on daytrips. Now we have to cover 800 miles in one shot. There are lots of islands where we can seek refuge if the weather gets bad, but the weather predictions are uncommonly good at the moment. So we will try to get away from Colon and then turn left, putting the Gulf Stream behind us all through the Yucutan Channel. That should give us a lift of 2 knots which is a lot.
We'll let you know as we go along. Don't forget to write.