This past weekend we had a great diversion from The Great Waiting Game of Portobelo: an invitation from our best boat buddies Jess & James on S/V Adamastor to linehandle for them as they bridged the divide between the Atlantic & Pacific through the Panama Canal.
Jess & James in the Gatun Locks with the Caribbean BEHIND them!
In addition to our sparkling personalities, our good friends were excited to have us aboard in part because we had a bit of experience linehandling, having helped S/V Santorini through the Canal almost two years ago during our overland travels.
Linehandling aboard S/V Santorini in 2011
During the 2011 trip, we crossed from the Pacific to the Caribbean so we were excited to go the opposite way this time with our good friends, and with Damon’s brother, Dylan, too!
Jones’ at the bow in the Gatun locks
On Friday, once Kemah and Mother Jones were squared away in Portobelo, we made the short trip to Shelter Bay Marina to meet the boat and our friends – we even had enough time to take a dip in the marina pool and do some laundry – aww, marina life!
But, it was no rest for the weary and we were up bright and early on Saturday to do final prep on the boat, motor to the flats and await our advisor.
Although Canal transits have been completed by untold vessels in the past 100 years, Jess was especially buoyed to transit on the 26th – her lucky number.
Another kismet aspect of the transit we came to discover was that our 2013 Advisor (William) was, in fact, the same Advisor we had in 2011!
Our wondeful advisor, William, on the soft mooring in Gatun Lake in 2011
It was a real treat to have a familiar face aboard for this new transit; in addition to the change in direction, this time we rafted up and center-tied rather than tying to a tug, like we did in 2011.
James at the helm in the Gatun locks. Note: we’re rafted up to a cat on our port side.
Regardless of the new operations, Team Adamastor transited the Canal safely & swiftly – and we even had some fun, to boot!
Jess & James happy to be on their way to the Pacific
But, what happens on a Canal transit, stays on a transit so you’ll just have to enjoy this photo essay 🙂
Past the Culebra Cut in the Pacific
Click to see more photos of the 2011 transit or 2013 transit.
Laurie and Damon
That sounds like so much fun. I am glad you had a great time. Stay in the shade and use lots of clothing you dont want to get skin cancer like Dear old Dad.
I love you
YOUR DADDY
Hey Dad! Thanks for the advice. We do try to cover up as much as possible. And, Damon recently took advantage of the awesome health care here to see a dermatologist who gave him the all-clear! xo – L
I think you should send a copy of the picture of you in the Tito’s hat to the company – “enjoying Tito’s through the Panama Canal” – or some such caption. Looking great! And thanks for keeping us posted as to your whereabouts. Love, Mom
Oh, Mom! Great minds think alike: I already tweeted them several pics – which is how I got all their schwag in the 1st place last year. They’re a great company and I have a feeling our mutual love will make it 😉
Hey guys, thanks for the follow on twitter – @sailingpodcast. Hope you are planning to come to Aus! I will add you to my list of blogs to follow and maybe we can catch up sometime? Getting through the Panama canal would be an interesting podcast.
David
Hey David, thanks for checking in! We’re both from Austin and love it. Unfortunately, we haven’t made any plans to make it back this year – yet 🙂
We just helped some friends through the Canal this past weekend; which makes twice in the last two years! I’m happy to check in with you anytime (we have wifi – ha!). Just give me a jingle.