Week Five Panama City and Equator Crossing

 

This past week has been interesting and fun. We started the week in Panama City with a Jungle Excursion by boat on Gatun Lake. WOW it was so much fun going around the islands in the lake looking for wildlife. We saw LOTS of wildlife from monkeys to birds and even a lizard. Jeff's pictures turned out so well. In just under over an hour he took 200+ photos. We then started our 6 day sea voyage to Santiago, Chile which we will arrive at on February 1.  While at sea we crossed the Equator at 3 am Thursday morning. The ship celebrated our crossing at noon on Friday with the Shellback ceremony for first time crossers. There were 8 officers who were polliwogs who had to endure the ceremony. It was so much fun. The passengers were the jury and each officer was charged with derilection of some stupid offense by King Neptune. We then declared each of them guilty. At that point the mermaids smeared them with whipping cream and the had to dive into the pool. After the trial ended. They all had to "kiss the fish" before they were made "shellbacks".  After a toast of either Aquavit or Rum Punch, the ceremony then came to an end. The only other thing was a pipe sprung a leak and our carpet was really wet. We had to change rooms but our stewards (Jaco and Naz) did all of the work for us. We just went to the ceremony and lunch, after which we went to our new room 4 doors down. 

Hope you enjoy the photos.

Our excursion boat was perfect for viewing wildlife

as there were only 14-16 per boat. We were lucky as they gave us the first row seats and the tour guide was with us. I spotted the howler and the Northern Jacana and she identified them.

I have to say this was NOT taken on this trip but I forgot to put it in last week's Costa Rica birds. These are in the area but did not see them.

Scarlet Macaws

We spotted the Tamarins first and this is a Pied Tamerin. Small and fast, one actually came on the bow of the boat.

This is the howler monkey. They are always high in the canopy of the trees so Jeff had his telephoto lens on his camera and got this great shot. 

Our last species of the four in the area was the White-faced or Caputian monkey. He was one of several in the area.

This is the Basilisk Lizard known as the "Jesus Christ" lizard as it appears to walk on water. It actually can force air to its feet to form bubbles which allow it to skim across the water. 

These are two Blue Herons we saw and loved the colors. 

We almost missed this tiny Green Kingfisher. 

Here is the male Snail Kite. We also saw the female but I am only posting the male.

Jeff did not realize that he caught this cool picture of the Yellow-headed caracara and the Turkey Vulture taking to flight as there was a crocodile coming out of the water about 3 feet away. 

The Equator Crossing Ceremony

                                                                    Damian, the Assistant Cruise Director, is the Jailer of the Sea, 

     His role is to state what each officer is accused of and declare guilty or innocent when the jury votes.

Aaron, the Cruise Director, is Neptune of the Sea. His role is

to be the Judge.

The fishes that need to be kissed. Since all are required to wear masks, so were the fish.

Casper, one of the officers who committed the crime of not having food in the World Cafe for us to eat (like that ever happens) had to kiss the fish.

The Norwegian Aquavit liquor is ready to be distributed for the toast.

We have been hanging out with a great couple from Florida, Mike and Kathy. We removed our masks for a quick picture and replaced them immediately.

We then followed with our Aquavit and Rum Punch. The Aquavit is strong and burns so that is the order of drinking.

Next week we will be in Chile!!