Update From Jim Jolly In Panama

Hello everyone!

It has been a while since a Picasa update chronicling the travels of Atlantis. We are preparing an album but it is not quite ready yet.

However, the Panama Canal system  is ready and we have been assigned Wednesday, Feb. 1 with a 6:00 AM departure from our marina in Balboa on the Pacific side of the canal.  We should get to the first lock, Miraflores, between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.

Please join us. How?, you say. WEBCAMS! Just click on this site:http://www.pancanal.com/eng/photo/camera-java.html. Across the top of the page are a series of tabs. The Miraflores tab is a view to the south, toward Balboa, the direction from which we will be coming. The Miraflores High Resolution tab is a view toward the north, the direction we will head after transiting the two chambers comprising the Miraflores locks. At the other end of the canal are the Gatun Locks which we may reach that afternoon if all goes well or the next morning if we have to anchor in Gatun Lake for the night. 

The pictures on the site are of the time-lapse type changing approximately every 60 seconds--now you don't see us now you do as the water level rises. We most likely will share the lock chamber with mammoth cargo vessel. You have to look close to spot small  recreational vessels.

Aboard Atlantis, in addition to Carolyn and I, will be the required 4 line handlers hired for the occasion and an Adviser from the Canal Authority also required and hired. Joining us from Cincinnati, Ohio will be my nephew, Steve, who has been cajoling me to make this trip for the last two years. Steve is also an attorney, well versed I hope, in matters jurisprudence relating to the canal.

As a reminder, a photo of Atlantis, not under sail, is attached.

Take note, if you are able to see us on the WEBCAM, there is a chance we may see you so be careful.

Have fun and practice with the site early.

Jim