#Chagres River

[davidstanleytravel]

Railway and highway bridges cross the Chagres River at Gamboa, Panama. The Chagres provides much the water used by the gravity flow locks of the Panama Canal.

[greenridge823]

Panama Day 7. Checked Off Another Bucket List Item On A Visit To The Panama Canal

Followers of my blog would know my desire to travel the world started in  elementary school. As impossible as it seemed at the time ( my family was very poor),   I wanted to see the Great Wall of  China, Ayers Rock,  the Pyramids, the Acropolis ,   the Panama Canal,  and so many others  exotic and historic places I first learned about in grade school.   I loved the  Geography and History classes …

[retrieve-the-kraken]

I have been so busy, that I forgot to post this one and just found it in my drafts.

I don't know if anyone noted this or posted this before, but I had to screen grab one particular scene from S2 of Our Flag Means Death.

So there were these commercial, colonial roads laid out through the Isthmus of Panama, known as Camino Real de Cruces, to carry wealth from one coast to the other, transported on foot, by mules, and by boat in some parts where the road met the river Chagres. In the mid to late 1600s and early 1700s, Panama was attacked a lot by pirates, including and most famously by Henry Morgan, so the routes had to change, but they were all basically where the Panama Canal is now, the narrowest part of the country, and thus the narrowest passage from one ocean to the other.

But David Jenkins decided that Zheng Yi Sao's fleet created the first Panama Canal:

I'm willing to accept this as historical fact.

[casbooks]

Books of 2023

Book 36 of 2023

Title: Alone in the Valley: A Soldier's Journey in the Vietnam War Authors: George R. Lanigan ISBN: 9781518825378 Tags: AUS ADF AA Australian Army, AUS ADF AA SAS Special Air Service (ASAS), AUS ADF Australian Defence Force, AUS Australia, B-52 Stratofortress, Bolivia, Buddhism (Religion), C-119 Flying Box Car, C-123 Provider, Catholic, Che Guevara, Cold War (1946-1991), HUN Hungarian Revolution of 1956, HUN Hungary, KHM Cambodia, KHM Cambodian Army (Vietnam War), KHM Cambodian Civil War (1967-1975), KHM Dr Son Ngoc Thanh, KHM FANK Khmer Army / Forces Armees Nationals Khmeres (1970-1975) (Cambodian Civil War), KHM General Lon Nol, KHM Khmer Rouge, KHM Khmer Serei (Cambodia Civil War), KHM Prince Norodom Sihanouk, M-113 APC, Medevac helicopter, Nungs, OV-10 Bronco, PAN Chagres River, PAN Colon, PAN Panama, PAN USA Fort Sherman, PAN USA Fort Sherman - Jungle Operations Training Center, PAN USAF Howard Air Force Base, POW, Rangers, SpecOps, Tamara Bunker Bider (East German Guerilla/KGB), U-10 Helio Courier, US AK Alaska, US AK ALCAN highway, US AK Delta Junction, US AK Gulkana Glacier, US CIA Central Intelligence Agency, US George Peppard (Actor), US Lodge Act, US Martha Raye (Actress), US Medal Of Honor, US OH Kent State University, US OH Kent State University Shootings (1970) (Vietnam War), US OH Ohio, US President Richard M. Nixon, US Raymond Burr (Actor), US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, US USA 117th Assault Helicopter Company, US USA 117th Assault Helicopter Company - 2 Plt - Pink Panthers, US USA 75th Rangers, US USA 75th Rangers - P Co, US USA 75th Rangers - P Co - RT 1-6, US USA ANG Army National Guard, US USA Camp Mackall NC, US USA Col Lamar Welch, US USA Fort Benning GA, US USA Fort Bragg NC, US USA Fort Bragg NC - JFK Special Warfare Center / School, US USA Fort Bragg NC - Smoke Bomb Hill, US USA Fort Gordon GA, US USA Fort Gordon GA - Camp Crocket, US USA Fort Gordon GA - Range Road, US USA Fort Greely AK, US USA Fort Jackson SC, US USA Fort Lewis WA, US USA Fort Mitchell AL, US USA Fort Mitchell AL - Fryar Drop Zone, US USA Fort Wainwright AK, US USA Francis Marion (Swamp Fox), US USA General John L Throckmorton, US USA Major James N. Rowe, US USA NWTC Northern Warfare Training Center AK, US USA Sgt David Dolby (MOH), US USA SP4 Roy Burke (Ranger), US USA United States Army, US USA USSF 5th SFG, US USA USSF 6th SFG, US USA USSF 6th SFG - A Co, US USA USSF 7th SFG, US USA USSF Green Berets, US USA USSF Special Forces, US USA USSF Team ODA-442, US USA USSF Team ODB-36, US USA USSF Team ODB-43, US USAF Pope Air Force Base - NC, US USAF United States Air Force, US USN ASPB Assault Support Patrol Boat, US USN United States Navy, US USO United Service Organizations, VNM ADF AA 1st Australian Field Hospital - Vung Tau (Vietnam War), VNM ADF AA 1st Australian Task Force (1 ATF) (Vietnam War), VNM ADF AA AATF Australian Army Training Team (Vietnam War), VNM Assassination of Ngo Dinh Diem (1963) (Vietnam War), VNM Ba Ria, VNM Bien Hoa, VNM Buddhist Crisis (1963) (Vietnam War), VNM Cam Ranh Bay, VNM Chi Lang, VNM CIA Air America (1950-1976) (Vietnam War), VNM DRV NVA North Vietnamese Army, VNM DRV VC Viet Cong, VNM Hill 282, VNM Hmong Meo Tribesmen, VNM Ho Chi Minh Trail (Vietnam War), VNM I Corps (Vietnam War), VNM III Corps (Vietnam War), VNM IV Corps (Vietnam War), VNM Long Hai, VNM Long Hai Special Forces Camp (Vietnam War), VNM Minh Dam Secret Zone, VNM My Lai Massacre (1968), VNM Nha Trang Air Base, VNM Nui Dat, VNM Operation Arc Light (1965-1973) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Ivory Coast - Son Tay Raid (1970) (Vietnam War), VNM Operation Ranch Hand (1962-1971) (Vietnam War), VNM Parrots Beak, VNM Phuoc Hai, VNM Phuoc Tuy Province, VNM Quang Tri Province, VNM RVN ARVN Army of the Republic of Vietnam, VNM RVN ARVN CIDG Civilian Irregular Defense Group, VNM RVN ARVN LLDB Luc Luong Dac Biet Special Forces, VNM RVN ARVN RF/PF Regional Forces/Popular Forces (Vietnam War), VNM RVN ARVN Vietnamese Rangers - Biet Dong Quan, VNM RVN Ngo Dinh Diem, VNM RVN RVNP Can Sat National Police, VNM Tan Son Nhut Air Base, VNM Tay Ninh Province, VNM Tay Ninh West Air Base, VNM UITG Chi Lang Training Center (Vietnam War), VNM UITG Long Hai Training Center (Vietnam War), VNM US Agent Orange (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Advisory Teams (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV IV Corps Advisory Team (Vietnam War), VNM US MACV Military Assistance Command Vietnam (Vietnam War), VNM US USA USSF 3rd Mobile Strike Force (Vietnam War), VNM US USSF Mobile Strike Force (MIKE) (Vietnam War), VNM USA USARV UITG Individual Training Group (Vietnam War), VNM USA USARV United States Army Vietnam (Vietnam War), VNM USN MRF Mobile Riverine Force (Vietnam War), VNM USN NATSB Ben Keo, VNM USN NATSB Go Dau Hau, VNM USN NATSB Naval Advanced Support Base, VNM USN TF 117 MRF Mobile Riverine Force (Vietnam War), VNM Vam Co Dong River, VNM Vietnam, VNM Vietnam War (1955-1975), VNM Vung Tau, VNM Xuyen Moc Rating: ★★★★ (4 Stars) Subject: Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.ARVN, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Australia, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Cambodian Civil War, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.Specops.Green Berets, Books.Military.20th-21st Century.Asia.Vietnam War.US Army.Advisor

Description: In 1968, George Lanigan leaves the University of Maryland and sets off on the journey of his life. He volunteers to serve his country in the Vietnam War and enlists in the army where he becomes an elite Special Forces advisor in a top-secret program. The United States is clandestinely training the Cambodian Army, Forces Armees Nationales Khmeres, and Lanigan is at the heart of the mission. In this personal memoir, LTC George R. Lanigan, USA (Retired), adapts his forty-year-old letters and correspondence to his parents into an emotionally compelling and suspenseful narrative that relates his daily life of survival and political tension. It's an inside, firsthand look at a rare, and previously classified, Vietnam War experience. But its scope reaches beyond the war itself and illuminates the realities soldiers face returning home, building a life, and even visiting war zones four decades later. Its openness and honesty will resonate with war veterans, their friends and family members, those suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, and people of all ages who are interested in American history. Readers will learn about war life, a volatile political environment, and how personal experiences weave together to create the person one eventually becomes.

[jamisonblog]

Panama Canal Tour in Panama City

Panama, a vibrant country at the crossroads of the Americas, offers a rich tapestry of experiences for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and natural beauty. From the bustling streets of Panama City to the tranquil beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, Panama tours provide an array of unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re an avid nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking to unwind in a tropical paradise, Panama has something for everyone.

One of the best ways to begin your Panamanian adventure is with a guided tour of Panama City. This cosmopolitan capital city is a dynamic blend of old and new, where sleek skyscrapers rise above historic districts. Start your tour in Casco Viejo, the city's historic quarter. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, you’ll be transported back in time as you admire the colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and charming cafes. Key landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, Plaza de la Independencia, and the National Theatre offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history.

For a taste of modern Panama, head to the city’s financial district, where impressive high-rises and upscale shopping centers define the skyline. Here, you can visit the Biomuseo, an innovative museum designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry, which showcases Panama’s unique biodiversity and geological history. Another must-visit is the Amador Causeway, a scenic promenade that connects four small islands and offers stunning views of the Panama Canal and the city’s skyline. The causeway is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or a relaxing stroll, with numerous restaurants and shops along the way.

No visit to Panama is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring Panama Canal. This engineering marvel, often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” is a testament to human ingenuity and determination. A Panama City Panama Canal Tour is a highlight of any trip to the country, offering a fascinating insight into one of the world’s most important waterways. The canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, has played a crucial role in global trade since its completion in 1914.

Your Panama Canal tour typically begins at the Miraflores Locks, where you can witness the intricate lock system in action. Watching massive cargo ships navigate through the locks is a truly mesmerizing experience. The Miraflores Visitor Center provides an excellent overview of the canal’s history, construction, and operation through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and observation decks with panoramic views. For a more in-depth experience, consider a partial or full transit tour, where you’ll have the unique opportunity to sail through the canal’s locks and waterways.

Beyond the canal, Panama tours offer an array of diverse and exciting activities. Nature lovers will be delighted by the country’s numerous national parks and reserves. Soberanía National Park, located just outside Panama City, is a lush rainforest teeming with wildlife. Here, you can hike along the famous Pipeline Road, renowned for its incredible birdwatching opportunities, or explore the park’s network of trails that wind through dense jungle and alongside pristine rivers.

For a truly unique experience, take a day trip to the indigenous village of Emberá Drua. Located in the Chagres National Park, this community offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the Emberá people. You’ll arrive by dugout canoe, traversing the Chagres River through stunning jungle scenery. Once in the village, you’ll be welcomed with traditional music, dance, and a tour of the community. Learn about the Emberá’s customs, craftsmanship, and their deep connection to the natural environment.

Panama’s coastal regions are equally enticing. On the Caribbean side, the San Blas Islands are a must-visit destination. This archipelago, consisting of over 360 islands, is home to the Guna Yala people and offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Sailing tours of the San Blas Islands allow you to hop between secluded islets, snorkel in the turquoise waters, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Each island has its own unique charm, from bustling Guna villages to deserted beaches where you can relax in paradise.

On the Pacific side, the Gulf of Chiriquí and the Pearl Islands offer excellent opportunities for marine adventures. These regions are known for their rich marine biodiversity, making them ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sport fishing. Whale watching tours are particularly popular between July and October, when humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of Panama to breed and give birth. Witnessing these majestic creatures up close is a truly unforgettable experience.

For those seeking adrenaline-pumping activities, Panama Tours do not disappoint. The highlands of Boquete, located in the Chiriquí province, are a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The region’s cool climate and stunning landscapes make it perfect for hiking, zip-lining, and white-water rafting. The famous Quetzal Trail offers a challenging trek through cloud forests and the chance to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, a bird revered by the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations.

Whether you’re exploring the vibrant streets of Panama City, marveling at the engineering feat of the Panama Canal, or immersing yourself in the natural beauty and cultural richness of the country’s diverse regions, Panama tours offer a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Each tour provides a unique perspective on this fascinating country, revealing its many layers and leaving you with lasting memories of your Panamanian adventure.

[sonsearae]

somewhere off the Chagres River, Panama

[jm-photos]

Chagres.

www.juliomaciasphotography.com | instagram | shop

01.18.22 Chagres River Panama

[shipwreckguy]

Photo: explica.co

On June 23, the 200 meter long, 37332 dwt bulk carrier Bluebill allided with a railroad bridge while transiting the Panama Canal. The Bluebill had departed from Balboa in ballast and was crossing the Panama Canal towards the Atlantic Ocean when it struck the Chagres River railway bridge. Tugs were alerted and aided the bulk carrier away from the bridge to a nearby anchorage.

The bridge sustained major damage with part of the platform and rails collapsed into the river. Reports state the bulk carrier sustained only slight damage to the bow, but the vessel will be later inspected for possible damage.

Authorities have halted rail traffic and have launched an investigation into the incident. Reports state the rail bridge will be out of service for at least several weeks for repairs. No reports of injuries or pollution released.

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Photo: explica.co

Photo: trendsmap.com

Photo: trendsmap.com

Bulk Carrier Bluebill strikes railway bridge along Panama Canal; no injuries. #canal #shipwreck #maritime On June 23, the 200 meter long, 37332 dwt bulk carrier Bluebill allided with a railroad bridge while transiting the Panama Canal.

[lonestarbattleship]

USS MISSOURI (BB-11), USS OHIO (BB-12), and USS WISCONSIN (BB-9) in Gatun Lake near Gamboa, approaching Chagres River Crossing, as they transit the Panama Canal.

Photographed on July 16, 1915.

Collection of Secretary of the Navy Josephus Daniels.

Library of Congress: Lot 5415-12, Lot 5415-1

Photo from Navsource: link

[ieisia]

An 1850 oil painting by Charles Christian Nahl: The Isthmus of Panama on the Height of the Chagres River

[ecgraphics-blog]

The best of both worlds Experience the best of both worlds on this Panama vacation. Spend a few nights roaming the historic streets of Panama City, then relax and recharge in the beautiful Gamboa rainforest. WHAT'S INCLUDED Round-trip economy class airfare to Panama City (PTY) Round-trip airport transfers 3 nights in Panama City at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, or similar Transfer from Panama City to Gamboa 2 nights in Gamboa at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort, or similar Gatun Canal Expedition Tour Breakfast daily, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners UNIQUE EXPLORATIONS Enjoy a panoramic tour of the world famous Panama Canal and Gatun Lake. Explore the ruins of UNESCO World Heritage Site Panama Viejo near Panama City. Try authentic Panamanian foods made of tortillas, yuca, maize, and sweet fruits. See all sorts of wildlife along the way! Look out for sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, exotic birds, and more. Hike through lush, wildlife-filled rainforests in Gamboa. PACKAGE OVERVIEW Experience the beauty of Panama first-hand! Begin your journey in vibrant Panama City, an area chock full of history, culture, and fun. Explore the ruins of Panama Viejo, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, stroll through the charming streets of colonial Casco Viejo, and of course, check out the famous Panama Canal! The second leg of your adventure will be spent in the wildlife-rich rainforest of Gamboa. Enjoy unique tours, hike through picturesque trails, and take tons of photos! Located right on the Chagres River, this area is home to exotic birds and other impressive animals, so make sure to have your camera with you at all times! Show Detailed Itinerary Please note that some package inclusions may be restricted or unavailable at time of travel. We will substitute them with similar options of equivalent value, as available. (at Panama City, Panama) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce3QfcZOpXf/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[salantami]

Embera Indian women in their village at Ellapuru, Chagres River, Soberania National Park (near the Panama Canal), Panama | Blaine Harrington

[mutineerbay]

#Repost @thisdateinpiratehistory ・・・ • 19 January • On #thisdateinpiratehistory in 1671, Henry Morgan and his buccaneers enter the Chagres River and begin their journey across the isthmus toward Panama City. The Brethren of the Coast had set their sights on Panama, and had just waged a fierce battle against the Spanish to capture the fort at San Lorenzo. Located at the mouth of the Chagres, San Lorenzo was a Spanish stronghold built in 1601 to guard the Atlantic terminus of the Las Cruces Trail, the overland route by which the gold plundered from Peru would make its way across the isthmus from Panama City on its way back to Spain. The taking of the fort was hard won, with the buccaneers taking many casualties during the days-long battle. But now that it was under their control, Morgan would further fortify and supply the fort before mustering his troops for the final, but most treacherous leg, of their journey. “Panama sat on the other side of the isthmus… It’s best hope for protection lay in the fact that the journey to reach it was a nightmare: mountains, deep rivers, swamps… warlike maroons, sudden violent rains, and carnivorous animals waited for anyone brave enough to attempt it.” (Talty, EBW) Morgan and his Brethren buccaneers would be put to the test during this next leg of their journey, but for now they piled into their canoes and set off upriver. . . . . #piratehistory #piratehistorypodcast #piratesofthecaribbean #buccaneers #brethrenofthecoast #henrymorgan #stephentalty #empireofbluewater #panama #historyofpirates #piratelife https://www.instagram.com/p/CY7fV24liUO/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jm-photos]

Through the river.

www.juliomaciasphotography.com | instagram | shop

01.18.22 Chagres River Panama

[shipwreckedwithcaptainmarrow]

Jan 8th: Henry Morgan Leads his Buccaneers through the Panamanian Jungle

On January 8th, in 1671, pirate Captain Henry Morgan led his army of about 1,200 pirates into the Panamanian Jungle headed for Spanish gold. He had left a number of his men behind at St. Catherine, and more at the entrance to the Chagre River to cover him in case he needed to retreat. His target was Old Panama City. Much of the following journey was on foot, hacking and cleaving their way with their cutlasses through dense jungle, rainforest, and swamplands. At some point along the three-day trek through the jungle, Spanish troops attempted to intercept Morgan and his men en-route. They were, however able to beat off their ambushes with ease. Three days later, with the remaining part of the river difficult to navigate and the jungle thinning, Morgan and his men would travel overland across the remaining part of the isthmus. When Morgan and company would finally make their way to Panama City, they would be ill-prepared, as the city was not well-defended from behind where the jungle line began, as it had always previously swallowed anyone who tried to cross it. (pictured is "Pirates Through the Jungle" by Simeon Todorov)

[panamagreg]

Our friends Lyn and Ty Gilbert are always in favor of going on an adventure and we rarely refuse an opportunity to explore with them. The four of us have the greatest time heading into the unknown. You may recall our adventures previously that took us to the end of the road. A little over a week ago they asked if we would like to go to Shelter Bay to explore the area.

Shelter Bay is at the north end of the Panama Canal. Previously the only access to the bay and its magnificent marina was by boat or a ferry ride across the north end of the Panama Canal. Recently the Atlantic Bridge across the canal was completed which made access to this area a little easier. When we reached the bridge it was a great surprise to find almost no one using it. At first glace I thought that this must be the bridge to nowhere. It basically starts and ends in dense jungle. When we reached the west side of the bridge the roads leading away were all narrow and rough. Ty says eventually a nice road will take people from the bridge to the new copper mine where he works. Otherwise there is a long stretch of undeveloped ocean front from there to Bocas del Toro. The Caribbean coast is very pretty but not as accessible as the Pacific The dense jungle has a little bit to do with how populated this area is.

The new bridge across the Panama Canal

Our first stop after crossing the bridge was the gate at Fort Sherman. Fort Sherman was a U.S. army base tasked with protecting the north end of the canal. The gate is protected by a Panamanian Aero-Naval company. We told them that we were going to Shelter Bay and they let us pass. Once inside the base we were amazed to see how the Panamanians had allowed the unused base to fall apart and deteriorate after the American military was pulled out. Panama uses some of the former U.S. Military buildings in the canal zone, but has little use for a lot of it. By the way, since President Carter returned the Panama Canal to the people of Panama it has done very well and even expanded under the management of The Panama Canal Authority. The Panamanian Government does not technically run the canal. It is owned by all the people and decisions for its operations are made by directors who are elected to their positions.

The barracks at Fort Sherman Army base are deserted.

Shelter Bay lies on the west side of the north end of the canal. It is on the Caribbean and like all of Panama is virtually exempt from hurricane activity. Many people from North America sail south to safety here during hurricane season. We found the marina which is on the former Fort Sherman Army base to be very busy and almost at capacity.  The marina has a restaurant, pool, stores and just about anything people will need who typically live aboard their boat. They even have scheduled bus trips to Colon and Panama City for shopping and entertainment. We were there to pick up some paint for Ty and Lyn’s boat.

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Marina at Shelter Bay

Marina at Shelter Bay

Marina at Shelter Bay

After we picked up Ty’s paint, we headed south through the jungle. After driving a couple of Kilometers we reached a ranger station for Parque National. The park is part of the extensive National Park system of Panama, however I could not find a name for it. Several of these guys came to meet us as we entered the park. They are called Coate’, and they are a little bit like a racoon. We found them very friendly and nearly as welcoming as a dog. They probably thought we would feed them.

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Coate’

Coate’

Several kilometers of driving through the jungle in the park we found ourselves once again at the end of the road. The road ended where the Chagres River meets the Caribbean on a point where the early Panamanians protected the trade route. This place was called Fort San Lorenzo Castle. It is a protected historical site and it is a great place to explore. In the late 1400’s early settlers would take their wares by land from the Pacific to a place in the mountains near what is now Gamboa. From there they would travel down the Chagres River to the Caribbean. This trade route had to be protected from the pirates. The Chagres river is now the source of much of the water used for the operation of the Panama Canal.

We found Fort San Lorenzo very fascinating. As we traveled through the jungle we were doubtful that we would find other people at the end of the road. We did, however, find many people there exploring. The price of admission was $3.00. The fort lies on a point where the Chagres river meets the Caribbean Sea. We learned that the original fort was built in 1595. After the fort was built it was first attacked in 1596 by English pirate Sir Francis Drake. The fort was continuously attacked until the original wood fort was destroyed by Sir Henry Morgan in 1671. Morgan then went over land to attack Panama City. These pirates were very interested in this area because early settlers brought gold from South and Central America across land into the jungle high in the mountains near what is now Gamboa. There they took it in boats down the Chagres River to the Caribbean where it went by ship to America. This trade route had to be protected from these pirates. Fort San Lorenzo Palace was part of the triangle of protection which ran from Gamboa to here to the ruins near Portobelo called Fuerte San Jeronimo. We explored the ruins near Portobelo a few months back. Clicking on the Fuerte San Jeronimo link will take you back to that post. Fort San Lorenzo was rebuilt of stone in 1680, which lasted until an attack in 1740. In 1768 it was once again rebuilt and in 1779 it was fortified. It is the remains of this fort that we explored on our visit. In 1980 UNESCO declared this and Fuerte San Jeronimo both World Heritage Sites. As I stood on the point looking over to the Chagres River and out into the Caribbean it was easy to imagine how the soldiers protected this area from the pirates. We were able to explore the moat, barracks, ammunition’s storage, and even get up close and personal with the cannons.  Enjoy a few pictures from our adventure. A picture paints a thousand words, but there is no way to visually or verbally describe this place, and do justice. This is a must see if you are ever fortunate enough to visit this area.

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Walking in the moat

Cannon stronghold

The Fort

Fort San Lonenzo

Chagres River over the Cliff

Don’t shoot

Guard Position

The East Side of the Point

Fort San Lorenzo

The Moat

Storage space

Rooms carved from the rock

Fort San Lorenzo

Fort San Lorenzo

Main Entry Point. The drawbridge would have been on the other side.

In other news, Jen and I bought a dune buggy. It is great for getting around the complex and beach riding. We have been having a blast with it. 

The first day with our buggy

We just had a great visit from our friends Ray and Diane. They came to escape the already cold Michigan Winter. We took them to some of our favorite and best adventure spots. Their visit is material for our next blog post. Please continue to follow our retirement adventure. Many people have told me that they no longer see our blog. We try to post it to Facebook, but they want us to pay them. Facebook considers our blog to be a business. LOL; I think advertising on our site has brought in less than $5.00 in our almost 3 years of posting. WordPress publishes our blog to our 2RetireInPanama Facebook page free, but most of you do not follow us there. Please click on the link to like and follow us there. The best way to continue to see our blog is to subscribe below and it will come to your email mailbox. We will never spam you, and you can unsubscribe any time. 

Greg and Jen

 Shelter Bay, Fort San Lorenzo Castle, and Fort Sherman Our friends Lyn and Ty Gilbert are always in favor of going on an adventure and we rarely refuse an opportunity to explore with them.