Approaching the Panama Canal

 Good morning,

The repositioning cruise of Serenade of the Seas continues.  

Today's images show the approach to the Panama Canal from the Atlantic side.

 We have a tug escort...

 ...and can now see the first lock ahead!

This is the last view of the Atlantic side behind our ship.

We'll go through the locks tomorrow!

Stay tuned,

Lois

Bunkering Fuel in Panama

 Good morning,

Serenade of the Seas bunkered fuel in Colon, Panama, before beginning the trip through the Panama Canal. 

 Erica took these images from her balcony.

This is a huge bunker barge.  I've seen them all sizes in different ports around the world.

This bunker barge looks so clean and new.  I remember an old rusty one in the port of St. Petersburg, Russia.  There was a young man sitting next to an open hatch on the top of the barge while the fuel was being transferred to the Splendour of the Seas.  The young man was smoking.  Scary stuff.

Stay tuned.  Tomorrow we'll be entering the Panama Canal.

This is fun!

Lois

Dockside in Colon, Panama

 Good morning,

This is dockside in Colon, Panama.  That is Royal Caribbean's Serenade of the Seas in the upper right corner.  

Our daughter, Catherine, and her friend, Erica, will board Serenade to transit the Panama Canal. I'm receiving images from both Catherine and Erica for which I am very grateful.  

Tomorrow will be more in port.

Watch this space!

Lois

Lunch at Chops

 Good morning,

Catherine and Erica are on board Serenade of the Seas.  Their first stop was for lunch at Chops Restaurant. 

 This is the view of the port from Chops before sailing.  Of course, the Panama Canal is used by all types of vessels, especially commercial so it's a working port.

Stay tuned!  More to come!

Lois

Welcome to Panama

 Good morning,

Welcome to Panama!  

Catherine and Erica are sharing their images of their cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas.  They've landed in Panama and will enjoy eleven days passing through the Panama Canal and to California. 

 Airport art!  I get a kick out of the sign in the upper right corner of the glass case saying just that.

 I look forward to enjoying the cruise with Catherine and Erica.  Kjell and I have been there several times when he was Chief Engineer aboard Splendour of the Seas.  This will be like old times.

I hope you enjoy the trip with us, too!

All the best,

Lois

Brown Iris

 Good morning,

This lovely Brown Iris bloomed along our front walk yesterday.  I'm sorry I don't remember the name of this color.  I planted it at least 30 years ago, probably 35. 

 I tried to research the name of the color, but there are so many close to this one that I can't be sure.

Anyway, it returns year after year to delight us with its beauty.

Ah, Spring....

Lois

Teddy is Coming to Visit!

  

Good morning,

Our friend Teddy is visiting us for almost two weeks while his Mommy, Erica, and our Catherine are out of town.

Lots of images to come!

:),

Lois