We were at anchor last night and went to bed with no clear understanding
of what time we would go in, only a promise from our agent. At 2300, we
called the control center as instructed and they acted like our ship
was anchored on
Mars. A few phone calls later and we had it on track but still with no
set time.
At 0400, we were informed that the canal boarding team was
coming, here we go again, with another series of forms to complete and
they were finished
at 0500. Finally, we were told that at 0700 the pilot would be here.
So, we shortened chain at 0700 and, sure enough, the pilot boat arrived
at about 0715.
The pilot was surprisingly an American that has been
working the canal for 40 years and is a Kings Point graduate. When I
delicately asked why he was still down here what with the changeover to
Panamanian control, he smiled and said 'I like it'. Enough said. He was
also accompanied by Leo Icaza, a 1992 grad, who “'just wanted to come
along for the ride'. He spent most of his time down in the Officer's
Mess talking with his old Professors.
So, we were all finished with engines at about 0930. After another long
line of port authority officials, we were granted free pratique at
1040.
So, all the crew are heading ashore for an adventure in Panama City but I
will be taking a nap.
More tomorrow...
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