Jan 22nd - Moorea - French Polynesia

The island of Moorea is about 15 miles west of Tahiti.

Extremely rugged volcanic scenery, highly eroded by water.

Jan 21st - Papeete, Tahiti

Largest island in the chain.

Very busy city of Papeete, heavy traffic during rush hour in am and pm. Some wealthy folks even drive large gas guzzling American pickup trucks. Gasoline costs almost $6 US per gallon.

Beautiful waterfall and very interesting blowholes.

Jan 19th Visited Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands

After 8 long days at sea, finally saw land ahoy!!!

Beautiful rugged volcanic island, very small town where ship anchored.

No high school or college/university on the island students must go to Papeete, Tahiti for study.

Jan 11th through Jan 18th at sea sailing to Fr Polynesia

Sailing to the Marquesas Islands part of French Polynesia. Had equator crossing ceremony on ship held by King Neptune, about six crew members were initiated since they had never crossed the equator.

Will arrive at Marquesas Islands on Jan 19th after eight days at sea. Longest sea journey I've ever been on. Distance from Panama over 3500 nautical miles. Similar to distance from Wash DC to London.

Jan 10th visited Panama City, Panama

Took ship sponsored tour of old Panama City, visited original settlement mostly in ruins and the newer colonial city still in use and being restored slowly.

Many tall skyscrapers present or being built, attractive skyline.

Jan 9 transiting Panama Canal

Ship entered Gatun locks just before sunrise, beautiful day

Three locks raise the ship to the 85 ft above sea level of Gatun Lake

Ship passed through Galliard Cut with new suspension bridge overhead, before only way for traffic to cross the canal before the new bridge opened within the last several yrs was at the America's bridge on the Pacific side.

Ship anchored overnight near the Pacific entrance to the canal

Jan 8 at Puerto Limon, Costa Rica

Toucan & 3 toed sloth

Took ship sponsored tour to the Costa Rica rainforest, rode Ski lift type of ride through the rainforest, saw several tropical bird species, 3 toed sloths, Toucans.

Puerto Limon is a huge port for shipping bananas to the US and Europe. Many many containers seen for loading on ships at their own commercial harbor.

On Jan 9th transited the Panama Canal.

Jan 6 at Cayman Islands

Visited 'Hell' unusual weathered limestone formation occupying several acres on the island.

Drove around the island in rental car. They drive on the left but no problem as I have done that many times in the UK, NZ, and Australia.

Jan 7 a day at sea sailing to Puerto Limon, Costa Rica