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The Daily for Thursday Apr 15, 2021


richwmn
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Good morning all!

 

Loving the drink (heavenly) and the wine (sounds delish despite  the chicken skin reference). I really want Roy’s alternate menu for dinner. 
 

I have done the Panama Canal twice, both times from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego.

 

Actually our first time (need to look up the date) we caught the ship in New York, got off in Seattle. It was a special cruise because it was the Noordam’s first transit thru the Canal. A lot of the officers families were onboard for the occasion.

 

It was also our first Neptune Suite; we had gotten an upsell offer for the Penthouse (so tempting, but out of our price range) and then an upsell to the Neptune which we decided to bite the bullet and take. I need to see if I have my pictures on my desktop computer.

 

My last Canal cruise was in 2009/2010 on the Rotterdam. My husband wanted our daughters to experience it so we did a holiday cruise together. Our daughters got off in San Diego after New Years, we stayed on and went to Hawaii/Tahiti. That was our longest cruise ever, 52 days.
 

One side note-that was the Rotterdam’s first cruise after her retrofit with the elimination of the aft pool and addition of new aft cabins. It was interesting 🙄. Our experience with our aft cabin could fill a book. From the fire door closing randomly and it’s handle falling off to cries of “the hall is flooding”, not to mention no one was around for the muster and the stairwell we were supposed to use was full of carpet rolls and paint cans. Anyone who had never cruised HAL before might not have come back.

 

Keeping so many in my prayers and will raise a glass to all the celebrations.

 

St Louis Sal

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1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

Unfortunately, I just got the call from University of Maryland.  They have concluded that the second trial will also not work for me.  It will be a few more days to get into remaining alternatives.

 

Roy

So sorry, Roy.  Hope they find a good alternative for you that has been tried and tested.

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Good morning on a dreary, cool day in Central Texas.  So far, the predicted rain has not materialized.  Our next chance is this afternoon into tomorrow.  Keeping our fingers crossed as we need rain.  🤞

 

ASL is a great tool for the hearing impaired, and I'm glad to see people signing during most press conferences recently.  Virtual high fives to everyone on the Daily.  In grade school, we used pink erasers, just not as big as Copper10-8 showed.  I still have erasers for crossword puzzles.

 

@rafinmd  Sorry you did not get in the second trial.  Hopefully, your doctors can find the least invasion and most successful course of action to get you back to normal.  Thanks for the shout out.  Hope you get to Banjul, The Gambia, someday.  It is an interesting place.

@dfish  Glad it was only the crown that can be replaced.

@StLouisCruisers  I totally agree with you about the Panama rolls.  Last year on our Panama cruise, they were our breakfast on canal days.

@lindaler  Small world, as we got off the Rotterdam from our roundtrip canal cruise the day you boarded. 

 

Our 2020 roundtrip canal cruise marked the 14th and 15th times we have made a full transit.  We've never done a partial transit.  When we are in Arizona it is an easy drive to San Diego for either a Hawaii cruise or a canal cruise, and taking the ship back from FLL is a lot easier and more fun than flying.

 

Since this post is getting long, I'll break the pictures up into two posts.  The first group is more about other parts of the canal than  Lake Gatun.

 

A view of the remnants of Ferdinand de Lesseps attempt to build a canal through Panama.DSC01132.thumb.JPG.96141101d1e763bd60644d133ebf7ce6.JPG

 

The control building at the Gatun Locks with a banner celebrating the 100th anniversary of the canal.

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The work area at Gamboa.

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The sad condition of Titan in 2020, showing a lot of rust and needing a new paint job.

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These are the original gears and motors used to open the lock gates before the hydraulic motors were installed.  These are on display at the Gatun Locks. 

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Lenda

 

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1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

Unfortunately, I just got the call from University of Maryland.  They have concluded that the second trial will also not work for me.  It will be a few more days to get into remaining alternatives.

 

Roy

Oh dear. i am sorry to hear this. Hope that one of remaining alternatives works for you and you can get on with it.

 

Susan

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5 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Thank you for the traditional tax day Daily, Rich.  Today is also an infamous day  in history, the day Titanic met her grave.  A high 5 to American Sigh Language.  I depended heavily on Rubber Erasers while in School.  Gatun Lake is lovely, although straining a bit at the concept of a port.  Interesting quote.  Saucy Skillet Lasagna sounds interesting.  My alternative is Chilled Anjou Pear Soup, Linguini Carbonara, and Butter Pecan Ice Cream as served on MS Zaandam April 15, 2017.

 

https://aroundamericabitbybit.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/dishes15.jpg

 

Today's care list:


Kakalina

St. Vincent

myself facing cardiac surgery

Welfare of furloughed crews

NextOne DH facing chemo

dfish and Horizon Chaser 1957 DH awaiting dental work

RIP Prince Phillip

 

While we can pray for our crews let us also do our parts to get the pandemic under control and make cruising more possible--wear our masks, wash our hands, keep our distance, and get vaccinated when out turn comes.

 

Roy @rafinmd Thank you so much for adding the furloughed crews to the care list and for your thoughts  they are very much appreciated .

I am so sorry to hear that you had a setback today with the news the trial does not work for you and I hope and pray that the experts soon find a positive treatment for you ! 

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Good morning, all.  

 

Jacqui, @kazu, glad the recipe worked out.  Actually, at dinner last night I said to DD, the only thing missing was some mushrooms - she gave me a dirty look (hates mushrooms!)....

 

My collection:

 

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Only used on special occasions!

 

We have gone through the Panama Canal twice, the first was a long time ago, on QE2, for our 35th anniversary.  We had a bit of a delay because she scraped her hull in one of the locks and had to be checked out afterwards.  No photos!

 

Then, in 2015 we went through on Westerdam while construction of the new locks was going on.  Very interesting, and now I would like to do it again when all is finished.

 

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There were monkeys...

 

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A rock grinder

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Edited by Vict0riann
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1 hour ago, rafinmd said:

Unfortunately, I just got the call from University of Maryland.  They have concluded that the second trial will also not work for me.  It will be a few more days to get into remaining alternatives.

 

Roy

Roy, 

I am sorry to hear this.  I do hope that they are able to provide you with another alternative.  You are moving to the.top of my prayer list (which keeps getting longer and longer).  God Bless!

Terri

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3 minutes ago, Vict0riann said:

We have gone through the Panama Canal twice, the first was a long time ago, on QM2, for our 35th anniversary.  We had a bit of a delay because she scraped her hull in one of the locks and had to be checked out afterwards.  No photos!

I am guessing you mean QE2.  QM2 is definitely way too big for the original Panama locks, and I think even such a close call for the  Bridge of the Americas that they are unlikely ever to go through.

 

Roy

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2 minutes ago, rafinmd said:

I am guessing you mean QE2.  QM2 is definitely way too big for the original Panama locks, and I think even such a close call for the  Bridge of the Americas that they are unlikely ever to go through.

 

Roy

Of course I mean QE2, my fingers were just on automatic pilot!  😀  We have only done "crossings" on QM2...

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@Horizon chaser 1957  Sorry your DH has to have a root canal.  They are no fun!

@baltic17  Hope your DH continues to be as healthy as he is now, but I agree, it's wise to get the test done before he needs a transplant.

 

On a happier note, here are more pictures of the Panama canal.

 

It always amazes me, that with all the technology available, using rowboats to get the forward lines to the mules is still the best method.  Last year, one of the line throwers kept missing his mark and had to try several times.

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Gatun Lake Dam

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In 2014 on the Veendam, the gates for the new locks were lined up on shore.

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Construction of the new lock Agua Clara lock as seen from the Veendam.
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The completed entrance to the Agua Clara lock from Lake Gatun.

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Finally, a ship transiting the Agua Clara lock in 2020 as seen from the Rotterdam.

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Lenda

 

 

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Happy Thursday and Thank You for the interesting collection for today's Daily!✏️

Yes, to the partial and full crossing of the Panama Canal.🛳️ The last time was on the Island Princess but we've been on others--just can't find more photos, LOL!🙃 We did enjoy seeing the (third set) new locks. 

Prayers to all in need.🙏

👍California opens up vaccinations to everyone over the age of 16 today.🙂

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Amsterdam's departure from Hong Kong in the evening. The local pilot came onboard seaside (starboard side Marshaling Area break)  Capt. Fred took her off her berth, reversed and swung her around to head back to sea. Next up; two sea days and then Phu May (port city for Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon) in the Republic of Vietnam. Entertainment that night was by the Amsterdam cast of singers and dancers

 

 

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Good afternoon. Thanks for the Daily.

All good days. I can do the alphabet in ASL, that's about it.

I like the meal (and Roy's) and drinks.

I have been to Gatun Lake Panama on my NCL full transit of the canal LA to NY in Nov 2019. Didn't get off the ship as no excursion were offered. Nor rolls that I recall..

Having my coffee late today, as I had to go for blood tests this morning, for an upcoming doctor's appointment. It's chilly here, with possible flurries tomorrow. Better than the foot of snow predicted for parts of the Northeast. Come on Spring!

 

@baltic17 Great news.

@rafinmd Sorry to hear you didn't make the trial. Hopefully the alternatives will do what you need.

 

Prayers to the care list and cheers to the celebration list.

Stay safe all.

 

Cocoli lock at 1:30AM. I had to go to sleep after, couldn't stay up.

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Centennial Bridge

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It was rainy and foggy intitially as we were transiting.

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Gatun Lake

 

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Agua Clara Locks Control Tower

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Agua Clara Locks and Atlantic Bridge

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Atlantic Bridge which we squeaked under.

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2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Unfortunately, I just got the call from University of Maryland.  They have concluded that the second trial will also not work for me.  It will be a few more days to get into remaining alternatives.

 

Roy


Sorry to hear this Roy. Praying there will be a perfect solution for you. 

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I know we're focusing on Gatun Lake today as the port of interest, but @Copper10-8, Hong Kong is one of the most spectacular ports to depart from at night.  We stayed out on the deck (followed very closely by a drone) until we were past all the lights and music.  Truly a memorable departure; if you ever have the chance to go there, do so!

 

Smooth Sailing!  🙂🙂🙂

Gerry

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2 hours ago, rafinmd said:

Unfortunately, I just got the call from University of Maryland.  They have concluded that the second trial will also not work for me.  It will be a few more days to get into remaining alternatives.

 

Roy

Very sorry to hear this. I hope they can find a good alternative for you. Prayers coming your way.

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35 minutes ago, garlictown said:

 

👍California opens up vaccinations to everyone over the age of 16 today.🙂

 

 

Lucky for all of us, that's been happening all over the country.  My grandson in Michigan turns 16 tomorrow and they just opened up vaccinations to 16 and up on April 5 I believe.  He plans on getting his dose ASAP.

 

@rafinmdI'm sorry to hear the disappointing news today but I hope and pray something good will come along for you quickly.  

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2 hours ago, baltic17 said:

The heart test yesterday was a stepping stone to a possible lung transplant for DH in the future.  He is still 'too healthy' for the transplant but we are trying to get all the tests done so that if something happens to cause a precipitous drop we will be ready to go.  DH is much cheery today and doing well.

Again, thank you for all the support. 

 

Oh my heavens, how scary 😱 

You are so wise to do the tests in preparation though.  So glad he is in good spirits and doing well 👍 

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Good Morning.

 

Sunshine today.  I hear the garden calling me.

 

So sorry about the trial Roy.  I am hoping you get some answers soon.

 

We were on the Westerdam in October 2013.  Not sure when we actually entered Gatun Lake but here are a few photos from that day.

 

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Val

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I posted a few pictures of our Panama Canal transit a couple of days ago but I don't think I had any Gatun Lake pictures. Here are a couple. 

 

At anchor in the lake

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Eastbound ships passing by the Eurodam

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Dam at the Atlantic locks

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Even though we are focusing on Gatun Lake, I thought I'd veer slightly from the canal with some pictures of Panama.  In 2009,  the Statendam made a stop in Panama before the next day's transit of the canal. due to an itinerary change.   The ship had to miss our Good Friday call in Guatemala as the tour operators said they would not be able to get the buses to and from the port due to crowds in town.

 

We were lucky enough to book a tour on the train to Colon and to get seats in the observation car.  Unfortunately, we were not close to the canal most of the trip, and the few pictures of the canal from the train are not very good.

 

The train and the observation car.

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A couple of pictures of Colon after boarding the bus back to Amador.  It was not a place we wanted to walk around.

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On the way back to Amado, we stopped at the Visitor Center at the Pedro Miguel locks.  There is a small museum on the lower levels which was interesting.  From the observation deck, we had a good overview of the locks.  Unfortunately, thee were no ships in the locks the entire time we were there.

 

Once we got back to Amador, we found a taxi to take us on a tour of Panama City.  It is a city of contrasts, with slums and high-rise buildings next to each other along with ruins of old forts and some remaining colonial buildings.  We have said since then, that Panama City looks better from the ship, but we are glad we had the opportunity to see the city.  I'm just going to post a picture of one house, and I think the sign outside the gate tells all you need to know about the house and its condition.

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The grounds were very much lacking @kazuJacqui's touch  or any gardener's touch.  I don't remember if he was in jail in Panama or the US at that time.

 

Lenda

 

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As you know when you transit the Panama Canal, you will see all types of ships.  However, in 1997 on the Horizon, before we discovered HAL, in the Gatun Locks, we were beside some unusual boat(s).  I'll post the pictures, which are a combination of scanned hard copies and screen shots from DH's video; then I'll finish the story.

 

The first boat approaching the locks, and your eyes aren't deceiving you.

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The escort boats and the boat in the locks.  Notice the lawn chair to the right (in the picture) or port side of the wheel house.  The leader of the escort party used it as he enjoyed the locks

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And some stood on the conning tower.  It looks like the guys in the white shirts sitting down may be the canal pilots.

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We were told when submarines transit the canal, they must remain on the surface, which leaves them venerable to attack, thus the escort boats.  I'm not sure if we were told the name of the sub, but we were told the class, but neither of us can remember the class after 20+ years.

 

As you can see, the captain let the sub's company stand on deck.  They were having as much fun watching the cruise ship as we were watching them.  For those who had to remain in the conning tower, they used the periscope to check us out.  With the zoom on the camera or with binoculars, we could see the periscope slowly panning back and forth.

 

Once we left the locks, the sub and escorts moved ahead and that was the last we saw of the sub.  However, after leaving the Miraflores Locks, the small gun boats came out from the Navy base circling the ship as a goodbye gesture.

 

My final picture of the day was taken in 1996 before the major widening of the cut began.  It is the monument honoring the construction workers who built the canal.  It was on Contractor's Hill, but has since been removed as the hill was cut down and cut back.  

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YEAH!!!!  It's raining, and the radar shows heavy rains heading our way.  

 

Lenda

 

Edited by Quartzsite Cruiser
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Good Afternoon Everyone, we have done a full transit and a partial transit of the canal.  Enjoyed both trips very much.  We had been booked to do another partial transit but then the lockdowns began.  We hope that the one booked for next year happens.

 

I got my first jab this afternoon.  Went to Gillette stadium and it was run very well. The longest part was the 15 minute wait after the injection.  Home now and may nap with one of the kids.  Second dose is booked in 28 days.

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