Half Moon Cay is HAL's private island and the best of the private islands. We had rented a Cabana which was stocked with soft drinks, water and dips and chips. The cabana had air conditioning, lounges, a dining table, our own outdoor shower and misters. It was heaven. The island is beautiful with sand like sugar and water so clear. A wonderful day.
We did not schedule an excursion for this port and perhaps that is why I found it like so many other islands I have visited with the same stores. However, I felt very safe and the water was beautiful.
The Panama Canal is one of the wonders of the world and everyone who can should see it. I had done reading on the Canal-The Path Between the Seas by David McCullugh. Wonderful book. The canal was a wonder as I stood on deck at 5:30 AM and saw the sun rise. We took an excursion to see the Embera Indians. We went on the Chagres River to where they live in the forest. The dugouts were made by them and we were treated to a talk by the Chief explaining their culture, dances and handicrafts-at very fair prices. My only caution would be for people who have problems with mobility, there is a steep bank both going down to the boats and going up afterward. I named the port Ft. Lauderdale as there was no Panama.
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