Causeway

Close to home... a place for all people

By David Young

A view of the changing city skyline from a waterside restaurant.

The Causeway, so near to town, yet so far away in terms of ambience. It is the place for fitness enthusiasts, for partying, sailing, fishing, dining, for ecological studies or for just relaxing.

Soon it will provide homes for scores of people who want to live waterside, and the much anticipated Museum of Biodiversity will attract thousands of visitors from around the world. It is a place for all people.

Bicycle "rush hour".

Steeped in history, the six kilometer Causeway joins the islands of Naos, Perico and, Flamenco to the Isthmus, and was constructed from clay and rocks from the Gaillard Cut during the building of the Panama Canal. It's original purpose was to keep currents from the Bay of Panama, and to avoid sedimentation at the entrance to the canal.

Today it is a focal center for yachsmen, cyclists, joggers, fishermen and those who want to dine or be entertained at dozens of restaurants that start at Amador and stretch to Flamenco.

The Smithsonian has its own center for studying Marine life. Bicycles and four-wheel cycles are available for rent.

In the early evening you can relax, dine and take the opportunity to take sunset photographs. Its the place to be.

A sea view from the Smithsonian.

Peddling or just taking the sun. Everything goes.

New restaurants abound.

Behind the billboard construction is underway.