The Power of Place — A View of the Chagras River

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From an abandoned Spanish fort overlooking the outlet of the Chagras River I photograph a lone sail boat making its way up the River.  But 500 years ago, the newly erected fort was built by the Spaniards to guard the European-bound  outpouring of riches from their American conquests — gold and silver to fund the European exploits of the King and Queen.  A hundred years ago, there was an attempt to swing the Atlantic outlet of the Panama canal this way.  But today, the rusting cannons which once pointed out to the sea are turned inland as a reminder of a final battle. If you listen closely, you can hear and feel the ghosts of the Spanish galleons which can easily be mistaken for the wind.

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