It was an early rising for our 6.30 am entrance to the Panama Canal. We picked up the pilot as we entered the breakwater, along with a heap of authorities to check the paperwork required to transit the Canal, specialist rope handlers and other personnel required to be delegated work by the pilot. At about 8 am the ship was lined up in order to enter the Gatun locks a series of 3 locks that raise the ship 26 meters above sea level. We had been through the canal before, but our excitement to do it again was none the less. The Island Princess who was in Cartegena yesterday had passed us overnight and was 2 ships ahead of us. It was a strange sight to see it virtually hovering above us. Before the ship gets in the first lock it is hooked up to a series of locos called Mules who keep the ship in the centre of the lock. When it is located in the lock, it is filled with water to float the ship to the same level as the next lock. The gates are then opened and it sails into the next lock repeating the procedure until you are out of the last lock. The matter is repeated when the ship is lowered to sea level.
After negotiating the Gatun locks we then had to anchor in Gatun lake (the man made lake that provides all the water that is pumped in and out of the locks to raise and lower the ships). We were there over an hour while it became out turn to sail on to the Pedro Miguel locks and then onto the Miraflores locks and then lowered to sea level and out to the Pacific Ocean.
We had additional excitement as we had advised our family of the web site that allows people to see via a series web cams, ships going through the canal.
My sister Lesley began a series of emails stating where we were located on the ship and it was great she was able to see us on the ship as we transited the Miraflores locks.
What a day! The above was only a quick overview of proceedings and at about 4.30 pm we dropped off the pilot and set sail for Manta Ecuador where we begin our next adventure to the Middle of the World and the Equator.
Your photos are terrific and your commentary excellent on the passing through the Panama Canal. Yes, it was good to see the ship and watching it sink down to the degree that I could see each balcony more clearly and as you began to move out, could define your balcony. Keep on keeping on, wish we were there with you. L
ReplyDeleteWas watching it on my phone, but didn't seem to move at all, very fast at all, should have put the computer on, bit sad I missed it now from all reports, you could see you!!! ANyway got to speak to you today on skype, glad to see you both, love you, talk soon xoxo
ReplyDeleteAll sounds totally fascinating and a wonderful experience. Sorry we did not see the event.
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