October 19, 2023 - Panama Canal

 For me, the whole reason for this trip was to check off my bucket list, travelling through the Panama Canal. For Sheryl, it was being there to support me in this dream. Today's voyage through the canal took 7 1/2 hours, going up 85 feet on the Caribbean side, cruising 51 miles and then lowering ourselves back down to sea level again in the Pacific. There are 3 locks on each side of the canal. For the first 3 locks, I was at the ship's bow, video recording and taking pictures. It took 2 hours, so I got a lot of pics and one heck of a sunburn. 

Entering our first lock


The gates that hold the water in (or out) are so well balanced that they open and close using a 25-horse motor.


These little engines (they call them mules) keep our ship dead centre in the lock)


And there is only a little room for error.

All are monitored by a few people in this control room.

The first of six locks on my bucket list.


Locks two and three ahead of us.


Two ships passing in the... daylight.


Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon (you may have to be over 50 years old to get this joke).


Through the first three locks (85 feet higher) and now cruising through the manmade Gaton Lake.


We had two of these little guys helping us through "the cut" (the excavated portion of the canal).


Now entering the first of three locks lowering us to the Pacific.


Our attempt at swimming through the locks. This was Sheryl's idea, but I was all in, as it helped us both cool off. Note to future travelers, temperature this time of year is 36 to 40 degrees celsius with humidity between 90% and 100%)


Finished our swim and saying goodbye to the last of six locks.


And hello, Panama City, but more about that tomorrow.





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