Panama Canal Transit, May 23-24, 2007

Approach to the first lock, Gatun Locks. Just before we got here, a sailboat "rafted" (tied up) on each side of the Minnow. We used our engines and drove them through the locks.

A view behind

Gates closing. These are the original gates from 1914.

We were really close to this car carrier.

A view behind after the lock was almost filled.

I am sitting, and Victor the advisor is advising me.

There are two lanes in the Panama Canal. This ship was going down to the Atlantic while we were going up to the lake between the Atlantic and Pacific.

Captain Melinda

When the ship in front of us started its props to leave the first lock, it took off too fast and really bounced around the boats tied to our boat.

This is the car carrier that preceded us through the Gatun Locks. It wasn't this blurry in real life.

These boats rafted with us through the locks. Both were still afloat on the Pacific side. We spent the night here on Gatun Lake.

We drove separately to the locks, rafted up, then separated after the locks.

Our line handlers. Every boat has to have four.

The ships looked out of place in the canal.

Buzzards or vultures sunning.

We had a very weak driver. (Me.)

This floating crane was built by Nazi German, moved to Los Angeles after World War II, and later sold to the Panama Canal for $1.

This floating crane is the original 1914 vintage. It's been there ever since the Panama Canal has.

Our trampoline.

Ships line these up to stay on course.

Dredge boat. they are widening the channel.

Captain Melinda

Safety First.

It looks kind of like a kingfisher. These lights light up the shoreline to help boats and ships at night.

This is a new bridge (3 years old), one of two across the canal. You can also drive across at the Gatun Locks. Maybe the Miraflores Locks, I'm not sure.

Side widening.

Temporary lights

I claim this is an Inca or Aztec or Mayan or Cherokee pyramid.

Under the bridge.

This boat is a drill boat. We waited across the canal while they set off about 30 charges, widening the channel.

The first of the three Miraflores Locks.

The drill boat followed us into the lock.

These are the original hooks in the original 1914 walls.

The gates are original 1914 vintage, complete with rivets.

People were watching!

The last lock leaks a bit.

The Pacific Ocean!

Captain Melinda

Panama City