Our Panama Canal transit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panama_Canal
As we arose so did another magnificent sunrise off the coast by Panama City. We were waiting for our turn to enter the Panama Canal. This seventh wonder of the world would take us from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean. To our surprise Panama City is huge as you can see by the high rise skyline. We had breakfast as the pilot came aboard and later we ventured up to the viewing level on the 11th deck to catch as much as we could of this bucket list item for us.
The first thing we saw was a ‘mini Sydney Harbour Bridge’. I’d forgotten reading about that. But it signified that we were pretty much there. We slipped by some naval vessels and saw the new, wider Canal named the Cocoli Locks with a large green container ship inside. Only metres later we came to the Miraflores Locks the first locks at the Pacific Ocean end where we were to enter. It seemed a tight squeeze as the ‘mules’ towed us along the lock but eventually we exited and continued on a short passage to the 2nd set of locks, the Pedro Miguel Locks.
There are no more locks for 50 or so kilometres as we wound through Gatun Lake. We passed a jail where the dictator Noriega was incarcerated and at times we appeared so close to the jungle covered banks you’d think you could reach out and touch the trees. Passing numerous other ships we made it to the dam that holds the waters of Gatun Lake at it’s level and signifies the Atlantic end of the canal. There was no waiting for a cruise ship (unlike other merchantmen) and we quickly passed through the third and final locks, the Gatun Locks. A quick glance to our right and there was our new friend the green container ship in the larger Agua Clara Locks.
In no time at all we passed under the Atlantic Bridge which you can obviously see is still under construction. This bridge is another awesome feat of engineering. As we sailed by the breakwater that marks the end of our transit the sun was setting. It had taken a full day to complete this 80 kilometre crossing and it is something that we will remember forever. If you have a chance to sail this route then do it.
I apologise for the funny colours in some of the photos but we were exposed to intermittent rain and mist while some pics were taken from indoors so many photos needed manipulation to clean them up for viewing.
Our next day is a sea day followed by a visit to Santa Marta, Colombia and no, I do not take orders and do deliveries.
Keep watching the blog.
Garry & Shane
Oh by the way – for my navy mates, what do those flags mean on the ship?
No Bunting Tosers awake, the old Gunnery brain cranked into action, I know the red/white job is Pilot on Board, cnat make out the others properly, go back and take a better pic……………..Under Tug possibly, the multi coloured job must be beer issue…
Keep em coming fella……………….could change the background colour for the messages as it’s damn hard to read what someone says….
Ian………………