Through the canal

Entering about 8 a.m. on the Atlantic side, we were in the Pacific at Panama City before sunset.

Accompanied by these powerful tugs, we head towards the Gatun Locks The canal undergoes constant maintenance to maintain adequate depth. The main control building for south (Pacific) bound transits. Note the beautiful country map shown all the states with different plants. Electric "mules", 3rd. generation, cost $2.5 million and are made in Japan A cog railway drive permits climbing the 45 degree slope between locks Crossing Gatun Lake, about 85 feet above sea level In large container ship eases into the 1000 x 180 foot lock. We approach our adjacent lock The "Zim Virginia" starts its trip down to the level of the Pacific Ocean. A beautiful new bridge, unused because the access roads are incomplete. A beautiful piece of engineering! Bridge of the Americas, carrying the Pan American Highway over the canal. Our final view of the canal. Night operations viewed from ashore.