I spent most of the day moving around the ship to different observation points, taking as many photos as I could. We were elevated by the Miraflores Locks to the level of Miraflores Lake which is one mile in length. We then entered the Pedro Miguel Locks and were elevated to the level of the Culebra or Gaillard Cut and Gatun Lake. From here the ship entered the Cut which is the most amazing aspect of the Canal's construction. For it was here that millions of tons of rock and dirt had to be dug and removed to create a channel for ships to literally sail through the mountains. What had been mountainous jungle is now a quiet channel through the Continental Divide. Smaller boats were observed sailing by and dredging equipment on the side of the channel were seen digging to widen the channel and clear up any continued landslides, many of which caused great difficulties in the construction and early years of the Canal. As we sailed through the Cut, people ashore, on boats, or other workers waved and blew their horns. But overall, it was a very quiet and peaceful ride. In fact, the entire transit of the Canal was quiet and serene. 

The gates at the upper lock at Miraflores and the dam which created Miraflores Lake.

The gates are opening so that we can enter the one mile of Miraflores Lake. The Pedro Miguel locks are in the background, our next goal.

If there was no water in the lock, one could see that the locks extend seven stories down. Just imagine the size and weight of these gates which allow the water to equalize at the correct level and the ships to be elevated or lowered depending on which direction they are going.

In the Culebra (Gaillard) Cut, what was once mountainous jungle had become a rather serene channel, but one which still required continuous maintainance and dredging.

A small ship going the other way in the Culebra (Gaillard) Cut.

Click on the dancers for page 4 of our Panama adventure