Central American Cruise - Panama Canal Slideshow

Panama Canal

Completed in 1962, the Puente de las Americas (the Bridge of the Americas) spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

Dockside cranes as we approach the canal.

Launched in 2014, this is the US Coast Guard cutter "James". She is named for Joshua James, an American sea captain.

In the first of the two chambers of the Miraflores Lock on the Pacific side.

Looking towards the second chamber of the Miraflores Lock.

Looking across at the :Energy Innovator" ship traversing the Cocoli Lock; part of the Panama Canal expansion.

These trains, known as Mulas, or Mules, use powerful electric motors, and guide ships through the canal. Large ships use up to eight engines; for at the stem, and four at the stern.

Ships move through the canal under their own power. The Mules are used to keep them centered in the canal. In the canal expansion, however, tug boats are used to tow ships through.

Heading into the second chamber.

Looking back to ships following us through.

Rowboats are used to carry the light "messenger lines" from the ship to the mules on either side. These light lines are used to pull heavy cables from the ship to attach to the mules..

I believe that this is a Great Egret. Very handsome!

Pelicans in flight. There were a great many of them through the canal.

Water entering the chamber through a culvert.

A canal tug heading towards the Pacific side.

This, and the next three slides, show the canal gates opening.

The canal gates opening.

The canal gates opening.

The canal gates opening.

In the second chamber looking at a ship that came through the Cocoli Lock.

The crude oil tanker Suez Vasilis heading towards the Caribbean Sea.

Exiting the Pedor Miguel Lock on our way to the Caribbean.

Pacific Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse.

Pacific Entrance Range Rear Lighthouse.

Completed in 1962, the Puente de las Americas (the Bridge of the Americas) spans the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.

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