As the day dawned we could see many ships both large and small waiting to enter the first set of locks. Looking at the radar picture in the Crow's Nest bar showed there were at least 40 ships.
The Panama Canal, coming from the Atlantic side, consist of the Gatun Locks, a flight of three locks lifting the ship 26 metres to the large Gatun lake, through the Culbera cut to the Pedro Miguel locks, down to and across a second much smaller lake, then down to the Pacific via the Miraflores locks.
About six thirty this morning we entered the the first set of three locks. It took about one and half hours to transit these two locks.
The actual filling of each lock and the lifting of ship about 8 metres took about ten minutes. As we entered the fist lock a small row boat with two men in it came along side and took a rope ashore. This was used pull a metal hawser to connect the ship to mules (electric rail engines) both sides front and back.
After coming out of the first set of locks and 28 metres above sea level we entered the Gatun Lake.
Across the other side of the lake we entered Culbera Cut that passes through the highest point on the isthmus.
Under the Centennial Bridge at about noon. I then went down for dinner.
During dinner we passed the Pedro Miguel locks and were entering the last set of locks by the time I was out on deck again.
From here we sail off into the Pacific (after a slight hic-cup). At this look we were held up for a short time because only on lock gate opened. Eventually the other gate opened and we were on our way.
Today, as so many people spent time on deck were were supplied with cool drinks of all sorts and what they called Panama buns. A fresh white bun with baked in type of lemon cheese filled bun. Last night instruction were delivered to our rooms setting out precautions against heat stroke. We need all of these as the temperature was 29+ degrees with very hi humidity.
Tonight a variety show in the theatre and tomorrow all at sea cruising Golfo Dulce.
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