Panama Canal

“The World’s Greatest Shortcut” is the title of our daily agenda.

We are traversing the Panama Canal.  We just went through Lock#2 , Milleflores.  

We started the journey through at 7 AM, and will complete it at 3:30 PM – projected.

This is our 6:30 AM view

Here is the first lock waiting to let us in, close the back lock and fill up with water:

There is a giant container ship ahead of us:

Here are the locks closing behind us:

As per usual, these guys were out at 6 AM.  In case you need a shot to start your day.

The server in the Observation Deck told me she had to be there at 5 this morning.  I told her I would come and have a vodka tomorrow at 6 just so that she’s not wasting her time…

Everyone is interested today:

There is not much wiggle room for the ships to pass through.

They have built new locks 50% wider to handle the traffic.  These locks also recycle the water used to raise the ships that pass through.

Oooo!  Everyone just ran to the right side of the ship to see a crocodillo.  I hope we don’t tip over!  This guy will save us!

That effectively killed any desire I had to swim this thing.

It is another beautiful day.   We have been so fortunate to pass through Central America during the rainy season.  We have had warm, dry weather and overcast skies.  It has been perfect!