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(click picture for enlargement)
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Here we have reached the middle of the Miraflores Locks. These locks and the Pedro Miguel Locks
lift us up into the inland lake, whereas the Gatun Locks on the Caribbean side take us down into
ocean level again. |
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The massive lock doors, almost one meter thick. They always close in the shape of a V, so the
pressure of the water will only close the gate even tighter. |
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The water level rises, lifting us up into a new view. Fantastic feeling! Note that there are
two sets of doors. |
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Some of the crew assembled on the bow, having a look at the Canal. |
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Having reached as high as we could with the first lock, the gates opened and we moved into the next.
Miraflores Locks consists of two of these Locks. |
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3rd Officer Adrian having a look at events, while a locomotive in the background is on its way
back to the start of the lock where another ship is waiting. |
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One of the locomotives on starboard bow. Under it, the top of one of the massive doors is visible. |
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More waiting, as we make our way into the next lock. |
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After passing through the two locks at Miraflores, we passed the Pedro Miguel Locks, before reaching
the inland lake and canal. Some of the Canal is actually cut out through rock! Here, a new bridge is
being constructed. |
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From the Pedro Miguel Locks it is about 5 to 6 hours to the Gatun Locks, through this system of
lakes and canals. Here I am on the poop deck (aft deck). |
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A mountain that has been cut through in the making of the Canal. |
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Here we have reached the Gatun Locks, and are waiting in the lake for our turn. |
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Several other ships were waiting with us. This is the Regatta. |
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And here is the Rotterdam. |
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We then entered the Gatun Locks, followed by Sealand Champion, another Maersk ship. |
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New locomotives were connected, guiding us through the three locks at Gatun. |
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The American flagged Sealand Champion and cruise ship Regatta. |
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The Regatta catching up with us in the other lane, as the water level in our
lock slowly falls. |
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It is an impressive sight, when these large ships move up and down in relation
to each other. |
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The last of the gates in Gatun closes behind us, as we leave the Panama Canal for this time.
One hour later we reached the port of Manzanillo, Panama. |
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After Manzanillo we headed for Miami, a trip of about three days. Here we're waiting for the pilot outside Miami in the late morning. |
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With the Pilot on board, we headed for the pier. |
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The ship had to be turned, so we could go port side along side. This took place in what seemed
like the middle of the city. |
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The Captain and the Pilot manouvering the ship towards the quay. |
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