As we enter the Gatun Locks from the Atlantic we move into one of two of the parallel locks as we head toward the Gatun Lake
The arrow points the way - which lock to enter - for the ship on our starboard side.
A modified image, showing the wall of the lock, and the ship side, with only about 2 feet of space between us and the cement wall.
You can see the lines between the locomotives and the ship next to us. The purpose of the locomotives is to assist in keeping the ship centered within the locks as the water level changes.
One of the locks in the closed position.
Another view of the canal wall and the ship showing the narrow space separating the two. Our ship is classified as a Panamax class. the largest class of ship that is permitted to transit the canal.
A lock is opening permitting the ship (next to us) to pass through
You may view (above) a closed lock, and the difference in the water level above and below.
The control building for the Atlantic side of locks...
...The Gatun Locks.
As we pass through a open set of locks can be seen just before we enter the Gatun Lake, some 26 meters above sea level.
Note the above image, and the one below. They show the ship dropping (as you compare this photo with the one below). You can see this when looking at the elevation of the locomotive on top of the rise. We have moved down (on our way back to the Atlantic) about 28 to 30 feet.
Note the above image, and the one above it. They show the ship dropping (as you compare this photo with the one above it). You can see this when looking at the elevation of the locomotive on top of the rise. We have moved down (on our way back to the Atlantic) about 28 to 30 feet.
An appropriate name for a ship, considering our Cruise With Hector concerts. Do you suppose Roland uses this ship?