Panamal canal 2013

The Panama Canal 2013
via the Coral Princess

From the Caribbean approach. The French began
the canal in 1880, but were defeated by disease
and financial problems.

The United States, in agreement with
Panama in 1903, began construction of
the canal and finished in 1914. Panama
took over full operation in 1999.

Attaching the “mules” which guide and pull the ship through the canal.

Lock is closed and highway bridge is still in place across the canal.

Lock opening to allow ship entry in to the first lock. The highway has been swung

Two large container ships ahead of the Coral Princess in the

“Mules” tightening cables to guide ship through canal

Using gravity flow, the water from the
upper
lock flows into the lower lock, raising the

Ship in lock, water rising. Check line level on ship & water level (red arrows) with

The dam of the Chagres River which forms Lake

A ship preparing to leave the last of 3 locks from the Caribbean to Lake

Lake Gatun, 26 meters above sea

Visitors Center for the new canal expansion due to be finished in

Container ship entering locks from Lake Gatun toward the Caribbean

Tug coming to help us into locks at Lake Gatun for return

“Mule” waiting to attach a cable to the Coral

The Coral Princess in the locks on the voyage back from Lake Gatun to the

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