Panama Canal, Part 2

Most of these pics of the lake and middle set of locks were taken from our balcony. 

Sightseeing boats on the lake

Lush rainforest along the lake

Approaching the middle set of locks

Our escort, ready with a nudge if we got off course (we didn’t)

Job done, off she goes 

Note the tiny rowboat - the ‘mule’ lines are brought to each ship the old fashioned way, by 2 guys rowing in front of the ship and tossing them up (and hoping they don’t get squished like a bug.) Left arrow shows distance between QE and the dock - less than 12” on each side. 

Our canal mate in lane 2

Looking back as QE enters the first lock

Container ship attached to the mules on either side

Waving to the tiny people up top

Exiting into the lake

Closing the lake-side gate  

Opening the gate for a new ship to enter the lock

Mules attached to QE’s third deck

This ship was *huge*

A mule on either side, moving the ship into the next lock

Amazing that the Canal was built over 100 years ago

Note the water levels in each channel as QE moves up to exit the lock and the container ship starts the downward journey.