"Treasures of Cruising the World" with Bill & Mary Ann: Report #10 Transiting the Panama Canal January 9, 2017 Monday Partly sunny & 84 degrees Part #1 Of 3 57 Pictures

Today we were promised to experience one of the finest man-made wonders of the world……and in the best possible way: on a ship. Yes, we totally agree, although this was not our first time. Also known as the world's most famous shortcut, we always enjoy the transit, no matter how many times we have done it.

Our day began with a dining room breakfast with the addition of Panama Rolls. These are a delicate sweet roll filled with a thickened mandarin filling. They are also lightly sprinkled with powdered sugar. Normally, these are served on all outside decks along with juice and coffee. On past transits, we have asked for them to be available in the dining room, and lucky for us, they have been offered ever since.

Yesterday, everyone received a notice warning us all of the dangers of the high heat and humidity while transiting the canal. It can be a killer, so we were advised to drink a lot (not a lot of alcohol), use sunscreen, and to wear light clothing and hats. We had to avoid the use of seasickness pills and patches, as they interfere with sweating, setting you up for heat stroke. It was advised to limit exposure to the sun, spending only 20 to 30 minutes maximum outside. The suggestion was to come inside to cool off, and have a beverage often.

Expecting to be hit with muggy high temperatures, we were surprised to find it rather pleasant out on deck three. There was a nice breeze, many clouds, and lower than usual humidity. Of course, the clouds meant possible rain, and that is what we got occasionally all day. We did not complain, since it really kept the air cooler.

Here are some tidbits about Panama. The population is about 3,361,000 Spanish-speaking people. Mid-December to mid-March is considered the dry season. Even during that time, there is plenty of rain to keep the canal process working.

The work began on this canal in 1904, ending in 1914. Their reason behind building this shortcut, was to shorten the time it took ships to sail around Cape Horn in South America. For instance, it cut the miles from 14,000 from San Francisco to New York, to 5900 miles, and only take 8 to 10 hours to sail from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The canal is almost 50 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean. The Gatun Lake in the middle portion is over 85 feet higher than both oceans. The Gatun locks on the Caribbean side raise the ship over 85 feet to the lake level. Then on the Pacific side, the ships are lowered in two sets of locks, Pedro Miguel, and Miraflores, bringing us back down 85 feet. Simple idea, but only accomplished after a massive project wrought with problems. Financial difficulties, malaria, yellow fever, and horrendous working conditions took its toll on the canal workers. Many died, but eventually the canal was done and opened August 15, 1914. Considering the massive amount of excavation that was done, it was a miracle of the century.

We did some in-depth research on why the locomotives used in the locks are called "mules". These locomotives are used to center the ships between the canal walls. They do not pull the vessels, as one might assume, as the ships advance under their own steam. The story has it that mules were imported to help with packing and hauling equipment. Some areas were only accessible with mules, so these work animals were highly respected. In time, the animals were allowed to roam freely throughout the canal zone. Someone had the idea to name the locomotives after them, because of their durability and strength. They never did the work of the locomotives, which would have been impossible, but they did earn their spot in the Canal's hall of fame, so-to-speak.

Canal expansion began ten years ago in 2007. It was necessary to expand the capacity to handle more and larger ships. The new locks which opened last year at a cost of $6.20 billion dollars (US), can handle ships up to 1401 feet long, and 180 feet wide. Bet it costs these huge vessels a pretty penny. In 2013, the canal reportedly made $4 million every single day. And that amount is probably much higher now with the opening of the new locks. We have had the unique opportunity to witness the progress during this time period. Very interesting, since it looked like it would never be done.

We split our time outside by going to deck 8 aft until the early afternoon, then the rest of the day on the bow. Once we were into the first set of locks at Gatun, Captain Jonathon announced that we were stopping in Gatun Lake for at least 2 ½ hours. We had to wait for an LPG (propane) tanker to go by us. Ultimately, that made us exit the canal much later than we ever have. Not a bad thing either.

The only break we took was when we grabbed two pre-made sandwiches in the Lido for a quick lunch. They were more bread, than they were lettuce and cheese. Gosh, we miss the sandwich maker. Not to worry, we won't starve. Besides, at 2:30pm, fruit skewers were passed out on the outside decks and the bow. The watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, and grapes were quite refreshing. Also refreshing were the series of showers that cooled us off while on the bow. All of us got some exercise going in and out of the hatch, trying to keep dry. Once we were past the last locks, the rain ended.

The big treat was watching the sunset as we went under the Bridge of the Americas. The lights of the new Pacific locks glowed brightly as we got to see an over-sized MSC container ship transit it. Wish we could have seen the new rolling gate, but they seemed to keep that ship in the last lock until we were out into the Pacific. Our final view was the city of Panama, the capital of the country, all lit up in the distance.

Our next port will be in Costa Rica…..hopefully Puntarenas. Have a day at sea first, thank goodness.

Dinner was excellent with the entrée of veal chops. Conversation at our table has been loaded with laughs and interesting subjects, making two hours or more, just fly by. Everyone was happy to know that we got one hour back on the clock tonight….the first one of this cruise. There will be many more to come…….

Bill & Mary Ann

This is a picture of the concrete wall of the first lock as seen from our room window