pdsdville Loc: Midlothian, Tx

Part of the cruise was a partial transit of the Panama Canal. We entered the new locks then hung out in a lake just inside the canal.

We had to wait until the freighter in front of had cleared the locks before we could enter the channel. We had a great spot to view, just above the bridge.

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Several hundred yards off there was another cruise ship, much smaller, going through the old locks.

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Clear shot of the locks as we begin to enter. Instead of opening outward the locks slide into the banks on either side.

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One tug to push us into the canal and another to help us stop before we hit the lock.

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Cloud formations were fantastic. The holding ponds are where the water from the locks is pumped. Saves millions of gallons of fresh water yearly.

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In camera panorama on the lake. Don't know how many shots, camera combines the shots in camera.

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The water towers reminded me of the old Purina colors. Clouds are starting to turn nasty, then light rain. Had to retreat to our balcony to take more shots.

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One of the two supports to the uncompleted bridge to nowhere. The highway at either end has not been built yet. Still pretty cool looking.

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Sunset departing the Panama Canal area. Beautiful evening.

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mrova Loc: Chesterfield, VA

Great series there! I had the opportunity to visit the canal from the visitor's center and viewing stand. Fascinating experiences to watch the ships sail on by.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Thanks for taking us there!

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

Nice, thanks for sharing.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Nice series of photos, Dean. I enjoyed seeing them.

Swamp-Cork Loc: Lanexa, Virginia

Beautiful series!

Largobob

Many human lives were lost building that canal. It saves countless hours of unnecessary travel for vessels moving from the Pacific to Atlantic @ Panama. Control of the Panama Canal was shifted back from U.S. control, to Panamanian Control in the late 1970's (Jimmy Carter)....with U.S. retaining the rights to defend against aggression. I believe this project was initially begun by the French, and later the mission was undertaken by Teddy Roosevelt.

Interestingly, there has always been fear that the more voracious sea life from the Pacific, would get through the canal and inhabit the milder Caribbean/Atlantic.

RichardTaylor Loc: Sydney, Australia

Interesting. Thanks for taking us there.

NMGal Loc: NE NM

Thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Thanks

UTMike Loc: South Jordan, UT

Excellent set!

traderjohn Loc: New York City

The sunset is nice.

Earnest Botello Loc: Hockley, Texas

Very good series Dean.

A10 Loc: Southern Indiana

Wonderful series, thank you for sharing.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I like them all! Loved the composition, color and subject matter.

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

Excellent set. The sunset is stunning.