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Ruth Rosenthal | profile | all galleries >> Galleries >> Panama Canal Transit December 14, 2024 tree view | thumbnails | slideshow

Panama Canal Transit December 14, 2024

On Saturday December 14 we transited the Panama Canal on Oceania Marina on a southbound trip (old locks) from the Atlantic to the Pacific. My focus was seeing lighthouses I had not seen when we went through the Canal in 2005. I researched a lot before the cruise and found that the knowledge I gained added tremendously to my enjoyment of the transit. I woke up in time to see the approach to the Gatun locks and only went to dinner after going through Balboa port in darkness. Our ship stayed overnight at the newish Pacific Cruise Terminal (Fuerte Amador on Perico Island). The tide changed so much that day that the ship gangway had to be lowered mid-day on our full day there the next day. (See gallery on Panama City.)

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I woke up as we were going under the Atlantic Bridge.
I woke up as we were going under the Atlantic Bridge.		 Howard admiring Atlantic Bridge & enjoying our free upgraded balcony.
Howard admiring Atlantic Bridge & enjoying our free upgraded balcony.		 My first lighthouse in Panama - Atlantic Entrance Range Front
My first lighthouse in Panama - Atlantic Entrance Range Front		 We soon had company on the port side. By a fluke, I found that Globe Iris is back in the Canal today (Dec 31).
We soon had company on the port side. By a fluke, I found that Globe Iris is back in the Canal today (Dec 31).		 In a Gatun lock we go: Life rafts are on Marina below our balcony, mule is ashore -- not much room in that lock!
In a Gatun lock we go: Life rafts are on Marina below our balcony, mule is ashore -- not much room in that lock!		 Mule throws ropes to the ship front & back & runs alongside on the breakwater to guide ship.
Mule throws ropes to the ship front & back & runs alongside on the breakwater to guide ship.
We went through Gatun locks around breakfast time
We went through Gatun locks around breakfast time		 The Atlantic Entrance Range Middle lighthouse was easy to find.
The Atlantic Entrance Range Middle lighthouse was easy to find. 		A little later saw the top of the Atlantic Entrance Range Rear lighthouse
A little later saw the top of the Atlantic Entrance Range Rear lighthouse		 Mules front & back on the hill
Mules front & back on the hill		 I took this picture, not knowing it would turn out as a mirrored image (see hands in middle -- Gatun locks).
I took this picture, not knowing it would turn out as a mirrored image (see hands in middle -- Gatun locks).		 Our neighbor (LPG ship) had lines from two mules attached to its bow.
Our neighbor (LPG ship) had lines from two mules attached to its bow.
Closed lock in other lane after Marlin left
Closed lock in other lane after Marlin left		 Many people went to the Marina Lounge to view the transit, as Marina has no outdoor public viewing spot in the front.
Many people went to the Marina Lounge to view the transit, as Marina has no outdoor public viewing spot in the front. 		In Panama disused lighthouses are painted black! This is Gatun Northbound Rear.
In Panama disused lighthouses are painted black! This is Gatun Northbound Rear.		 Gatun Northbound Rear Lighthouse with replacement marker & Bridge
Gatun Northbound Rear Lighthouse with replacement marker & Bridge		 Gatun Lake had some pretty scenery with mini islands (lake 1130a)
Gatun Lake had some pretty scenery with mini islands (lake 1130a)		 Buena Vista Northbound lights:1 black-painted lighthouse barely visible behind one of new range markers
Buena Vista Northbound lights:1 black-painted lighthouse barely visible behind one of new range markers
We got some pretty interesting views from inside our room.
We got some pretty interesting views from inside our room.		 Occasionally we were really close to shore. Red & green buoys tell mariners if returning or leaving the sea.
Occasionally we were really close to shore. Red & green buoys tell mariners if returning or leaving the sea. 		Unlocked door said emergency exit NOT Do Not Enter so I entered. Found crew member checking life rafts who said you're OK
Unlocked door said "emergency exit" NOT "Do Not Enter" so I entered. Found crew member checking life rafts who said "you're OK"		 Small boat in huge lake. Indigenous people live here & Nat Geo brings visitors here.
Small boat in huge lake. Indigenous people live here & Nat Geo brings visitors here.		 Lighthouse to ID (in Lake).
Lighthouse to ID (in Lake).		 New markers with black lighthouse in back. Need to ID.
New markers with black lighthouse in back. Need to ID.
More scenery
More scenery		 Was fun to see Azamara passing us, going north about halfway through transit
Was fun to see Azamara passing us, going north about halfway through transit		 Chagres River comes into the lake (tiny lighthouse lookalike)
Chagres River comes into the lake (tiny lighthouse lookalike)		 Painted lighthouse just past Chagres River; think Gamboa Southbound Front.
Painted lighthouse just past Chagres River; think Gamboa Southbound Front. 		Interesting shoreline in the afternoon
Interesting shoreline in the afternoon		 Closeup of a new & small range marker on shore
Closeup of a new & small range marker on shore
Gold Hill area
Gold Hill area		 I'm not sure what I was looking at but it interested me.
I'm not sure what I was looking at but it interested me.		 More scenery in the afternoon
More scenery in the afternoon		 Panama flag is flying!
Panama flag is flying!		 Think this is Pedro Miguel lock around 3:30 wilth container ship & vehicle carrier.
Think this is Pedro Miguel lock around 3:30 wilth container ship & vehicle carrier.		 Crew members noticing tight fit in the locks
Crew members noticing tight fit in the locks
Mule on breakwater
Mule on breakwater		 As dusk falls we entered Miraflores locks with its impressive Visitors Center
As dusk falls we entered Miraflores locks with its impressive Visitors Center		 Marlin Ammolite was our neighbor in adjoining lane in Miraflores. Also caught a lighthouse in the picture.
Marlin Ammolite was our neighbor in adjoining lane in Miraflores. Also caught a lighthouse in the picture.		 Oceania crew members admiring mule
Oceania crew members admiring mule 		Full moon over Miraflores locks 6:20p Dec 14
Full moon over Miraflores locks 6:20p Dec 14		 Visitors waving at us while someone on a loudspeaker cheered our passage.
Visitors waving at us while someone on a loudspeaker cheered our passage.
Gamboa N-bound Rear Lighthouse after Miraflores locks 620p
Gamboa N-bound Rear Lighthouse after Miraflores locks 620p 		Mule tied to ship in Miraflores locks 630p
Mule tied to ship in Miraflores locks 630p		 My favorite: Gamboa Northbound Front lighthouse after Miraflores with full moon & reflection. Almost missed it.
My favorite: Gamboa Northbound Front lighthouse after Miraflores with full moon & reflection. Almost missed it.
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joseantonio01-Jan-2025 16:01
very nice images.V
click on thumbnails for full image