The Panama Canal 2013via 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 closed.

Two large container ships ahead of the Coral Princess in the locks

“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 enabling movement into the next lock.

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

The dam of the Chagres River which forms Lake Gatun

End of locks into Lake Gatun

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

Lake Gatun, 26 meters above sea level

Visitors Center for the new canal expansion due to be finished in 2014.

Container ship entering locks from Lake Gatun toward the Caribbean

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

“Mule” waiting to attach a cable to the Coral Princess

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

Dockside at Colón, Panama

Photography by Flying Three Enterprises © 2013