![P1150123.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150123.jpg](small_P1150123.jpg)
Approach to the first lock, Gatun Locks. Just before we got here, a sailboat "rafted" (tied up) on each side of the Minnow. We used our engines and drove them through the locks.
![P1150140.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150140.jpg](small_P1150140.jpg)
A view behind
![P1150150.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150150.jpg](small_P1150150.jpg)
Gates closing. These are the original gates from 1914.
![P1150162.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150162.jpg](small_P1150162.jpg)
We were really close to this car carrier.
![P1150182.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150182.jpg](small_P1150182.jpg)
A view behind after the lock was almost filled.
![P1150204.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150204.jpg](small_P1150204.jpg)
I am sitting, and Victor the advisor is advising me.
![P1150205.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150205.jpg](small_P1150205.jpg)
There are two lanes in the Panama Canal. This ship was going down to the Atlantic while we were going up to the lake between the Atlantic and Pacific.
![P1150206.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150206.jpg](small_P1150206.jpg)
Captain Melinda
![P1150211.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150211.jpg](small_P1150211.jpg)
When the ship in front of us started its props to leave the first lock, it took off too fast and really bounced around the boats tied to our boat.
![P1150213.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150213.jpg](small_P1150213.jpg)
This is the car carrier that preceded us through the Gatun Locks. It wasn't this blurry in real life.
![P1150215.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150215.jpg](small_P1150215.jpg)
These boats rafted with us through the locks. Both were still afloat on the Pacific side. We spent the night here on Gatun Lake.
![P1150219.jpg, 1200x1600 P1150219.jpg](small_P1150219.jpg)
We drove separately to the locks, rafted up, then separated after the locks.
![P1150223.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150223.jpg](small_P1150223.jpg)
Our line handlers. Every boat has to have four.
![P1150225.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150225.jpg](small_P1150225.jpg)
The ships looked out of place in the canal.
![P1150269a.jpg, 1514x995 P1150269a.jpg](small_P1150269a.jpg)
Buzzards or vultures sunning.
![P1150272.jpg, 1200x1600 P1150272.jpg](small_P1150272.jpg)
We had a very weak driver. (Me.)
![P1150277.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150277.jpg](small_P1150277.jpg)
This floating crane was built by Nazi German, moved to Los Angeles after World War II, and later sold to the Panama Canal for $1.
![P1150278.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150278.jpg](small_P1150278.jpg)
This floating crane is the original 1914 vintage. It's been there ever since the Panama Canal has.
![P1150284.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150284.jpg](small_P1150284.jpg)
Our trampoline.
![P1150287.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150287.jpg](small_P1150287.jpg)
Ships line these up to stay on course.
![P1150291.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150291.jpg](small_P1150291.jpg)
Dredge boat. they are widening the channel.
![P1150293.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150293.jpg](small_P1150293.jpg)
Captain Melinda
![P1150305.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150305.jpg](small_P1150305.jpg)
Safety First.
![P1150310a.JPG, 1385x995 P1150310a.JPG](small_P1150310a.jpg)
It looks kind of like a kingfisher. These lights light up the shoreline to help boats and ships at night.
![P1150328.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150328.jpg](small_P1150328.jpg)
This is a new bridge (3 years old), one of two across the canal. You can also drive across at the Gatun Locks. Maybe the Miraflores Locks, I'm not sure.
![P1150332.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150332.jpg](small_P1150332.jpg)
Side widening.
![P1150333.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150333.jpg](small_P1150333.jpg)
Temporary lights
![P1150352.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150352.jpg](small_P1150352.jpg)
I claim this is an Inca or Aztec or Mayan or Cherokee pyramid.
![P1150363.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150363.jpg](small_P1150363.jpg)
Under the bridge.
![P1150375.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150375.jpg](small_P1150375.jpg)
This boat is a drill boat. We waited across the canal while they set off about 30 charges, widening the channel.
![P1150389.jpg, 1200x1600 P1150389.jpg](small_P1150389.jpg)
The first of the three Miraflores Locks.
![P1150391.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150391.jpg](small_P1150391.jpg)
The drill boat followed us into the lock.
![P1150408.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150408.jpg](small_P1150408.jpg)
These are the original hooks in the original 1914 walls.
![P1150411.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150411.jpg](small_P1150411.jpg)
The gates are original 1914 vintage, complete with rivets.
![P1150450.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150450.jpg](small_P1150450.jpg)
People were watching!
![P1150462.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150462.jpg](small_P1150462.jpg)
The last lock leaks a bit.
![P1150481.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150481.jpg](small_P1150481.jpg)
The Pacific Ocean!
![P1150482.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150482.jpg](small_P1150482.jpg)
Captain Melinda
![P1150499.jpg, 1600x1200 P1150499.jpg](small_P1150499.jpg)
Panama City