Deb's Digest

May 16, 2008
Port of Call: Sailing through the Panama Canal
Weather: Hot and Humid

12:37 PM CST
The ship came alive very early this morning. I hear that a number of folks slept out on Deck 10 to get primo viewing spots for going thru the canal.

Here are some early morning photos...... as we are just outside the Panama Canal getting refueled:

Our entry into the canal was delayed when a US Submarine surfaced and requested passage through the canal. They got priority over us.

UPDATE: 1:30pm CST

As I mentioned above, our schedule was thrown off by the sub. We were originally scheduled to have the Panama Pilot onboard at 5am, it was announced he was onboard at 6:50am.

We were scheduled to approach the Gatun Lock at 8am, instead we approached at 10am.

See the 3 steps of the lock? There is a ship on the left side in the 2nd lock.

Tons of folks were packed in the front of the ship. Lots.

Special Panama Canal TShirts were being sold today only, so of course Linda and I got one.

Even Minnie wanted to see the locks.

The Gatun Locks begin to accept the Disney Magic and the Gates Open...

We have been inside the 26 mile Gatun Lake since about 10am this morning (after passing through the Gatun Locks). We will soon be approaching the Pedro Miguel Lock.

3:00pm CST

Before arriving at the Pedro Miguel Lock we passed under the Centenial Bridge. WOW. the expansion of that bridge!!!!

Once again, the US Submarine slowed us down. However, we got some amazing views of it.

We are now coming out of the Pedro Miguel Lock. Only one more lock to go. I put in my 4G card and realized just now, my card reader only goes to 2G. I'll try to find someone with a new reader.

5:00pm CST
We have completed our transition of the Panama Canal and are now in the Pacific Ocean! What an amazing day!

8:00pm CST
More Gatun Lock Photos

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Deb and Linda