Crossing the Panama Canal

Yeah!! Courage and I will be crossing the Panama Canal tomorrow with 

sailing vessel "Boreal" from France!! An event of a lifetime! (starting at 5 am)

You can see the first lock just behind the ferry they call a cruise ship.

Rafting up with our buddy boat! Here we go . . .

Our buddy in the locks. We were rafted to another French sailboat, 

then a 600 foot ship filled the rest of the 1000 foot lock with us. It was big!

In the Locks . . .

Approaching the 3rd Lock

Panama Canal to celebrate 100 Years next year

We spent the night in the lake between the Locks.  This crossing took 2 days.

French Sailors we were assisting

Huge container ship next to us. 964 of the 1000 feet of the lock. The canal is 110 feet wide. widest ship in the canal has been 105 feet. I only now realize why ships are the same size and flat in the back. They have the best carrying capacity, but still fit in the canal. It's the rate limiting factor. The new canal is going to have bigger locks, thus freight ships are going to be bigger. Interesting. The "advisors" you have to have on board had lots of good knowledge of the area. Nice tour guides.

Locks opening, time to go.

We took a bus back to Panama, great crossing!! Much thanks to the wonderful family on Boreal who are out loving/living life!! Enjoy the Caribbean.

Made it back to our boat.  Hugs for kids and Good night.

Heading out to the Perlas Islands. Isn't this boat a beauty? Bye Panama City, see you in a couple of weeks!!