"Looks like we're waiting," the guy on the next bike said. The entrance into the canal appeared before us while I sat on an excercise bike at 6 am. Many still and bobbing ships were gathered around us. We counted 27 craft of all different sizes. Two small freighters came toward us out of the entrance.
"Maybe our turn will happen after these two pass by," I said. The deck had filled with passengers when an hour later we finally moved off through the gap and into the channel leading to the locks.
Our entire day was like living a documentary on the Panama Canal. Commentary came over our tv while we loafed around our small deck. The mule trains guiding us through were so close we could wach the driver manipulate the controls. We chatted up our neighbours around the divider and took comfort from being on the shady side of the ship. Twice we left the cabin to explore other parts of the ship. The outside temperature was easily 90ยบ. We were cautioned to wear sunscreen and hats. Joan and I found a place above the bow tucked under a glass windscreen where people were squeezing in lounge chairs. It worked for awhile but eventually the heat began to take its toll and we headed back to the cabin. Our deck and TV became our eye on the ship's progress. It was an interesting day with new views everywhere and information overload.
When I was watching the live webcam, one cruise ship was approaching and the container ships were going through. It was really interesting -- I had no idea those container ships were that huge! Thanks for the tip to watch. I didn't know about the webcam. Well worth a look.
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