Next stop, Panama

The purpose of the cruise, or should I say the focal point destination, was a trip through the Panama Canal. Pictures don't tell the story very well, because the real story is the history of the canal. Politics, deals, lives lost, malaria, mudslides, and determination all played a part in the incredible feat. It took ten hours for the Island Princess (and therefore, for us) to make it through the Gatun and Miraflores Locks. Take a look at the live camera sometime to get an idea of what the trip is like.

View from our balcony--and the balconies of fellow passengers--early in the morning as we began moving through the Panama Canal

Larry says this proves we were at the Panama Canal. I say it only proves that we had our picture taken and someone used Photo Shop to put us in front of this background.

"Mules" are attached by cables to our ship to help pull it through the Canal.

New Millenium Bridge

Port of Balboa 

(5 points if you remember what the explorer Balboa is known for)

Bridge of the Americas spans the canal at the Pacific entrance. It was formerly named the Thatcher Ferry Bridge for those of you who recognize it.

Miraflores Locks visitor center was packed to capacity with locals and 
tourists greeting our ship and others as they floated through the canal. 
The following day, we stood on the same decks watching ships 

from the visitor center vantage point.

 The urban skyline of Panama City was a startling contrast 

to the heavy jungle we'd seen on the ride through the canal.

Stay tuned. The next set of photos will include

primate relatives of our dear friend, Ira.