Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #526 Share Posted October 10, 2012 When the control houses between the locks were built in 1913 they had wide overhanging roofs. This was in the old days before air conditioning. They cut the edges of the roofs of years ago when the ships got too wider and started hitting the roofs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donamae Posted October 10, 2012 #527 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Wow, some people can be so ignorant !!!!! I'm surprised security didn't get tougher with them, lucky I wasn't there or there would have been a fist fight! Were you not able to see the locks well enough from your balcony?? I followed you on the Panama webcam, great coverage, but anxious to see your pictures. Over the heads of the hogs. Hopefully during your 2nd transit with a new bunch of people you will have a better view. Loving this thread !!!! Thanks. dm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #528 Share Posted October 10, 2012 At the entrance to each lock, they have horizontal, solid rubber wheels, to roll against the side of the ships if they are not perfectly aligned as they enter the lock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #529 Share Posted October 10, 2012 (edited) Judith says these birds are called "Frigates" They are everywhere and have a 7 1/2' wingspan... Edited October 10, 2012 by Trainman-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #530 Share Posted October 10, 2012 They use row boats to deliver cables from the locomotives (called mules) that pull the ships through the locks. They say they have tried various power boats but sooner or later they won't start when they are needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sunshine61250 Posted October 10, 2012 #531 Share Posted October 10, 2012 I just wanted to let you know that they must have it fixed. We got off of the Vision on Oct 5th as Emerald and today we are Diamond I should have said we are diamond because we got double points for being in a Jr. Suite. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gingerma Posted October 10, 2012 #532 Share Posted October 10, 2012 At the entrance to each lock, they have horizontal, solid rubber wheels, to roll against the side of the ships if they are not perfectly aligned as they enter the lock. Looking forward to another day, "with" you & Judith, on your cruise! So nice of you to take the time to post all this! WONDERFUL pictures. I've never been through the Canal & your posting/pictures are so informative! Thanks again!:) Sent from my Kindle Fire using Tapatalk 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crusinanan Posted October 10, 2012 #533 Share Posted October 10, 2012 enjoying your review ...... i am going to look into the carriage ride excursion, that looks awsome ........... looking forward to more pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arizona Cruz Chic Posted October 10, 2012 #534 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Those people are called rail hogs! We experienced the same thing on the Radiance, they hang at the rail and will not budge! Maybe your return trip will be better.....or go stake out your spot early!! :D Your pictures are great!!! :) *** Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JACH77 Posted October 10, 2012 #535 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Thanks Trainman for the wonderful review and pictures. We were on the Sun Princess in 1999 and went through the locks on New Year's Eve. The chair hogs were on our cruise too on the top deck with blankets as it was cold and windy and did not move for people to take pictures of the locks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debitoo Posted October 10, 2012 #536 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Really, really enjoying your review. Thank you so much for inviting us on your vacation. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cruzinlady1947 Posted October 10, 2012 #537 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Great pictures and very interesting too. Enjoying your live report. Thanks so much. Hi Jach77.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sailingawaysoon Posted October 10, 2012 #538 Share Posted October 10, 2012 As usual Trainman, enjoying your reviews and can't wait to read more. Seems like an eternity till our next cruise, so we'll cruise w/you guys for now! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LBumb Posted October 10, 2012 #539 Share Posted October 10, 2012 awesome photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #540 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Electric Locomotives, called "Mules" tow the ships through the locks and also keep them centered so they don't rub along the sides of the locks. IN the photo of the track below, on the bottom you can see a "slit" between two pieces of wood. The "Mules" extend a "slider" down through that slit to pick up electrical power. The power returns through the rails which are grounded. Between the rails you see a raised section with zillions of little round cross pieces. A "cog" or "gear" on the bottom of the "Mules" engages this to give them plenty of power to move the ships. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #541 Share Posted October 10, 2012 (edited) The cruise through the lake was incredible. The shore and islands was often only 150' away from the ship. We could hear the calls of the birds and the sounds of wild animals. Edited October 10, 2012 by Trainman-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrsfecura Posted October 10, 2012 #542 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Amazing photos! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #543 Share Posted October 10, 2012 (edited) The "cut" was also impressive! The nature of the rock is such that when exposed after digging it can easily slump down into the canal. So they have been cutting "steps" into the slopes for years. Edited October 10, 2012 by Trainman-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #544 Share Posted October 10, 2012 As we neared the Pacific end of the canal we could see extensive work on the new locks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #545 Share Posted October 10, 2012 More Construction Photos Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #546 Share Posted October 10, 2012 (edited) In 1984 I was stationed at Fort Clayton in Panama. The photo below is the former Headquarters Building. My Office was on the top floor just to the left of the center white portion. Today the entire area is a complex of Universities. I shot this photo of the Battleship New Jersey as she transited the Canal from the 3rd floor balcony. Edited October 10, 2012 by Trainman-2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #547 Share Posted October 10, 2012 The Panamanians built this building as a viewing area for tourists who want to see the locks in action. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #548 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Once we pass under the bridge, we will be in the Pacific Ocean. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trainman-2 Posted October 10, 2012 Author #549 Share Posted October 10, 2012 It was rainy and stormy all morning but now the sky is blue and the sun is out and the satellite up-link is working. more later... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just The 3 Of Us Posted October 10, 2012 #550 Share Posted October 10, 2012 Amazing pictures!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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