LIVE from the Vision of the Seas Sailing 5 Oct 2012

[Trainman-2]

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.

 

 

[donamae]

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

[Trainman-2]

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.

 

 

 

 

 

[Trainman-2]

Judith says these birds are called "Frigates"

 

 

They are everywhere and have a 7 1/2' wingspan...

 

 

Edited October 10, 2012 by Trainman-2

[Trainman-2]

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.

 

 

 

 

[Sunshine61250]

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

[gingerma]

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

[crusinanan]

enjoying your review ...... i am going to look into the carriage ride excursion, that looks awsome ........... looking forward to more pics

[Arizona Cruz Chic]

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!!! :)

 

***

[JACH77]

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.

[Debitoo]

Really, really enjoying your review. Thank you so much for inviting us on your vacation. :D

[cruzinlady1947]

Great pictures and very interesting too. Enjoying your live report. Thanks so much.

 

Hi Jach77....

[sailingawaysoon]

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!

[LBumb]

awesome photos

[Trainman-2]

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.

 

 

[Trainman-2]

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

[mrsfecura]

Amazing photos!

[Trainman-2]

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

[Trainman-2]

As we neared the Pacific end of the canal we could see extensive work on the new locks.

 

 

[Trainman-2]

More Construction Photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Trainman-2]

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

[Trainman-2]

The Panamanians built this building as a viewing area for tourists who want to see the locks in action.

 

 

[Trainman-2]

Once we pass under the bridge, we will be in the Pacific Ocean.

 

 

 

 

[Trainman-2]

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...

[Just The 3 Of Us]

Amazing pictures!!!