Transiting the Panama Canal – 2019 Return

Canal Zone, Panama.

It was early morning when we entered the canal zone. Our trip, the second through the canal, would be from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic this time. Our original cruise in 2013 was in the opposite direction. Both trips started with the arrival of the Canal Zone Pilot who, along with a crew of workers would take over the responsibility of the ship’s safe transit through the canal, no doubt under the watchful eyes of the Norwegian Star’s captain.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Delta

Canal Zone, Panama.

This week, Erika V. suggests that we review the concept of change, transitions, and time passages. She writes, “…share a photograph that signifies transition and change to you.” You can read the entire challenge post here. 

Weekly Photo Challenge – Danger!

Lake Gatun, Panama.

On my bucket list for some time, I finally completed a cruise through the Panama Canal. Who would have guessed there might be an element of danger? While traveling through one of the lakes that make up part of the canal system, a barge pushing another barge caught my attention. I didn’t need a lesson in Spanish to understand the sign, or why the red building was on its own barge as far as possible away from the barge wheelhouse.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Quest

Panama Canal Zone.

This week, Cheri Lucas Rowlands asks us to share a quest. You can read her entire challenge post here. For me, one journey that I hoped to take led us to the Panama Canal. I don’t even know why that was an important goal for me.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Connected

Panama City, Panama

This week, Ben Huberman asks us to show how two or more things come together. You can read the entire challenge post here. My entry for this week’s challenge is at a crossroads, so to speak, of three major connection points.  The most visible connection in the photo is the waterway. The Panama Canal connects the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean via canals, a lake and several elevation changing locks. The other two connections are less visible in the photo.

Weekly Photo Challenge – Early Bird

This week, Brie Anne asks us to set an alarm, get up early and share the early morning light. You can view the entire challenge post here.

Crossing the Panama Canal

The Norwegian Pearl – Our chariot through the Panama Canal.

Canal Zone, Panama

My wife, Lynn, and I have just returned from a Panama Canal cruise. Over the next few weeks, I will share some photos and stories from the trip. After departing from Miami, we visited Colombia, Costa Rica, and several ports in Mexico.