Lens-Artists Photo Challenge – Special Moments

On the Panama Canal.

This week, Tina Schell asks us to consider sharing “…Moments that you want to save forever in your heart of hearts.” She goes on to note examples such as the birth of a child, wedding vows, and less personal ones like that perfect sunrise. You can read her entire challenge post here. One of my dreams for many years included a cruise through the Panama Canal. Regular readers know I am a fan of cruising, and in the wake of the pandemic, I’ve had to cancel two cruises that would have brought me and my wife many special moments on our first trips on the European continent. For this challenge-response, I will share some of my special moments captured on that cruise through the Panama Canal.

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.

Cellpic Sunday – 12 May 2019

Lake Gatun, Panama.

After our 14-day sojourn from Los Angeles to Miami via the Panama Canal, I have a small collection of cellpics that I will be sharing over the next few weeks. I found it interesting that I saw a large number of cargo ships in and near the canal that were completely enclosed and did not have those cargo boxes stacked high on the deck. This ship, the Toronto, is registered in Malta, owned by Wallenius Wilhelmsen Shipping. It, like many of the others I saw, is a vehicle carrier. The ship is 656 ft (200 m) by 104 ft (32 m), and is small enough to go through the original canal locks.

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 – 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 – Good Morning!

Colón, Panama

At the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal lays the sea port city of Colón. Originally founded as Aspinwall

The Norwegian Pearl – Our Home for a Fortnight

Miami, Florida (and points south)

For those who have never been cruising, living on a cruise ship is much like staying at an all-inclusive resort. Having written about all of our shore excursions, it’s time for me to give you a tour

Our Costa Rica Journey, More from Puntarenas

The beach at Puntarenas.

Near Puntarenas, Costa Rica

I had planned to move on tell you about to our next stops on our Panama Canal cruise, but I decided at the last minute to share more photos from our excursion in Costa Rica with you.

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.