The trip to the Panama Canal at the Miraflores Lock was amazing. They have a visitor center and an observation deck where you can watch huge ships transiting the canal- an ideal view of one of mankind's most remarkable engineering wonders and good dose of the "E" in our STEM Expedition. Seeing the ships transit from the observation deck on land is much better in terms of the "big picture" than seeing it from the deck of a ship. We watched a huge ship enter the lock, guided by the "mules", vehicles on tracks that are "roped" to the ships. While we were there, we saw 2 ships go through the lock. Each takes about 30 minutes to lower/lift a ship in a lock 54 feet. Some of the large container ships pay $1 million to go through the canal. We watched a huge container ship approach thinking, "There is another $1 million dollars for Panama." The canal contributes significantly to the economy of Panama, not just in transit fees but all the other businesses that spring off the canal.
One of the most impressive aspects of the canal is how it is surrounded by undeveloped rain forest. The Canal depends on the rainforests and their surrounding watersheds for the water and thus they are protected by the Panamanian government.
Huge container ship approaching
Looking down into the lock
"Mules" on the tracks guiding the ship into the lock
Getting ready to lower the ship
Made it through!
Here comes another one
We had a scrumptious lunch buffet on the 4th floor observation deck of the Miraflores Lock Visitor Center. It was our first time tasting Panama's delicious ceviche made from lime, red onion, cilantro, fish, shrimp, squid, and baby octopi.
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