Six images of the Miraflores Locks (first locks entering from the Pacific)

Top Image: Approaching the Miraflores Locks from the Pacific Ocean. (Fuerte Amador, Panama,6:00 AM)


Closing in on the Miraflores Locks.


Entering the Miraflores Locks.


Approaching the 1st Chamber, the gates of which have been opened.


Holding before the 2nd gates until water level in chamber one equals that of the second chamber. Note the mechanized "mule" on the tracks along the left shore. A total of six (three each side) of these "mules" are secured to the ship by cables as they guide it through the locks. Reportedly each "mule costs about 1.5 million dollars.


The water level in the 1st chamber is now level with that of the 2nd. The gates are being opened and the ship is ready to pass into the 2nd chamber.