Gatun Locks Opening Now that the water level has dropped in this chamber o fthe Gatun Locks, the doors are opening to let out ship move north into the next lock Chamber. (Gallery: Travel Journals > Costa Rica 12 > Panama Canal Pictures)
View of Northernmost Gatun Lock This is a view of the northernmost lock chamber on the Panama Canal. Ahead is the Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean). As soon as the water levels equalize, our ship will move north into this last lock chamber to be lowered to the level of the Atlantic Ocean. In the distance, the blue ship went through the locks ahead of us and is now streaming its cargo of cars to the Eastern United States or Europe.
Panama Canal Mule That engine at the top of the picture is called a mule. These mules are roped to each ship using a metal rope, and ar eused to guide the ships through the canal.