27th March 2006 - 10:15 pm
i dont know how to start this page...it had been one of the exceptional days of my life...marked by the excitement of crossing the canal and the tough times a marine engineer has to endure.
22nd was a very beautiful day. the ship came in through the three lock-gates (called the Gatun locks) to the natural lake - Lake Gatun. the technology was spellbound. a couple of tram-like machines on either side of the canal, both forward and aft, pulled the ship into each lock-gate to raise the ship to next level. the time required to flood the locks was amazing. it was actually filled by gravity from the next lock, where water would be at a higher level, using underground tunnel and valves. (i am happy to provide a link here for anyone interested in knowing the detailed operation of the transit of ships through the canal. Click here to go to the site of 'Panama canal Authority' where you will find an animated description). as i had wished, i got the chance to see the ship passing into the lock-gates and rising to the next level. the ship is raised to an overall height of 28 meters to get to the lake!! at the end of the lake there is another set of locks called 'Miraflores locks' before the ship finally enters the Pacific ocean.
before afternoon we reached the lake and the scenery was enchanting...it was so good to see greenery after a long time..since joining the ship back in canada, i hadnt seen a single green plant! almost all the crew, other than those who on duty were on the deck, enjoying the serenity of the place.
but beyond all the thrill, tough times were in store for me...
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