I didn’t hesitate when Sandy called and asked if I wanted to go on a cruise through the Panama Canal. YES! That trip has been on my bucket list just waiting to be fulfilled. I wasn’t thrilled to be on a ship for 16 days, but if that’s what it took. And, better, Richard, my husband, came with me. Ann-Christine’s challenge was perfect timing for me.
What a fun trip that ended up being. Traveling in October, it was mostly a senior tour. Leaving from San Francisco, California and ending in Galveston, Texas; we were mostly Californians and Texans. We enjoyed each other’s company–no State conflicts!
I was also concerned about the ship being a Carnival ship, but that was great too. The ship’s interior was beautiful, the food great and the entertainment awesome. The most photogenic part were the elevators.


Now for the reason I went on this trip–the Panama Canal! We went through the old locks. The new locks are reserved for larger ships. The last picture shows our ship entering the lake mid-way through the canal.





The Lake

Entering the Atlantic Ocean was a mirror image of exiting the Pacific Ocean. I went to the cabin to rest and watch the rest on the television.
It was an amazing experience. We did visit other ports in other countries, but with a limited number of pictures as directed by Ann-Christine, those will have to wait.
We also took the opportunity to visit the Huston Space Center before we came home. My homecoming is another story to be told next week as I lead the challenge. Stay tuned!
Thanks Ann-Christine for pushing me to process my canal transit images. Be sure to link to her post when you respond and use the lens artist tag. In the meantime, stay safe and be resilient.
What a wonderful trip, Anne. Those locks – so well captured. And as for the transport – a magic-carpet kind of a ship 🙂
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Thanks Tish!
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I’ve seen the canal from Miraflores, but I would love to travel through it on a boat. How exciting! Maggie
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It was exciting, but did get a little boring!
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I am happy you felt “pushed” to share these images. What a trip it was! The photos took me right there.
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Thanks Egidio! Now that I’m able to sit at the computer, I’ll be processing more.
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Hello Anne, Great images of a fascinating voyage. I would love to see some of Central America. Unfortunately, all of out travel plans have been put on 47 hold; Italy and a road trip to the Canadian border.
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Thanks Paul! We aren’t traveling either. Politics aside, we are getting too old!
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Anne! I have been waiting for this trip to be posted – thank you! It looks really spectacular, and not only the trip, but the ship, the locks and those elevators! Looking forward to more!
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Thanks Ann-Christine!
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♥
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By chance, a member of our photo club recently showed us all HER photos of her voyage through the Panama canal. Funnily enough they’re quite different. Hers were often close ups, and quite a lot of rust seemed to be involved. It’s great to see yours too. I have a much more rounded picture now.
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Margaret, maybe she was closer, longer lens or different ship. There was rust, but my lens was not long enough.
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How long does it take to actually transit the canal, Anne? I love the photo of your boat entering it and I know I’d enjoy watching the locks fill and empty xx
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It took us most of the day. You mostly see the locks fill. It’s an amazing engineering feat.
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Kudos Anne. The locks look interesting and I want visit the highlands of Panama like Boquete.
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Unfortunately, we didn’t get off the ship.
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What a beautiful journey Anne and thank you so much for sharing! ❤️ xxx
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It’s a once in a lifetime experience.
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What a great opportunity!!
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It was!
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I’d love to travel through the Panama Canal one day, though I’m not sure I’d enjoy a Carnival cruise. I’ll be interested to read more about your trip 🙂
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I was not happy about going on Carnival, but that’s where our friends’ family have accumulated their status points (free drinks, etc.). I was surprised with the look, food and entertainment on the ship. My favorite cruise line was Holland America. We took it to Alaska. I’ll be editing as I can sit at the computer. DON’T HURT YOUR BACK!
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Take your time and don’t rush it – your back healing is the most important thing right now 🤗
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Thanks Sarah. I can’t rush it. It is what it is!
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Good storytelling through your photos. The elevators are fancy with the lights and colors. The canal is beautiful.
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Thanks Rebecca! I like to photograph glitz, and that’s what a Carnival ship has–at least by the elevators.
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I’m looking forward to your additional photos of the trip through the canal and your stops before and after that big canal transit. I love watching the progress as we are lowered and raised through the lock systems and that calm sail across Lake Gatun.
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Excellent post, Anne. That is some cool place 😀
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What a fun choice for the week Anne! I’ve not been through the canal and those I know who have rave about it! Glad you got to experience it. I look forward to seeing/hearing more about it!
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😍
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The ship itself is a thing worth seeing. Fantastic
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Thanks I. J.! Carnival ships are known as the party ships; however, this cruise carried mostly seniors–no parties!!
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these images are stunning Anne – looking at it makes me feel like I’m literally experiencing the moment. thank you for sharing this wonderful set of shots. Mike
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Thank you Mike! And I’m glad to have shared this experience.
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I have traveled past the Panama Canal, when I was a kid, traveling from Australia to England. My memories are less vivid and lovely as yours are. The cruise ships are so glamorous these days as you show as in your photos. Enjoyed your post, and the limitation of images is a challenge
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Thanks Ritva! When you’re a kid and not an adult photographer, you’re looking at things differently. Like you’d rather be in the swimming pool then seeing the sites.
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Would love to go on that trip 😀!
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When you get the chance, do it! Or create the opportunity.
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Anne, I’m so glad to finally see some of your images from your Panama Canal adventure! I love your photos of the ship going through the locks. Looking forward to seeing more images and hearing about the rest of the trip.
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Thanks Beth. We got a new chair for my desktop computer, so I hope to be doing some more editing.
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It is not a trip I would ever have thought of taking, or new you good, it looks really interesting Anne. Thanks for taking us along.
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Going through the Panama Canal was always on my bucket list. When Sandy asked, I knew it would be my last chance. Next, is a hot air balloon ride.
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