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The
Panama Canal is 50 miles long from deep water in the Atlantic to deep
water in the Pacific. It was cut through one of the narrowest and lowest
saddles of the long, mountainous Isthmus that joins the North and South
American continents. The original elevation was 312 feet above sea level
where it crosses the Continental Divide in the rugged mountain range.
It
requires about 8 to 10 hours for an average ship to transit the Canal.
During this brief time, the passengers aboard have an opportunity to see
one of the modern wonders of the world in operation.
A ship is raised or
lowered 26 meters (85 feet) in a continuous flight of three steps at
Gatun Locks. Each lock chamber is 33.5 meters (110 feet) wide and 306
meters (1,000 feet) long
The
history of the construction of the Panama Canal is the saga of human
ingenuity and courage: years of sacrifice, crushing defeat, and final
victory. Many gave their life in the effort. Bring your cameras and
binoculars because there is no telling what you might see. |
