Panama Canal Museum & Campana

We travelled back into Panama City with Phil & Kathy (from Wisconsin) to the Panama Canal Museum at the Miraflores Locks.  We were able to find it quite easily.  When we arrived, there was a huge container ship going through the locks.  It was very interesting to see how the locks worked looking from the platform above them.  We were able to see the the ship move into the lock area helped by the mules right to the end of the lock, with just enough room to close the gates.  It was totally amazing to see this huge ship raised by the water in 8 minutes.  The gate was opened and it moved forward into the 2nd lock, with the help of the mules, to be raised again to the lake level.  This was very interesting to see as when you are in the locks going through in a small boat it is hard to visualize how big these locks really are.  Great to see.

This is how much room was left behind it as it went through the locks.  Pretty amazing.

In the museum, we saw the equipment, tools and history of the building of the canal.  The movie also showed us how the canal was built.  Interesting!

We were able to find our way out of Panama City just as well as we found our way in.  We were heading back to Coronado but decided to check out Campana National Park.  We started climbing our way up to Campana and stopped at a view point.  

Looking out over the valley to the Pacific Ocean.

The valley.  Coronado is about 20 kms from here.  Very beautiful view!

We continued into the little town of Chica looking for a restaurant, however it being Monday all the places were closed.  We followed the road out, descending seeing the very beautiful scenery.  Never did get to the park or have lunch but was able to see some beautiful scenery.