Gate to the Miraflores Locks in Panama Canal
When Silver Cloud entered the Miraflores Locks from the Pacific Ocean, Alan and I experienced our second boomer adventure cruising through the Panama Canal. No matter how many times you transit the canal that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, there’s something new to see and learn. Even the non-techie boomer traveler will appreciate the history of a technological fete that caused the death of 27,500 workers beginning with the French effort in 1880 (21,900 workers died) and culminating with the canal finally opening in 1914 as a result of U.S. leadership (5,600 workers died).
Have you transited the Panama Canal? Post a comment to share your experience. This is a boomer adventure that Alan and I won’t mind repeating.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I was here just a month ago! Very cool. How awesome is the whole lock process to experience firsthand, by the way?!
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Twitter: DonnaLHull
January 10, 2012 at 7:35 am
Thanks for stopping by, Kristin. I’m always amazed at the many sounds of the Panama Canal – bells, whistles, engine motors…
Twitter: thelostbackpack
January 11, 2012 at 8:29 am
5600 workers died? Wow. Interesting piece.
Twitter: DonnaLHull
January 11, 2012 at 9:03 am
Hi Lane, thanks for commenting. The details of the Panama Canal’s construction are fascinating, especially when cruisers here them as they sail through. History and technology are looking you right in the face.
Never realized so many people died during the construction of the canal…
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Twitter: DonnaLHull
January 14, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Sheryl, the Panama Canal history is fascinating. What a technical achievement for the times.