October 19 Sunday. 2010 Going through the Panama Canal

We wake up early and make our way to deck 4 where the open up the bow for first class views. They had coffee and fruit buns on the deck. Weather was cloudy but no rain. The canal has 6 sets of locks each having 2 lanes, elevate ships 85 feet above sea level to the level of Gatun lake and then lower them back to sea level on the opposite side of the isthmus. During these lockages, which obtain water from Gatun lake, miter gates the lock's chambers as gravity drains the lower levels. Approximately 51 gallons of fresh water are used for each lockage and ultimately flush into the sea. A control house on the center wall of each lock's higher chamber directs this entire operation. Vessels use their own propulsion and are assisted in the locks by electric locomotives. It only rained for a short time near the end. We are exhausted and have a short nap before happy hour. Our entertainment was Jacqi Michaels . She sang some Ella Fritzarel, Tina Turner, and Patsy Clien I really enjoyed her.

REMEMBER-To laugh it's the music of the heart.