The Nespelen had to wait to enter the locks because we carried a full load of aviation gasoline (avgas) and we had to go through the locks alone. I, for one had no idea what the trip would be like and I was surprised at what awaited us.

The Nespelen enters the Panama Canal. The electric towing device seen on the right is called a "mule" because originally mules were used to tow ships through the canal. Because of the danger represented by tankers, the Nespelen had to go through the locks alone. If I remember correctly, that is Chief Abate standing on the boW.

 

The canal was not just a narrow trench, but seemed almost like a river. As night progressed, we became aware of the sounds of the birds and monkeys in the jungle and I felt like I was in some Tarzan movie.

I have always wondered who lived in this house on this island in the middle of Gatun Lake. We stopped to wash off the ship while in the lake, and the captain had swim call. I don't swim, so I didn't go in the water. Later we learned that the lake was full of crocodiles.

 

 

  

As we cruised through the canal, we passed these two soldiers patrolling miles of fence. We yelled at them, but they didn't acknowledge us.   

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