Traffic was still crossing below the first (lowest) lock as the ship ahead of us pulled out of the first lock and into the second.

Turbulent water just below the crossing traffic as the first lock begins to drain.

Mules were heavy, strong rail engines that centered the ships. Two mules were at the ready as our ship approached.

The traffic bridge folded out of the way and the lower lock gates began to open.

Traffic was stopped on the roadway and awaited the closing of the lock gates, so that cars could cross again.

A mule was attached to the bow of our ship with steel cables. The steel cables were attached to special Panama Canal ballards inside slots on the bow. The Mule moved forward on ratchets and tracks along with the ship to keep it centered in the canal. Note that there was only 1 meter (3 feet) of clearance between the ship and the lock wall on each side.

Another ship was on the other side. The canal can move ships in both directions at once because it has two sets of locks in parallel.

A photographer stood on shore and photographed guests on our ship. Notice how huge the two ships were when compared to this person.

Welding equipment stood on shore alongside alto/stop signs.

Our ship was pulled almost all the way into the lock. Usually canal transit is shot in sped-up motion. That's because it takes a big ship almost an hour to pull into the first lock.

One of the two mules attached to our bow had pulled to a stop and now waited for the lock to fill.

Our lower lock filled by the middle lock draining into it. When the gate opened between the two locks the water level would be the same in both locks.

A danger sign next to the lock gate read:

Danger
Do not cross gates
when bell rings

Peligro
Evite cruzar cuando
toque la campana.