SO ABOUT THOSE LOCKS…

Wednesday, July 19, 2023

Lynn here today….

Quite a few have asked about the locks and what it’s like going through them, entering and leaving, so here’s a little of my experience with the locks,

Last summer going to Lake Champlain was my first experience with locks. We were in a marina next to a couple who talked about their experience and the woman really scared me. It is intimidating to think about being enclosed in a chamber and being moved up or down in as much as 40 feet of water. She felt it was intimidating but I found it to be fun. 

So is it like being in a washing machine or a bathtub?  A little of both. Going up can be a bit rough if the water is filling near where your boat is moored (the lines on the wall). But when you’re dropping, it’s rather pleasant. Our largest lock was a lift of 40 feet but a few were only 8 feet, very easy. 

This was particularly beautiful as we approached Lock 18

We’ve previously posted some pictures of the chambers and the gates, but here’s a picture of the wall that I get to stare at during the filling…about 12 inches away from me and the lines are also really slimy and gross. 

Lots of really creepy stuff on this wall. (You might just have to take our word for this – the photo is so creepy, it does t want to post!)

The lines that we hold during the process are really slimy too. I have gloves but they got dirty very quickly. 

Sorry for the repeat photo!

But the fun part is that I get to contribute to the trip. Sure, I can drive when we’re in a straight, calm area, but when I’m holding the mooring lines, I get to to help Rod move the boat and  steer clear of ladders with bolts that could tear the fenders or openings that could get our fenders stuck.  I feel like part of the team!

Tonight we are tied up at the foot of Lock 22 near the end of our portion of the Erie Canal and it is spectacular. Here’s a view of the lock with our friend’s boat exiting. (We were invited for cocktails once they tied up). 

Our friends’ boat coming to tie up with us at the foot of Lock 22 overnight.

This overnight stay could be one of the high points of the trip. Quiet, no trains, very nice visit aboard their beautiful boat, and a cool night with the hatches open. Lock 22 and only about 80 more to go!

Trivia question:  We completed locks 2 through 10 earlier this week. How many locks did we go through?