Erie Canal Part One: Learning the Ropes

First westbound Erie Canal lock at Waterford, NY

COROLLARY #1 to the first rule of boating: If you have the naive idea of making a plan when boating, be prepared to make changes.

Our western journey began on a sunny morning with crews in high spirits ready to experience the historic Erie Canal. We rose early in order to be the first boats into the lock when it opened at 7 AM.

The Salty Paws crew, Bob and Jeanne mans their lines while Moxie supervises.

The first flight of five locks quickly raised us 103 feet above the Hudson into the Mohawk River. The first 114 miles, through 19 locks will raise us a total of 420 feet above sea level.

Sally W's crew, Allan and Tom,  ready to let go with the lock now filled.

And onto the next lock.

Locking protocol requires that once the next lock is in sight, the captain must radio ahead and request passage.

Without exception, the lock masters are friendly and helpful.

The lock master replies that he will "prepare the chamber." [The gas chamber? The boudoir? Notify the local Chamber of Commerce?] LOL.  If the water level in the chamber won't permit opening doors on your end, one must wait until the water is drained, or filled, to your entry level.

As the boat enters the chamber the captain heads for the slimy lock wall with hanging ropes.

The first few minutes can feel like a carnival ride.

The crew grabs the ropes for bow and stern and the captain brings the boat to a stop. Gloves are preferred because the ropes are typically wet and dirty. Once all boats are in, the doors close and water begins to rush in from submerged gates on the sidewalls.

Salty Paws crew doing the Hokey Pokey

For the first few minutes, our proximity to the source of the rushing water poses a challenge to keep the boat from scraping the wall. It reminds us of a washing machine. The fenders do a good job, but take a beating. Those fenders lovingly covered in custom made fleece jackets eventually take on an appearance similar to that of the walls themselves - yucky.

Due to occasional low bridge clearances, we lowered our masts to provide 13 feet of clearance. It's an easy operation. 

Note the turbulence courtesy of the rushing water beneath us.

For sailboats, it's way more complicated. Masts and all the paraphernalia must be removed and secured. Kinda compromises the aesthetics of the boat's design and quality of the on-deck experience, but just temporarily.

The first day on the canal gave us more of a river experience ...

 ... with occasional reminders that we were also on the Erie Canal.

The Mohawk River threads a ribbon through the economic history of this region. Sadly, much of the industry is shuttered.

It was good to see that farms exist, although they may be struggling too.

The perfect moment. Allan captured this heron in flight snagging lunch. He/she is not walking on water.

And the ubiquitous wildlife exists in concert with man's machinations.

It started to rain late in the afternoon and we stopped in Amsterdam for the night, proud to have eight locks under our belts. Moxie found one of the more picturesque sites in town.