Traveling through the locks can be a long day. We were fortunate
to be early in the season and there were few boats along the rivers. However,
being early in season also means the locks were only open from 10:00 am to 4:00
PM. This means getting to the last lock by 3:30 to lock through. Almost every lock has space to moor for the night. Besides buying a lock permit, buying a
mooring permit allows you to stay for the night. The cost for the permit is by
the foot. We bought a seasonal pass which allowed us access on both the canals
at less cost than paying individually and for a one time pass.
There are sections where you can speed up and make time, but
many areas are 10 km/h, that is about 6 statute miles per hour. Slow and steady does
it and going slow gives you a chance to see the surrounding areas. There are
towns to stop at along the way to get your daily fix of ice cream and shopping
for the ladies.
All the lock people
are extremely friendly. There is virtually no radio communication between you
and the lock master or between the locks. However, the locks do tend to
coordinate among themselves via cell phone and you will often have a lock ready
to go when you arrive. I imagine the summers are busier and it is a matter of
being there when the doors open to let the boats out traveling the opposite
direction.
Most of the locks are opened and closed manually with a
cranking system as is the release of water. There were two locks that were
actually lifts. You enter a big tub of water and then they close the door. The
tub rises to the next level by a big hydraulic lift and then the front opens and out you go.
Below are some pictures of sights seen along the way.
 |
| A typical lock door |
 |
| This is the lock lift at Peterborough. For efficiency there are two, one is always up and the other down. Quite a simple principle, just float in and they close the door behind you. When you get to the top or the bottom, the door drops down and you float out. |
 |
| This little guy loved cruising. He was on a boat with a couple doing the Great Loop. They started in Texas |
 |
| This must be a river tradition. We saw one on the Tennessee. |
 |
This was a big lift. King Fisher, a Rosborough, was traveling with us. Here is a shot of him waiting for the doors to open.
|
 |
A typical evening after running the locks. Relaxing, enjoying the view and a bit of wine, more wine and then some wine.
 |
| Some munchies with Dun & Becky |
 |
| Many of the lock masters beautify their locks. Here is a little garden at lock 18 |
 |
| Nothing like an evening swim when anchored out. |
 |
| The captains discussing lock strategy. |
More to come................................................................... |
