Day 229 - June 11, 2013: Delay due to Erie Canal lock closures

It rained most of the night, and this morning I learned from another boater that the Erie Canal locks #2 through #19 are closed due to flooding upstream. Then I observed that the water level here was already four feet over yesterday. Apparently, this is not an uncommon occurrence during the spring/summer rainy season, as the runoff from the rain raises the pool behind each dam, causing it to spill over and wash copious amounts of water and debris into the channels. The currents get very high, and the debris is dangerous to boaters. I joined other captains on the dock, and we all agreed that with more rain in the forecast, we might be in for a few days of delay. How fortunate we are to be in Waterford, NY on this nice floating dock with electricity, water, WiFi, and a short walk to the main street!

Great Laker on the Waterford city dock with several other loopers

The Erie Canal was constructed during the two decades after the War of 1812, was heralded as the first navigable waterway connecting the Atlantic to the Great Lakes, and was recognized as one of the most significant civil engineering projects in North America. Using small barges pulled by mules, it cut previous transportation costs by 95%.

After lunch, during a break in the rain, we walked over and explored the remains of an original lock built on the canal. The lock has three steps ganged together and each was surprisingly short and narrow. The wooden gates between them are long gone, and the mule path is now a walking path on the right side. Currently, this lock is being used as a sluice for spillover from the dam above.

Original lock #2 of the Erie Canal 

Turbulent spillover from the flooding

With some time to spare and another break in the rain, I rode my bike over to buy some engine oil, while Anne caught up on business from home. Later, I removed and cleaned the holding tank sensor, a task no one should ever be required to do! But, you can't cruise without issues if your sensor doesn't tell you when that tank is full!

This is the current lock #2 which I can see from the pilot house, and we are hoping it will be opening soon...

The first lock (lock #2) at the entrance to the Erie Canal