Day 231 - June 13, 2013: Canal closure and moving inside the Old Champlain Canal

We are getting a lot of attention from the NY State Canal Corporation. Early this morning the Deputy Director came in to brief the boaters here. There is rain coming today and overnight, and the Mohawk River is expected to reach flood stage here by Saturday morning. The Canal Superintendent also met with us and confirmed they will be moving us up into the pools between Locks 2 and 3 this afternoon. They want us there since they control the depth of these pools and therefore the pools are not affected by the flooding.

Today's local paper, The Record, had a picture, which included Great Laker, and an article on the flooding. Anne was quoted as "being happy to support the local economy" during the delay and appreciating the "very friendly" people.

Great Laker on the cover of The Record

At about 1 p.m., we attended a meeting of all the boaters on the dock and were instructed on the process for moving. We were to be placed in the Old Champlain Canal just above Lock #2 with 5 of the 20 or so boats. This is quite unusual, as boaters are normally not allowed in this area. We entered the lock during a driving rain with the help of several canal workers all sporting bright red slickers. Anne was appropriately dressed for the occasion, but not too excited to be out working the lines.

Inside Lock #2 in the rain

Anne ready to work the lock

The Old Champlain Canal is very narrow and no longer in use. We turned into a small section that remains and docked to a wall as instructed. The workers removed a portion of the railings so we could get off the boat and later brought in a generator which we are sharing with another boat. I can't say enough about all the support we are getting from the canal staff.

Great Laker on the Old Champlain Canal

Our new but very noisy power supply

We were wet and cold and had spent most of the day just preparing and moving to this location. When the rain subsided some, we walked down Broad St. and treated ourselves to a nice dinner at McGreivey's.