Up Up and Away

The Canal Crew has been together for 36hrs and we were running like a well-oiled machine. We took turns motoring up the Hudson River, dodging small fishing boats which insisted that there were better and bigger fish in the centre of the channel vs. the edge. In Troy we lifted 12' in our first lock which has a control dam preventing the 4' tide from reaching any further than 100 miles up-stream from the Atlantic. When I travel the Hudson, I always think of what the early explorers thought as they paddled this river for the very first time.

We arrived at Waterford at 1600 on Monday and found space at the public pier between German and Canadian Trawlers. With the mast down we are 55'- unfortunately it doesn’t feel any bigger down below. After tying it up, we were already for a cold refreshing beverage and a well deserved steak dinner on the BBQ.

Tuesday morning was a sleep-in until 0800 as the Erie Canal didn't open until 10:00am. It opened with fanfare and the typical ceremonial dignitaries present. Despite being lined up first, it was the 92' Azimut, and a few other 'beautiful' looking cruisers that went through the lock first for the photo-op. I just have to acknowledge our de-masted sailboat isn't as sexy as under full sail...

The first set of locks is a series of 5 known as the flight; each is approximately 35' up and a total of 2 miles long. It is the training ground for all crew for the next 30+ locks that we pass through during the next 4 days.

Now at mile 2.77 Guard Gate, we wait for approximately 20 minutes for it to open. Guard gates are large moveable walls (gates) that redirect water from the canal to the main river protecting the locks from flooding or allowing them to dry out for maintenance and repair.

We were now well on our way and throughout the day transited 10 locks, 240' above sea level and 43.5 miles. The day ended at sunset on the down side of lock 12, ready for a 7am start on Wednesday.