Utica, NY
Got a late start today - one of the locks we needed to go through was closed due to electrical issues, and at the last minute they were able to get the issue fixed and reopen the lock. We also had a morning thunder storm roll through so it was nice to miss that as well. There is also a 5 miles per hour speed limit between Locks 16 and 17, which seemed like forever.
One of the locks we went through today, Lock 17, was 40 feet - the highest one on the Erie Canal and one of the highest lift locks in the world. In one of the photos posted today you can see lock 16 after we entered when the doors close behind us and before releasing the water and being lifted up. It’s Ann’s responsibility to grab a weighted line on the (slimy & disgusting) lock wall, hook it under a cleat at the center line of the boat and when the water is released in to the lock holding the line tight and as steady as possible (with gloves to protect her manicure) as the boat rises to the top of the lock wall, pulling the line in as we ascend. Will stays on the flybridge and keeps the boat as straight as he can and listens to Ann cuss and swear into the headset until the lift is complete then the gate opens and on to the next lock. Can’t say we aren’t having alot of fun!!! It’s nerve racking (for Ann anyway) every time. After Lock 17, went through Little Falls which might be a good place to stop on the way back.
The Erie Canal also has Guard Gates that help control flooding when the canal has high water. They are normally raised and, as you can see in the photo, have an arrow welded in the middle in case the boat’s captain needs to be told where to cross untie the gate. We also crossed under the lowest bridge on the canal just before entering Lock 19 which also happened to be the locked that had been closed.
We arrived in Utica NY later than we like, tied up to another wall and had dinner at the waterside restaurant Portofino. Very nice little Italian place and was a welcome rest after a long day. Tomorrow is the 4th of July and although Ann ordered flag banners from Amazon to tie on the boat, they were delivered late to the Hudson River Maritime Museum in Kingston a week ago AFTER we had already left - so hope the Museum is displaying them proudly 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 - ordering things from Amazon on the loop is tricky- not trying that again!
Go here to find the Nebo summary and track for the day.
