June 15, 2017

Today was a very exciting day.  We entered the Erie Canal.

Waterford is the very beginning of the canal system.  Little did I know the first of 23 locks was about 100 yards from the city docks.

Our first lock there were 6 boats in a long double garage about

3 stories deep.  I had to wrap a line around a cable and hang on 

while the lock fills up with water.  The other 5 boats were very helpful and we did it without any mishaps.  When we were in

Waterford there were at least 10 boats waiting to go on in the canal.  We decided that we needed to get an early start and beat the rush tomorrow, so we left after lunch today.  There were two boats and more room to work around in.  Our first attempt was not the most graceful, but we got through it. By the time we finished the 7th lock

we had the procedure down.  I hope the remaining 18 are just like these.   

Deer In The Mohawk River
(Erie Canal)

Jim Working the Lock

Our First Lock

Our second lock

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