The Canal officials indeed asked us to move up into the chain of locks yesterday. So in the pouring rain we went through Lock #2. It's about a 33 foot rise. Most of us had to go through Lock #3 as well. It's another 33 foot rise. We were directed to tie up against two tugs in a small basin where there is an Erie Canal maintenance yard. It's right above Lock #3. We are tied against the Grand Erie, a pusher
tug. Very nice people here.
Entering the lock. 10 boats in the very narrow lock made for some exciting moments since the idea is to stay close to the lock wall. But when you have two people trying to hold a 52,000 lb boat against a wall with swirling current, excitement is the only word to describe the experience.
The Canal officials are working to get us power and pump-outs as well. This basin is very calm and so while the scenery is "industrial" at least we aren't battling flood waters and high currents.
We'll most likely be here a few days until the water recedes enough for the upstream locks to re-open. And we can still walk to town about 1/2 mile away.
From the web cam they have running at the Visitor Center. The dock is usually a few feet below the concrete embankment which is under water.
Here we are tied up with 3 other boats to this tug and the barge behind us.
Just got tied up (Picture taken by the couple from Miss gg)
Entering the lock. 10 boats in the very narrow lock made for some exciting moments since the idea is to stay close to the lock wall. But when you have two people trying to hold a 52,000 lb boat against a wall with swirling current, excitement is the only word to describe the experience.
At least you can walk to town...sounds like you are roughing it...
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