Explanation of photos: The sign gives directions for Erie Canal or Champlain Canal. The locks will hold 6 boats our size. The next shot shows the turbulence from the water coming in to fill the locks. The lockkepper said there were 2 36 inch valves and that it takes about 1.4 million gallons for each lift. Looking downstream from the lock at the top of the lift. Sometimes you can see the dam along side as you are in the lock. Buddy, the dog on "Bella Luna" shows little concern for this procedure. Left Fort Edwards and headed for the final locks in the Champlain Canal. 2 lifts and 3 dropped us down to the level of Lake Champlain. We are traveling today with 2 other looper boats. The day was off and on drizzle through farm country and hills. We are here at Whitehall, NY and with the rain I have been trying to get some of the dirt from the lock walls of the boat. The fenders take a beating in the locks as the walls a rough and slimy. The line we used is soaking in simple green. Ken Hartman made us a hook that worked well in some of the locks. I wish I would have had the hook made even bigger. Some of the locks had 4 inch pipe to tie to and others a cable. The toughest ones only had a line hanging from the top and you have to hang on and adjust as the boat travels up or down. The system for locks is have lots of fenders out and be ready for whatever is there. We are staying at Lock 12 Marina and we eat in their restaurant tonight.
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