Locking and “Reasonable Risk”

We were very excited to initiate the locks on the Champlain Canal. The Federal Lock turned out to be a piece of cake! We wore our headsets to ensure calm communications from helmsman to line-handler (me). We contacted the Lock Master on Channel 13; the “Green Light” indicated that the lock was ready; we motored into the chamber with ease. I deployed the large ball fenders, then I wrapped the midship breast-line around the vertical pipe, and then… the rear doors close. (Yikes!)  

We were, by the way, the second occupants of this lock. The first boat was a fishing vessel that “waked us” in a hurry to get north. (Kind of like the fast car that passes you and yet you see them at the next stoplight.) 

The Lock Master, watching closely, saw that we were “ready” and initiated the filling of the lock. I noticed some (minimal) turbulence at the north end of the lock, but it didn’t really affect us. We rose gradually, and I made small adjustments with the line, until we were at the final height for exiting. Slowly, the north doors opened, Pete gave me the signal to bring in the line, and we used our bow and stern thrusters to push away from the wall. We motored out of Federal Lock with ease. The entire process took about 15-20 minutes.

<Sigh> We did it! We maneuvered through our first canal lock! ONWARD!

Lock C1 was just as easy. This time we were alone; no one critiquing us. The fast boat made a left turn after Federal Lock and took the Erie Canal while we were headed north up the Champlain Canal. We made it through without a problem. It really is easier than I’ve read. 

Lock C2 was a little different. We contacted the Lock Master and we were told the lock would be ready in 5-10 minutes. Pete stated that we’d be watching for the “green light.” The current light was, to be clear, GREEN, but the lock doors were closed. At some point, the light changed from green to red, and we figured that the lock master, maybe, finally realized the incorrect signal, was not fully awake, or was doing some maintenance. When the light changed back to green, and the lock doors opened, we cautiously moved forward. As we entered the empty chamber, I took note of the cable, rather than pipe.

We are using a reference book called “Cruising the New York Canal System.” It is a Skipper Bob Publication. It offers a wealth of information about each canal, the locks, methods of securing (pipes, cables or ropes), marinas and services, bridges and clearances, and sometimes information on history of the towns, as well as conveniences within walking distance. It is a great resource!

Skipper Bob’s book indicated that I’d see ropes and cables in Lock C2. The process is still the same, I made adjustments in the line as we slowly rose, and when the north doors opened, we pulled the line in, thrusted away from the wall, and moved out. Lock C2 was another success! 

Our conservative plan was to venture only as far as Mechanicville, before Lock C3, and tie up to the free municipal dock for the night. We did just that. We noticed some cars and trucks unloading tables, chairs, and awnings just yards away. Not long after we were told that tonight was the Chamber of Commerce’s fundraiser, the “Duck Derby,” and we had front row seats! Rubber ducks (200-300 of them!) would be released upstream on the creek that emptied at the end of our dock. We purchased two ducks for the good of the city, enjoyed the DJ music, the popcorn, fixed and ate our dinner on the flybridge and took it all in.

At 7:00 pm sharp, the ducks were released upstream, and the cheering began. It didn’t take long for the first duck to arrive. The grand prize was $1000, but we didn’t win it. Then at 7:30 sharp, the Derby Timekeeper announced that the next duck over the line would conclude the race. The last duck had a $200 prize attached. We didn’t win that either. For the next hour, the volunteer fire department staff picked up the remaining ducks. There were a few stragglers, even into the next morning. 

Saturday morning brought some unpredicted winds. The stated windspeed (NOAA, PocketGrib, Weather.com, etc.) listed 3 mph, but it was gusting higher on and off. As we motored up to Lock C3, we estimated 12-15 mph gusts. The Lock Master was holding his cap on his head, suggesting possible higher gusts at the top of Lock C3. The Captain and Skipper of Reverie decided not to take any risks, and that this was not the day to negotiate the locks or skinny canals ahead. We notified the Lock Master of our decision to return to Mechanicville and sit the wind out. Sunday would be calmer. Why struggle through a stressful day when we have time to spare? We did a U-turn after leaving Lock C3, entered again from the north, and returned to our free dock. (BTW, this will give us 3-times the experience at Lock C3!)

We tied up at the same place, confident that it was the right decision because the winds only got stronger. It was a nice day to read, sketch, blog, nap, and eventually, take a walk. 

As we walked the streets of Mechanicville, we noticed a small blue-collar, tight-knit community, probably economically depressed with deteriorating sidewalks and potholes in the streets, but posessing incredible American pride. Nearly every street corner had a monument to a veteran, most porches displayed the American flag, the “Americana” decorations were everywhere, even the gardens were planted with red, white and blue flowers. The entire city is one square mile, purported to be the smallest city in the state of New York.  

Everyone we encountered gave a friendly wave or said “Hello.” It is this small town atmosphere that we miss about our home town and that we enjoy so much in our travels.