8 June, 2021. Made it safely through Lock 17

 

19Sm; 3 locks up, 3.5 hours

Easy morning, muggy and a pretty warm 69 degrees.  Weather was ok for the morning, potential for strong thunderstorms later in the day, so we made ready to get underway and get going west.  Untied the lines at the free wall at 0707 and began the transit to the next lock about five miles away.  Several other loop boats caught us at lock 15 as we all entered and were lifted to the next level.  We allowed several of the other boats to proceed ahead as we continued at our 7 mph pace.  Next was lock 16; no issues winds calm and currents and counter currents did not seem to be an issue this morning.  Cleared once reaching the top and the doors opened we continued westward toward lock 17.  Along the way, we noticed an eagle sitting on a grassy bank.  At our approach, Kim was able to capture a picture just as the Eagle lifted.

Lift-off

Lock 17 was broke for several days a couple of weeks ago.  Currently, a temporary fix utilizing a large crane to lift the gate door.  Unlike other locks with two swinging doors at each end, this lock has a single vertical lift door.  Once opened you pass underneath entering the lock then it closes down.  It was kind of creepy and the lift walls were pretty rugged and only the south wall was usable for tie up.  The north wall was leaking water pretty good.  Little falls, NY Lock 17

Guard gate approaching lock 17

Temporary crane lifting the lock gate

Entering lock 17

Close approach to lock 17

Lock 17 lifts at total of 40.5 feet; highest lift on the entire Erie Canal.  It has a reputation of snarly currents, shifting and often strong winds due to the vertical door up in the air and only ropes to grab and hold to while going up.  Today, mostly benign.  While the ropes are dirty and slimy and at times pull pretty good, we had a decent lift up and out with out drama.  Beyond the lock is the town of Little Falls with a municipal marina with fabulous rates, with showers, inexpensive onsite washer/dryer and ice.  The town is historic, with shopping, eating and architecture to view.  We pulled in and secured a spot on the floating wall at 1130.  (Map) No shore power, but showers, air conditioned captain lounge, and laundry room—perfect.  We hiked to town, having decent grade to the streets, resulting in a bit of huffing and puffing.  We toured the town, got freshies at the grocery store, cleaning items at dollar general and hiked back before the rain arrived.  Little Falls video

Most impressive Catholic Church

Masonic building that appeared abandoned

We splurged tonight.  Ordered to go pizza.  1st pizza in nearly a year.  Big night out, sitting at big table in the captains lounge with the AC going.  Living large.  Showers, clean clothes, full bellies, life is good.  Tomorrow, continue west, as the canal leaves the waters of the Mohawk River and becomes a canal.

4260 SM journeyed; 1775.2 hours hobbs