Blast from the past: a visit to the Erie Canal, Lock 7

These pictures were taken Sept 14, 2009, and show how a boat lock works.  A lock is a system used for raising and lowering watercraft between stretches of water of different levels on river and canal waterways.

First, the boat goes into the upper lock, heading east.

A boat entering a river lock

The upper lock gates close behind it.

River locks closing

The water drops (note the waterfalls behind it, generating power)

Erie Canal Locks generating power

The lower lock gates open.

Lower Locks of the Erie Canal

The boat goes out through the gate.

Erie Canal Locks

and down the river.

Traversing the Erie Canal Locks

Another boat comes in through the lower gate, heading in the other direction.

Entering a lower river lock

The lower gates close behind it.

Closing the lower lock doors

The water rises

Going up a river lock

The gates open

Go up a lock on the Erie Canal

and the boat heads west.

Leaving the upper lock on the erie canal

Are there locks in your area?  This one has a great parking lot and some trails.  You can boat watch all day if you like.

Have another tip to offer? Send it to me or reply below and I will add it here.

Don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter! Once a week, I send updates on quilt-related information I have found while wandering the web. This might be an inspiring article, a tip or tutorial I have discovered (or written), and occasionally exclusive offers & discounts as well as immediate access to the secret page of free patterns, guides, and printables. You can follow my page on Facebook, or join the Make Believe Quilters group, too.