Blast from the past: a visit to the Erie Canal, Lock 7
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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.
The upper lock gates close behind it.
The water drops (note the waterfalls behind it, generating power)
The lower lock gates open.
The boat goes out through the gate.
and down the river.
Another boat comes in through the lower gate, heading in the other direction.
The lower gates close behind it.
The water rises
The gates open
and the boat heads west.
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.
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I love going to the Erie canal an Champlain locks. Especially the Waterford my one that has a nice visitors center and biking and hiking trails near by in the Albany NY area.
Good pictures – I grew up there.
I experienced the most wonderful experience when I visited the Panama Canal and took a boat tour through the locks. Watching the water level decrease and the wall increase gave me an eerie feeling. I was amazed at how long it took to complete the process. The Canal is beautiful and the feeling of watching ships from all nations going thru the locks was amazing.
Words cannot describe what I felt.
I’ve been there as well as others along the canal. Love it!
I grew up in ERIE CANAL Territory. Especially along the canal in Brockport, NY……..fond memories. Our family home was purchased in Niskayuna for the canal beginnings. Really appreciated Ken Burns’ Erie Canal on PBS.
Very nice summary of how a lock works!.
Our family owned a 30-foot cabin cruiser, when I was in high school. I have locked through all the locks from Troy to Lake Oneida and north on the Oswego Canal to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. Have also locked through all the locks on the Champlain Canal from Troy, NY to Lake Champlain.