06-26-09 Utica, NY

Rick speaks: We left St Johnstown at 1130. This was due to the rain the entire morning. We traversed 2 locks, including the Lock 17. This lock is unique in the United States (there is another in Ottawa, Canada). All other gates open sideways, hinged on the side and meeting in the middle. On Lock 17, the gate is a huge single door, and lifts UP to open this lock. You then drive into the lock under the door, which is dripping like a pouring rain. The lock raises you up 40 feet, the highest lift in the Erie Canal System. Here is a picture.

We stopped in Little Falls for a couple of hours. This is a very old, historic city in lock history. This was a city of portage in the 1800’s as travelers on the Mohawk River couldn’t make it over the rapids here. The rapids are right downtown.

We visited the Visitors Center and met a lady who owns the house in the photo. It is 4 stories and she host banquets and weddings on the second floor. The third floor, once a bowling alley, is a dance studio. There is pottery operation on the first floor. She also lives in the building all alone! It is quite a building.

We mentioned before about the fenders we had made for the locks. They are exercise balls, wrapped in laundry bags. Here is a picture of the final product.

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After Little Falls, we proceeded to Utica, passing two more locks. At Utica, we are staying at the Utica Marina, where the price is only $1.00 per foot including electric and water. You are allowed to use the restrooms in the restaurant, but there are no showers.

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A typical lock wall. Usually concrete, and very rough.

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Working the lines in the rain leads to a very "different' look.

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You gotta have some help.......Betsy pushes her weight around...