The Waterford Flight Locks

Albany As Seen From the Hudson River

On Monday, June 24^th we departed Castleton-on-Hudson and headed north yet again.  Passing the beautiful city of Albany on our way to Troy, location of the Federal Lock, also known as Lock #1 or the Troy Lock.  Entering this lock we knew we were on our way!   

The Federal Lock

 

Almost  Up

 

Approximately three miles north of the Troy Lock we encountered a fork in the river at the town of Waterford.   

Turning left would take us up the Mohawk River and into the Erie Canal.  The first 5 locks are a set, collectively known as the Waterford Flight.  With an elevation gain of 169 feet in less than two miles, this set of locks has the highest lift in the shortest distance in the world.  We wanted to experience this set of locks so turned left and found a place to tie to the wall in Waterford amongst the other boats waiting for the Erie to reopen.   (Erie Canal is currently closed between locks 8 and 15 due to the recent flooding.) Our timing was excellent as another boater advised us there was a shady place to tie with electrical hook up at the top of Lock #2 (the first of the Waterford Flight) and suggested we contact the lock master for approval.   He in turn needed authorization. Once approval was granted, we proceeded through the first of the Flight Locks to find a lovely spot under the trees.  

 

Boats Waiting For the Erie to Reopen

Entering Lock E2, First of the Waterford Flight

It is normally not permitted for a boat to tie in this area, by definition Flight Locks are spaced close together and once a boat enters the first lock they are required to proceed through to the end of the flight.  There is current generated during the operation of the locks and one must tie properly to accommodate for it.  Because the Erie Canal is closed beyond lock 8, many exceptions have been made for many different circumstances.   

Our "Spider Tie", This Will Prevent Movement in Any Direction

Original Side Cut Canal

Water Line From Hurricane Irene in 2011 on the Waterford Visitors Center

Our View of the Erie Canal

We made arrangements to lock through the remaining Flight on Tuesday and return back down to the same location to spend one more night on the Erie Canal before heading back to the Hudson to continue on the Champlain Canal.  Departing with a group of three other boats we began our trip up the Waterford Flight at 12:30. 

Entering Lock 3

We Each Hold a Line As the Lock Fills

 

Departing Lock 3, We Are the 4th of Four Boats

Lock 4

Departing Lock 4

Only .16 Miles Separates Lock 5 From Lock 4

Entering Lock 6

It's Fairly Close Quarters

 

They Headed Onward Under the Guillotine Gate and Beyond

We Spun Around and Reentered Lock 6, This time At The Top. We will Descend the Flight Locks

The Water Drains From the Lock and the Gates Open

This Adds New Meaning to "The End of Your Rope!"

Back To Our Place on the Wall at the Top of Lock 2

We were back where we started at 3:00, a three hour round trip.

 eH