Some years ago I did the Welland Canal between Lakes Erie and Ontario in both directions in my 28 foot sail boat in order to participate in a regatta in Youngstown NY where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. The difference in elevation between Lakes Erie and Ontario is about 325 feet. The Welland Canal bridges this gap in eight steps (locks) of about 46 feet each. The locks are designed to empty or fill in about 15 minutes. Going down-bound is a relative piece of cake as the water in the locks is relatively calm as they empty, but going up-bound is a different story as the water becomes quite turbulent for a small boat as the locks are flooded. Controlling a small boat in the locks as they flood can be quite challenging.
My husband and I have done the Erie Canal twice now. After you’ve done those 35 locks (twice) you get real good at them. We highly recommend you make that trip all the way through, including the west end. It’s beautiful and your boat is perfect for it. Down is worse because there is a better chance your fenders won’t stay put (especially if you are single-handing) and cause damage to your boat.
I have been fortunate to visit family members for a few days doing the Erie and helped out with 10 locks but only going up. I hope to be able to do the eastern portion someday. Thanks for letting me know ill have to watch my fenders going down!
Sometimes I question the singular fixed camera perspective… but as time goes on I find it’s a really great method for supporting my flying along in Google Earth with YT on PIP with you to “train” the route. Thanks again for the effort in sharing.
I agree more camera angles would be nice and hope to do that when I go on boat trips in 2024. all the footage you are seeing is from 2022 so sadly I cant supplement it for this trip. Thank you for your input I hope to improve in the future!
Nice day again. I haver done lock on the upper Mississippi many times. Up is more fun. The water stirs around. When I was alone, many time fishing. the St Anthony locks were kind of intense. I swear the lock maters enjoyed watching me hang on with all I had and filled them extra fast. Take care.
Great trip thru the locks again, this is my main area I boat, Mainly fro the Soo down to De Tour, and have been thru both American and Canadian locks, I prefer the Canadian lock, as it is less pressure to tie with the cables. Also if your in the area again, a great place to stop with the boat and get a bite to eat is 15 miles south of the Soo, Just above the Rock Cut, and Neebish Island Ferry, is a Resturant, called the Cozy Corners, they have a great dock to tie up, and the best food in the area. It is also decorated in the shipping motif, with lots of photos of freighters and memorabla
I agree the cables are nice. and a lot easier then hanging ropes. Thank you for letting me know about the restaurant! it sounds like a great place to stop!
Nice job figuring out how to handle your lines in the lock on the port side. It’s fun watching the lakers from George Kemp marina.
George Kemp Marina is a really cool place; lots of history packed into such a small place. Sweet vid! Thank you!
I defiantly enjoyed my time there. i plan to go back someday to explore the area more.
Some years ago I did the Welland Canal between Lakes Erie and Ontario in both directions in my 28 foot sail boat in order to participate in a regatta in Youngstown NY where the Niagara River empties into Lake Ontario. The difference in elevation between Lakes Erie and Ontario is about 325 feet. The Welland Canal bridges this gap in eight steps (locks) of about 46 feet each. The locks are designed to empty or fill in about 15 minutes. Going down-bound is a relative piece of cake as the water in the locks is relatively calm as they empty, but going up-bound is a different story as the water becomes quite turbulent for a small boat as the locks are flooded. Controlling a small boat in the locks as they flood can be quite challenging.
My husband and I have done the Erie Canal twice now. After you’ve done those 35 locks (twice) you get real good at them. We highly recommend you make that trip all the way through, including the west end. It’s beautiful and your boat is perfect for it. Down is worse because there is a better chance your fenders won’t stay put (especially if you are single-handing) and cause damage to your boat.
I have been fortunate to visit family members for a few days doing the Erie and helped out with 10 locks but only going up. I hope to be able to do the eastern portion someday. Thanks for letting me know ill have to watch my fenders going down!
Nice video... thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
Sometimes I question the singular fixed camera perspective… but as time goes on I find it’s a really great method for supporting my flying along in Google Earth with YT on PIP with you to “train” the route. Thanks again for the effort in sharing.
I agree more camera angles would be nice and hope to do that when I go on boat trips in 2024. all the footage you are seeing is from 2022 so sadly I cant supplement it for this trip. Thank you for your input I hope to improve in the future!
Nice day again. I haver done lock on the upper Mississippi many times. Up is more fun. The water stirs around. When I was alone, many time fishing. the St Anthony locks were kind of intense. I swear the lock maters enjoyed watching me hang on with all I had and filled them extra fast. Take care.
Thanks for your input. I imagine the locks meant for the big barges on the Mississippi can be crazy with how much water they move!
Great trip thru the locks again, this is my main area I boat, Mainly fro the Soo down to De Tour, and have been thru both American and Canadian locks, I prefer the Canadian lock, as it is less pressure to tie with the cables. Also if your in the area again, a great place to stop with the boat and get a bite to eat is 15 miles south of the Soo, Just above the Rock Cut, and Neebish Island Ferry, is a Resturant, called the Cozy Corners, they have a great dock to tie up, and the best food in the area. It is also decorated in the shipping motif, with lots of photos of freighters and memorabla
I agree the cables are nice. and a lot easier then hanging ropes. Thank you for letting me know about the restaurant! it sounds like a great place to stop!
You passed MV Frontenac