The Erie Canal Monster: Lock #17

June 16:   Leaving Little Falls, our next lock through is #17.  At 40.5 feet it is the tallest lift lock on the entire NY canal system.  Many cruisers have written about just how intimidating this locking experience had been for them.  First, it has a massive and intimidating "150 ton lift gate" to pass under; then the lock chamber is known for swirling currents during back-filling causing vessels to get pushed against the southern chamber wall – a reason why ALL vessels are required to secure against the southern wall.  Add to that, if there is a westerly wind, it can make for a white knuckle adventure even for an experienced captain and crew.  Fortunately for us, we did not find it to be any big deal EXCEPT for having one of our large ball fenders suddenly break loose, on the southern wall of course, and begin to float freely around the lock.  Luckily, we were the only vessel in the chamber.  Lock #17 is also known for having a cranky lock master but we were greeted by a young lock master with a pool net and he rescued our fender … definitely service above and beyond the call of duty!   After this passage thru Lock #17, we are now at an upstream elevation of 363.4 feet.

We attempted to shoot our own video but due to a camera malfunction, trying to rescue our floundering fender, and keeping 2 pairs of hands firmly on the lock cables while rising 40 feet ... well you can figure it out.  Here are some actual images of SANTORINI entering #17, and if further interested we found a link at YouTube of an actual lock through of Erie Lock #17: 

  

Here is the YouTube link:  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S7_Hr3iCPls

Little Falls NY

June 13:  Many boaters give Little Falls high marks as a cruising stop and we agree.  Dockage is a concrete wall we have become accustomed to pulling up alongside.  There are, however, floating docks for smaller boats. The setting, at Canal Harbor (again run by the municipality) is unspoiled forest across the waterway.  The marina office is in a modern addition at the front of an old ferry barge terminal, all in a sweet little park with brick pathways and a circular garden with a fountain.  There are picnic tables scattered around the property and the office has a nice front porch with comfortable seating and a library lounge with TV inside the building.  Dock Master, Mark, could not have been more accommodating.  He took Donna and the crew of HILANDRA for a driving tour of the area, dropping them at the grocery store and picking them up again. 

Little Falls is a gem of transformed and thriving old manufacturing town. Although a few manufacturing sites are still empty with broken windows, many have been transformed into apartments, shops and restaurants. 

Main Street is vibrant and the Canal Side district is charming.  One night we dined at Canal Side Inn and another evening joined Sue and Rich for “Art Walk & the Art of Food”.  The art was free and the food was $10.00 for a person.  This entitled you to sample the offerings of many restaurants along Main Street while enjoying the artwork.  There were a number of art activities for kids.  Although threatening to rain the entire evening, it was a great time and a great turnout.  One of the most endearing qualities of Little Falls is the universal sense of love and pride exhibited by the residents for their hometown.

Masonic Temple

Mohawk River, now diverted by Canal & Lock

Abandoned factory

Canal Place: shops, art studios and restaurants

1962 Chevrolet Corvair Monza (white); and 1968 (blue)

Stone (Crushing) Mill