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Thumb twiddling time is inherent. Rich Davis lounges on
the aft deck while we await our clearance from SeaWay Welland. It took
over 3 hours to start, but we moved pretty quickly after that.
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Sunrise over Lake Ontario, departing out of St
Catharines Marina. |
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Departing traffic from Lock 1 at the Ontario side. |
We made our Welland Canal transit along with the USCG
buoy tender "BuckThorn". They were also heading to Sandusky
Ohio. I suggested to them over the loudhailer that we throw them a line
and they just tow us to Sandusky to save on our fuel, but they didn't seem
to get it.
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Looking back over the closed canal doors. A LONG DROP
DOWN. |
It gets pretty turbulent once the canals start filling
with water upbound. Lots of fenders, fender boards and straw bags help
protect the boat, and the line handlers work hard! |
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The view looking down over the side of the boat with the fenders and
fender boards between the boat and lock wall. |
Rich manning the aft lock lines. |
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For the information of other boaters - the price went up this
year (2001) for the canal - up from $80 to $160 for all 8 locks - either Canadian or US
- they won't provide an exchange rate. You get a form to fill out at the first
lock, then pay the fee and turn in the form at Lock 3 - either direction. The
"new" procedure book given out at locks and the marina is a 2001
edition. Be aware that marinas are still giving out outdated books.
Capn Grandpa Greg |
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Now these are TREMENDOUS lock gate doors!!!
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Its a LONG WAY UP to where the lines are tied at the
top! |
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Boat tied up at the seawall in Port Colborne. A Canadian
Coast Guard Boat (Red Hull) right behind us. |
The waterfront at Port Colborne -
southern Terminus of the Welland Canal on Lake Erie. Rich & I explored
all over town waiting for Keith & Sarah. Had a nice crew dinner that
night. Departed from here for Sandusky
Bay, Ohio. |
