AUGUST 15, 2007...Welland Canal

The day we have worried about since we left Sandusky Sept 14, 2006 has arrived...going up in the Welland Canal. Everyone who has done the Welland Locks has a horror story. In fact the couple next to us in the marina last night said they took 20 hours just a couple of weeks ago.

We were at the check in dock at 6:50am and Rodger helped us tie up and called the lock control. We were advised we would start being locked up in about 2 hours. This gave us time for breakfast on the boat and to get the 8 fenders in place. Rodger brought a big orange ball fender and we installed it on the swim platform...it really saved us a number of times.

Rodger took charge of the process and coached Andy on the process, plus advised me on the captains chores. Unlike other locks, we had to keep the engines running and I had to keep the boat in position as we locked up.

The lock master threw two lines down to us; one for the stern that Rodger managed and one for the bow...Andy's job. You can see the yellow lines hanging on the wall. We had to get the boat next to the wall and Rodger grabbed them. Once secured, the lock master opens the gates and 21 million gallons of water flows in, in 6 minutes raising us 40 feet or so. Hang on to the lines! We were lucky in that we were locked through by ourselves, and Rodger knew all the sweet spots..

The first 7 locks are in the first 10 miles and took us less than 3 hours. Andy and Rodger jumped ship at lock 7 at noon and ML and I travel the next 13 miles to lock 8. This is the leveling lock for Lake Erie and only raises you 2 feet while you float in the lock.

However, the 13 miles took us an hour and half, and we had to wait 2 hours for our turn. Commerical ships have prority...they pay $23,000 in fees...we paid $200.

When we exited the Welland, I decided to make a run for Erie, Pa., 65 miles. We started with 2 to 3 foot waves on the bow, but at 2100 rpms the boat handled beautiful. The waves decreased after about an hour, and with an hour to go we were in calm seas. We fueled at the Erie Yacht Club (2.54/gallon plus 6% tax) and were tied up at the dock by 7:30pm. We were beat. Tomorrow's weather is forecasted to be breezy and wet, so we will probably stay in port. The north winds are not in our favor for the next couple of days. The yacht club is not a bad place to be stuck!