Picking a lock: Day 3

I believe that it is better to be lucky than good and lucky is what we are as we spot two boats heading into Lock E30 in Macedon. Locks are used in the Erie Canal, and all others, as a series of water steps letting ships go up or down to different water levels of the canal. According to the lock master of E30, this lock moves boats 30 feet up or down.

Two boats get to share this transformation as they look to drop to the next level. After entering the lock, the up-canal set of miter doors is closed. Valves are then turned on and gushers of white foamed brown water bubble up from a set of tunnel-like sluices on either side of the lock’s low side. 

Amazingly the boats start to drop quickly while their owners hold onto a rope that keeps them in place while they fend off the concrete wall next to them. One boat owner uses a large pole while the other pushes off with his hands. 

The maelstrom of water stops and the lower gates begin to open. Gates used to be opened and closed by humans and mules but now large industrial motors are needed to move these behemoths. Their sound is reminiscent of grinding Christmas bells as the gates slowly swing open. Now, both boats, people and any fish caught in the lock have the opportunity to leave.

The boats slowly make their way out. I’m not sure about the fish.