Fonda to Rome, NY

Leaving Fonda Wall Tie

Another beautiful weather day, sunny, cool most of the day, warm when we stopped, little wind, it does not get better than this. Departed the dock this morning at 7:00, 20 minutes to the next lock and once again up we go. By the end of the day, we will have climbed to 420 feet above sea level.  Some of the up bound locks can be a bit tricky especially due to the construction and general maintenance. The water bypassing the lock flows over the dam and flows into the lock approach. So there are some difficult cross flow currents and then bounces off the hard walls. Once inside the lock the water is calm and the next step is to select a position on the wall. We have been locking starboard to the lock, however, Lock 17 everyone westbound must lock on the port side, since the water only flows from the starboard. We entered lock 18 today only to be followed by a tour boat as we locked up I listened to the commentary and learned there are 30” discharge tubes placed about every 40 feet on both sides of the wall. The lockmaster can open the gates by thirds and lights on the surface display the amount the valve is open. We had some very gentle lifts and when I thanked the lockmaster for the gentle lift. He told us that one of his valves was plugged with algae or seaweed and that the maintenance crew had a portable industrial sized air compressor they would use to clear the intake screens.

Efficient Water Flow

Lock 17 is quite a unique lock with the largest lift (40 feet) on the Erie Canal. Instead of hinged barn door type gates this lock has a vertical lift door. Needless to say when you pass under this door the boat gets wet. This lock only has ropes, as the water enters the lock it is turbulent and currents move both side to side and fore and aft. Having only ropes tied to the top of the lock to control the motion of the boat takes a fair amount of exertion, so we are getting our exercise.

We stopped for fuel today at the St. Johnsville City Marina and Campground. The marina is run by the municipality and we purchased diesel for $3.25 per gallon. I would get out plastic garbage bags and filled them at this price. We have paid $4.01 per gallon. I know $0.75 per gallon does not seem like a lot but when you purchase 138.3 gallons it adds up. I will post messages to other boaters.

Jim preparing for a lock

The lock masters are great, in the morning they asked if the two other boats at our overnight were up and moving. I was able to tell them one had their generator running and the other did not plan to leave today. Later in the day, they ask if we are moving on through the next lock and then call to tell the lockmaster that we are coming. The canal is open from 7:00 am until 10:00 pm this time of year; however, we have no intention of traveling at night. Today 7:00 am until 7:00 pm, from lock 13 through lock 20, and mile marker 48 to 114. A great travel day!

Beautiful Scenery, lots of transportation modes

Wall Tie at Rome, with Waterfall and Park