Three of us (Saunter, Windless and Groove Society) were waiting for a lock opening scheduled for 9:00. We got underway at 8:30. When we arrived gates were closed and no lockmaster in sight, so we all tied up to the blue line (indicating we are waiting). This poor little man was fishing on the blue line, and we came in and took over his space, he moved then we moved to make room for others. It seems to me he would understand that this area is meant for boats, but he just smiled and scrambled and kept fishing wherever he could.
We had to wait for at least 20 minutes and finally the gates were opening, and we were the first in and out. We tackled 9 locks today and did have to go to the blue line a few more times.
Ashburnham Lock 20 (12' lift)
Peterborough Hydraulic Lift Lock 21 (65' lift). This is one of two lift locks on the TSW. It was completed in 1904 and remains the highest in the world. It takes about two to three minutes to complete the transfer but the loading and unloading can take up to 45 minutes on busy days. We were fortunate to be traveling with only two other boats and we could all fit in and had established our places within the locks.
I apologize that this video flips sideways for part of the show. But you'll get the idea. Mike took a really nice video but unfortunately we didn't get any of his pictures or clips to share with you all.
Nassau Mills Lock 22 (14' lift). This lock had a very strong current on the approach and we all struggled to get in behind the wall. Unfortunately Windless caught the corner of the cement wall and got a large scuff. We had to go to the blue line to wait for an opening. Some of the lockmasters and staff travel from lock to lock if they are fairly close together.
Otonabee Lock 23 (12' lift)
Douro Lock 24 (12' lift). Another boat caught up with us. They were in Peterborough with us.
Sawer Creek Lock 25 (10' lift)
Lakefield Lock 26 (16' lift)
Young Point Lock 27 (7' lift) Again, this is a lock I didn't get any photos. The top is a stock photo (that is not Saunter) and the lower is mine as we were leaving the lock. It must have been one of those sketchy approaches or one that is hidden and caught us by surprise.
Burleigh Falls Lock 28 (24' lift)
This was our overnight stay, along with Tom and Ruth (Groove Society). The Lockmasters here were very friendly and accommodating.
Incase you didn't see enough, here are a few travel pics:
