The Erie Canal most loopers never see.

[Capn Craig]

I'm just back from visiting my Daughter, Son-in-law and grand kids in Waterford NY. Waterford is the eastern end of the Erie Canal. She lives just a couple blocks from the Guard gate #2 at the western end of the first 5 locks where the dug canal joins the Mohawk river. I didn't realize the the canal is drained during the wnter. I thought i'd take a few pictures for members to see what I doubt few have seen in spite of having seen the summer version.

-Craig

 

[REAL MOUNTIE]

Interesting sight!

Thanks for the pictures. We are planning to Cruise the Erié canal this coming season.

 

[HenryD]

Craig,
Thank you - we were through Waterford twice this summer and it sure looked different.

 

[kthoennes]

Wow, cool, thanks for posting.

 

[THD]

Do you know why the emptying? Maybe ice would damage the locks?

 

[fryedaze]

Thanks Craig, We just did that part of the Loop in June. Never would have guessed that it would be emptied.

 

[BandB]

I was shocked to see the Welland Canal empty. They said it was to do work on the locks and to clean a lot of stuff out of them. Easiest way for repairs and maintenance as well as upgrades. I guess it makes sense when you're not using them anyway.

An interesting article on the draining of the Erie.

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news...cle_a23519c1-f99b-5cc1-b423-2a45eb67d49a.html

 

[mbevins]

I was shocked to see the Welland Canal empty. They said it was to do work on the locks and to clean a lot of stuff out of them. Easiest way for repairs and maintenance as well as upgrades. I guess it makes sense when you're not using them anyway.

An interesting article on the draining of the Erie.

http://www.lockportjournal.com/news/local_news/annual-drainage-allows-maintenance-of-the-erie-canal/article_a23519c1-f99b-5cc1-b423-2a45eb67d49a.html

They schedule all the maintenance of the Welland during the winter when they basically drain the whole canal. Usually starts mid Jan.

 

[jleonard]

There was a "Dirty Jobs" episode where they cleaned out the passages in the Soo Locks of the Great Lakes. Interesting and makes you understand why they need to be drained and cleaned.

 

[BandB]

There was a "Dirty Jobs" episode where they cleaned out the passages in the Soo Locks of the Great Lakes. Interesting and makes you understand why they need to be drained and cleaned.

Amazing some of the things they find when they drain them.

 

[Marlinmike]

Very interesting, didn't know that, thanks for sharing