Getting Ready for Our First Locks

Shady Harbor Marina has a pool, fuel, pumpout, loaner car, laundry & a restaurant. It is a good spot to get prepared for the Locks we need to pass through on our way up to Lake Champlain. Friends Kevin & Pat joined us today to be an extra set of hands for that adventure as they are experienced boaters themselves, and Kevin has had some locking experience.

Must admit I am slightly apprehensive about this ‘locking day’, but I do believe we will be OK. Today we re-watched a you-tube (hey Jen!) video on going through the Troy Federal Lock, reviewed line and fender placement, attached the pen knife to my life preserver and called ahead to check the clearance on a bridge that is 17’5′ when we need 16’5″. Sheesh.

An interesting tidbit about the Troy lock- in 1609 a boat from Henry Hudson’s ship, Half Moon, explored the Hudson River as far north as the present city of Troy, in search of a route to the Orient. I am impressed with the Hudson myself-it is wide, long and deep. Barges and freighters are going by not far off the marina docks. They seem to throw no wake, impressive.

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