(Temporary Backup) The Champlain Canal

The Champlain Canal is a total of 64 statute miles beginning at Troy NY and ending at Whitehall NY. Construction began in 1817 and was completed by 1823. Over one hundred years it was rebuilt and rerouted several times. In the 1800s the boats were pulled by mules or horses sometimes on loan from local farmers. Today it is mostly pleasure cruising with 11 locks ( Lock 10 was not necessary ) and 27 bridges some with a clearance of 15.5 feet ! The canal climbs from Troy - which is sea level - to Lake Champlain an average of 95 feet above sea level. 

Before leaving this morning Nana confirmed that indeed those machines are for harvesting the waterchestnut plant which is very invasive. Here is a picture for the machine doing its job. 

Also while enjoying breakfast Nana and Nandad heard the clip clop of horses. The pictures shows the horse and carriage crossing the bridge.

New Horizon is headed for Fort Edward’s today which will take us through Lock 11,9,8, and 7. As of writing the blog we are on the wall at Lock 11 waiting for a pin to be fixed! The canal can be completed in a day however with a speed limit of 10 mph and the unexpected at the locks it is better to plan on at least two days. As always boating teaches you patience and also provides lots of opportunity to simply pause.

Nana and Nandad docked at Fort Edward which is actually on the Hudson River. After NH came through Lock 7 she took a hard right which took her upstream on the Hudson. Along the way we came across this unfortunate property which is about to topple into the canal! 

Lots of bridges today so Nana stood at the bow looking up to make sure the antennae were not touching. The last two bridges of the day Argyle St. and Broadway St. with Lock 7 just ahead.

The village of Fort Edward is named after a British fort built here in 1755 - which was dismantled shortly before the Revolutionary War. The village has a long history of Native American activity which is documented by archeological evacuation. Many buildings in the downtown area are closed and The Smyth House at the Old Fort House Museum was also closed. 
After a long day of heavy rain, thunder and lightening, the reward of a wonderful rainbow.

Nana is busy planning the next journey into the Hudson, New York, Long Island Sound and finally back home to Newport RI.