Crew Wanted: Erie Canal => NYC => Florida via ICW => Roatan, Honduras

[Kettlewell]

To find out what is going on I rode my motorcycle over to Lock 11 (near Comstock) on the Champlain Canal and spoke to the lockkeeper there. He said that there is no damage in the Champlain Canal and he wasn't exactly sure why operations had not been restarted. He said all locks were operating from Lake Champlain down to Lock 5 in Schuylerville, and he expected the rest of the locks to Troy to be opened within the next few days. He is speculating that they are checking all the buoys before they reopen because the channel is winding in the lower reaches of the canal, and it is very shallow outside the channel in places. There was a large trawler tied up south of the lock heading southbound, and the lockkeeper said they were just waiting for the rest of the locks to open. You can usually tie up in very nice spots for free either above or below the locks. The lockkeeper said the water level in his stretch was not unusual, but more like it would typically be in the spring. I observed some minor flooding at Schuylerville near Lock 5, but the water appears to be going down fast.

[starchaser 2011]

I will be very surprised if the Erie re-opens this year. Montreal into the Champlain is an option, but kind of the long way around. The Hudson has been having a lot of issues with trees etc.. due to all the flooding in the northeast. Just too late in the year for the St. Lawrence. I made the decision to go on a trailer from Sodus Bay to Annapolis as the only sure way I would be able to get south this year. Far from my first choice, but that's just how it worked out. I have way too much time and money into the trip at this point to count on the state of NY to to open a canal they lose money on everyday.

[Dave52]

You make some great points, I'm still weighing my options, my boat is in Detroit being fit out for the trip. I have a lot of home work to do. Can I ask, how big is your boat and who is your shipper?

Thanks,

Dave

[starchaser 2011]

I have 38' Shannon, 41' overall. Lockview is doing the move for me. They are pretty well known in this area. With the canal being down they are booking like mad.

[Dave52]

Thanks, you are doing the right thing. I was just in contact with the erie canal admin directly, no real hope of it being open this year. Locks are not the problem...its the dams and new rivers that have been channeled around the existing structures that need to be fixed....massive undertaking....very time consuming. Champlain canal should be open this week but closes mid October which is too soon for me.

My boat is in Detroit being refit; looks like I truck or go down the Mississippi.

Thanks for the reply.

Dave

[coyfish9906]

Does anyone know if the welland canal is open? And does it close anytime soon?

[AnchorageGuy]

Here is the status as of today from the Canal System Authority...

The Erie Canal between Locks E-2(Waterford)and Locks E-22 (New London), will remain closed to all vessels until further notice. Recent rain caused record flooding in the Mohawk River and the Canal Corporation is currently assessing damage to several structures. Updates will be provided once the full extent of damage and what efforts are necessary to reopen are determined. Updates regarding the reopening status of the Erie Canal will not be available until next week at the earliest. The Erie Canal between Lock E-23 (Brewerton) and E-25 (Mays Point) has been reopened.

Mariners are advised that the Champlain Canal from Lock C-1 (Waterford) to Lock C-4 (Schagticoke/Hempstreet Park) remains closed due to high water levels until further notice. Locks C-5 through C-12 has been reopened.

For updates and information monitor 1-800-4CANAL4 and www.canals.ny.gov.

Chuck

[Vasco]

My daughter was in Amsterdam over the weekend. The damage is quite severe and by the looks of it, we'll be lucky if the Erie is open next year. Guess it's the Champlain or truck it.

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by coyfish9906

Does anyone know if the welland canal is open? And does it close anytime soon?

The Welland Canal is a major transit waterway for shipping. We do know that commercial vessels have transited the canal today and yesterday. As to opening and closings, you can email at, niagara@seaway.ca . Hope this helps. Chuck

[AnchorageGuy]

Dave, The Normal Schedule for the Champlain Canal is September 8 through November 15. Are they planning to close it early this year? Chuck

[coyfish9906]

Originally Posted by Waterwayguy

The Welland Canal is a major transit waterway for shipping. We do know that commercial vessels have transited the canal today and yesterday. As to opening and closings, you can email at, niagara@seaway.ca . Hope this helps. Chuck

Thanks. Shipping huh? So lots of traffic then I assume?

[AnchorageGuy]

Originally Posted by coyfish9906

Thanks. Shipping huh? So lots of traffic then I assume?

Sometimes.

[Dave52]

The person I spoke to was a traffic manager I believe by the name of Ted Westerly, at the erie canal admin, he indicated the Champlain system; or some part feeding it, is scheduled to close october 15, he did not mention that it was an early close and I am pretty confident I heard him correctly, but this is all new to me. We did discuss that I could not be ready by that date and would probably, go the Miss route.

As for the Welland canal, there traffic there and thew boats are big. But pleasure boats do it all the just takes time and patience.

Regards,

Dave

[coyfish9906]

Can I get to the missinhippie from Cleveland on lake erie? I can't find a straight answer on crappy google .

[Dave52]

I don't think so, my understanding we have to go up det river to and around Michigan ,,,,about 350 miles up and 350 mikes down to Chicago and then head south. The say is is gorgeous....its the ride; not the destination.

Regards,

Dave