Today we passed through Locks C-6 and C-5.

The Lockmaster in C-5 asked about our vertical clearance requirements and when we are planning to pass C-4.

With some antennas lowered, we need 16.5 feet instead of 18.5’.

He indicated that there was an upcoming bridge after C-4 where the lock operators will have to “lower the pool” to ensure 17 feet of vertical clearance for us at this low bridge. He also needed to know WHEN we will make Lock C-4.

Evidently, C-4 only opens the lock for southbound passage 3 times each day; 8:00a.m., 10:00.a.m., and 2:00p.m.

So, we had to commit to which southbound lock time we would use. We picked 2:00 p.m.

We also went online to SnagASlip.com to make a reservation at Troy Downtown Marina for Wednesday night. By my calculations we can make it through all five locks to secure there AT SEA LEVEL Wednesday night!

Being at sea level is exciting for us for TWO reasons:

No more locks until Great Bridge VA and …

We will be that much closer to meeting our new grandson Lucas Alexander in a week, on Great South Bay, Long Island NY.

SCHEDULED Lock Times ?!

The reason for limited/scheduled locking at C-4 is that the DNA of an invasive species has been detected and the NYS Canal Corporation and state biologists are taking precautions to stop the advance of this fish northward in the canal system.

Fishing is VERY popular in Lake Champlain. We passed hundreds of bass boats up there! An invasive species like this Round Goby could screw everything up!

Special lock operating procedures, and a limited schedule is part of the strategy to keep this threat in-check.