Last Canal Day of the Season

December 30th was the last day for transit through the Welland Canal this year. Over the years, the Seaway has extended the closing date from Christmas Eve to the end of December to allow vessels the chance to make an additional voyage before the locks shut down for maintenance over the winter. We go up through the canal from Port Weller to Port Colborne on the last day to remove navigation lanterns from the buoys and to position the vessel for icebreaking service on Lake Erie and Lake Huron.



Raising in Lock 1



Lock 1 offered a chance to see an unusual use for a bicycle as one of the lock personnel cycled around the lock area retrieving lifebuoys for winter storage. Maybe it will catch on at the Old Port and Lachine Canal!

Every minute of down time is used by the Seaway as they put equipment in place in advance of the shut down so that work can begin the next day. There is no room for delays as the system must reopen again at the end of March.



We did our part by helping to move some new rubber fendering from the approach wall at Lock 4 onto the 'Bull Nose' between the flight locks prior to entering the lock. The Seaway has been replacing some of the traditional wood fendering with the more resilient rubber version over the last few winters.

Lock 4 West is the first of the 'flights' for upbound vessels. Not sure what the gushing fountain is caused by though it is a bit disconcerting as you enter the lock.

Between Lock 7 and Lock 8 is a long run with only one bridge to pass under, but it is a famous one. Many people have seen the dramatic footage of the bridge lowering down on the Windoc and ripping the top of its wheelhouse off. I don't think any mariner passing under this bridge does not ponder this incident no matter how many years ago.

We finished our last buoywork of the season by Lock 8 and secured in Port Colborne for the night. Lake Erie has southwest gales forecast for New Year's Day so 2012 will come in like a lion and winter will be delayed a bit longer on the Lakes.

Bonne Annee