The Ditch

The Welland Canal is affectionately (or not so) called 'The Ditch'. Transits vary depending on the weather and the amount of traffic from 8 hours to 14 hours or more. This day, however, was a rare combination of calm winds and mild traffic so we fairly flew through the system. 

There was only one short wait as we sat raised in Lock 6 West (the uppermost of the three flight locks) while a vessel moved between Lock 7 and 6 East.

The winds were calm, but it was still a crisp October day of only 8C. Even so, many intrepid cyclists could be seen enjoying the bike path that lines the canal. 

Sometimes it seems like the main function for ships is as a backdrop for photos!