NY canals laying off workers

[Lake-Effect]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

The only way to ensure continuation of this incredible system is to use it. Entire month of August last year and we had most docks all to ourselves. What a shame.

It's on our list. Any recommendations re direction, must-see places?

Thanks.

[DiverseTrekky]

I definitely want to start using the NY canal system over the next couple years of cruising south.

[Dave0549jv]

I remember using the canal when I was a kid, and thinking about how we rarely ever saw anyone else out there. I've always wondered how and why they keep it as well maintained as they do. Nevertheless, I'm happy it's there and I'm really looking forward to getting back there this summer!

[Greggegner]

Originally Posted by boatpoker

My wife and I are huge fans of the NY State Canal System and spent all of August in there last year. We posted an article on out website with lots of photos. It is simply the Best Deal on the Water. We were often the only boat on several hundred feet of free dock wall and saw very few other boats. I believe it comes down to "use it or loose it"

Thanks for the effort to put together the pics and info. I posted this to my friends on why we don't want to take the Mississippi when we retire, few years to go. I hope politics doesn't get in the way. I am sure most of the communities value the canal and the history it represents as well as the business value tourism brings.

[Kettlewell]

The canals are open for 2013, but keep in mind that at many locks they stop operating at 6 pm this year (instead of the usual 10pm).

From here (check out other useful Notices too):

The hours of operation for the 2013 season are as follows:
May 1 to May 22: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
May 23 to September 11: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
September 12 to November 15: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
In addition to the schedule listed above, the following locks will operate from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm from May 23 to September 11:
Lock E-7, Niskayuna
Lock E-23, Brewerton
Lock E-24, Baldwinsville
Lock CS-2/3, Seneca Falls
Lock CS-4, Waterloo

[capngeo]

Nearby here we have a lock that is boater operated. I wonder if that would be an option?

[Kettlewell]

I wonder if that would be an option?

Not on the Erie Canal--these are big locks with powered machinery to open and close the gates.

[capngeo]

Although not big by lock standards (25x70), the lock is powered. It has interlocks that prevent opening both gates etc. The fractional opening to fill/drain is also controlled by the

[Kettlewell]

It would be nice if they could be self-service, like I understand some canals are in Europe, but I don't think it will happen.

[Dave0549jv]

If the're still open when I'm old enough to retire, I'd gladly take this as an awesome retirement job. I'd be very affordable.