June 1, Federal Lock and onto Waterford

Cruising for over two weeks and we will now start encountering locks.  The first lock we approached was the Troy Federal Lock which marks the end of tidal waters.  My first concern was to secure the vessel once in the lock.  This was my first encounter with pipes running along both sides of the lock.  It proved to be one of the easiest types of lock to traverse.  Ken slowly pulled up to the pipe amidships and I ran a line around it and secured the bitter end around the same cleat.  We had an easy ride up 14 feet.
Docked at the Waterford Visitor Center which was crowded with other cruisers.  The greeter came out and jokingly told Ken he should be awarded the trophy of the day for squeezing in between two boats on the wall.  We are in tight quarters, but can not complain since they only charge $10 for a two night stay with electricity and on a floating dock.

New York State Capitol in Albany constructed in 1867.

Logs pilled up on bridge support after a storm.

Rising in the Federal Lock

Leaving the Troy Federal Lock

Waterford Harbor Visitor Center offers a free dock with electricity!

Plaque showing the waterline from Hurricane Irene 8-29-2011.

Watching a boater leaving lock 2 on the Erie Canal  which is located right next to free dock.

Old lock right next to lock 2.