July 24, Big Chute Marine Railway

July 24, Big Chute Marine Railway Lock

Our next adventure was lock 44, The Big Chute Marine Railway which is not technically a lock.  The Big Chute portages vessels from Upper Severn River to Gloucester Pool.  We looked for room to tie up at one of the two floating docks and they were full.  The railway carriage was submerged and had two boats positioned in front of the cradle.  The lockmaster was hailing us on the horn that he had room for us.  We were hoping to tie up at the docks to watch the operation, but no room or time for that.  Ken turned Loop Dreams toward the chute and we slid her in as the staff lined her up to put the slings in the proper place.  Before you know it the carriage was hoisted up the slope by wire ropes attached to winches on a double track. Up up and away!!! Once we past the summit, the carriage lowered into the water by wire cables.  Loop Dreams floated off the slings and we found a long dock near the old railway where we tied up for the night.  What a thrill!!!

We scurried up the observation tower to watch other boats take a ride across land to enter into another body of water.  It was a fun day boating.