June 26, Ottawa Stair Case Locks

June 26, Climbing the 8 Stair Case Locks

We arrived and tied up at the blue line at the base of the wooden gated into Entrance Valley.  The lockmaster informed us that there were boats just starting to lock down and we had about 2 hour wait.  We did not mind, that gave us a chance to explore the locks and take in the spectacular setting.

The design of a waterway lock is ingenious, basically releasing water into and out of a sealed chamber, allowing the level to rise and fall.  There are eight chambers or locks at Ottawa Station, the most at any single lock station on the Rideau Canal.  From its base on the Ottawa River, water moves from chamber to chamber, gradually ascending until it is level with Wellington Street.  It works the same way in reverse. 

Another boat pulls up behind us on the blue line and it looks like just the two of us will be locking up.  We waited in the shadow of Parliament Hill for the gates of Entrance Valley to open.

Once the gates opened we started into the first lock and grabbed a cable at the bow of the boat and secured the line.  Ken shut off the engines and went to the stern to grab a cable to secure the back of the boat.  It went like clock-work.

Hundreds of tourist watched and visited with us while be ascended to the back terrace of the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.  Besides the locks being an attraction, we were getting a lot of attention since our boat was from Texas! 

There were a few locks that the water was filled to the brim of the wall!  Looked like Loop Dreams was about to inch onto the sidewalk! Thank goodness the lock master suggested that we lower the fenders.  The sun was shining bright and I even managed to get a little of a sun burn.  It was the hottest day so far on the loop. The last gate opened and Loop Dreams ducked under a bridge and started floating down the street on the Rideau Canal.   What an amazing venture!