After
we move into a new area, one of my duties includes finding
activities or places we can write stories about. (Tour director
hat). After arriving at Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, I started
looking at various brochures. There were so many things to see
and do it made the decision of where to go first difficult.
Finally, I decided that I would like to take the boat tour
through the locks on the Lock Tours Canada.
I don't know how many of you ever wondered how boats got from one
place (higher) to another place that is lower. Well, we found out
that they have a series of multiple locks. What they
look like are large compartments that have large double doors at
each end. A boat approaches the locks (4 of them in this area)
and a lock-master advises them by radio which lock they will be
assigned to. This is pretty much based on the size of the vessel.
The boat sails into the lock assigned, and then workers up on the
side of the lock throw them heavy lines to secure them to the
side of the lock while they wait for the water to raise or lower. Then the water
is let in or out depending on whether the boat is to be raised or
lowered. The boat raises at a fairly quick rate of speed. When
the water inside the lock is at the same height as the water it
will go into, the second set of gates is opened and the boat
proceeds on its way. It was fascinating to watch the process and
to think how many years this has occurred. There are locks on
both the American side and the Canadian side at this location.
The boat that we chose to take our journey on was the Canadian
boat "Chief Shingwauk". It was named after a famous
local Indian. Captain John Chomniak was obviously very familiar with
the waterways in the area and narrated along the way. We learned
about, not only, the locking procedure but also landmarks along
the riverbanks (American as well as Canadian). He pointed out a
local steel mill, which is the largest employer in the area. We
also saw several historical sites along the shores. Our trip
lasted about two hours. We first went through the lock on the American
side then we went up-river and finally went back through the
Canadian Lock which was originally built in 1895. At the time it
was the longest lock in the world at 900 feet in length by 60 ft
wide. However, this lock was closed in 1987 due to damage but
reopened in 1998. This lock is capable of moving 2 million
gallons of water in 10 minutes. It was a strange feeling being on
a boat while it is being raised by using only water power. There
were flags raised over the area where the lock master was
situated that represent the shipping companies that use the locks
on a regular basis.
The trip was a very interesting one. If you would like to see
more about the lock tours, check out their website at: http://www.locktours.com or call them at: 1-877-226-3665.
Good Luck! Have Fun! and Stay Safe!
Laura