From the dark into the light

Boating is something generally associate with open skies and seas. Boating on barges brings to mind lazy canals and rivers making their way through bucolic agricultural regions. 

Locks act as "elevators". Gates open, boats enter, gates close and water levels shift 15 - 20 feet, plus minus. Gates reopen and your boat is "magically" positioned at the correct level for the next bit of navigation. 

But does this mean avoiding higher elevations? Are tunnels an option? For a boat, you ask? 

For a higher elevation, that's exactly the solution. Two canals in two days of 3 and 2 miles each. 

Having spent so much time on boats, I'd have to admit, it's pretty unnerving. Like locks, these tunnels are spec built to accommodate the industrial barges which are primarily moving goods. The net of which is that your barge has about 18 inches clearance on top and 6-10 inches on each side. Clearly not meant for the inexperienced. 

We make our way through to open skies and look back to the small crescent from which we emerged. We won't share the details of mistimed hot-tubbing and dangling cobwebs as we entered the tunnel. An experience several nightmares and therapy sessions are sure to erase. 

All in, an intriguing and memorable experience - just don't ask Steve or I to drive the boat!