It wont be long now!!!!!

[skylark]

Were you on the Erie Canal?  What is the best way to singlehand a boat through the locks?  What kind of fenders work in the locks?

[Mr. Fixit]

yes I was on the Erie, also the first 3 locks on the Champlain. The locks that are newer have either pipes or cables. These were not a problem once the lockmasters  gave me some advise. The system I used was run a line from a stern and bow cleat to the middle of the boat. I had installed cleats. midway and they were very helpful. Take each line and run it behind the cable or pipe and then around the cleat. I was advised not to tie off the lines but rather hold them so it would possible to release  quickly if something went wrong. I would apply enough tension to keep the boat close to the wall but not rubbing on the fenders. The line slid freely both locking up and down. Two of the locks i was in had rope instead of cable or pipes. They are not fastened at the bottom as the cables or pipes are. Alone this is not fun. With 2 people one takes a line at the stern ,one at the bow and up or down you go. I had to quickly fasten a line to the first rope i could reach and pull it thru my stern stanchion, take the line I added forward and grab the line at the bow and hold both lines. I could not control my boat holding 1 line at the center--dont ask me how I learned this. Any standard fenders will work.Locking down on some locks your deck is several feel above the lock,fenders must be adjusted properly to be of any use.

[skylark]

How often did you have to empty your composting toilet?  what did you use in it, peat moss? cedar shavings?

Merry Christmas!

[Mr. Fixit]

the containers for liquid had to be emptied several times a week. The solids I did not empty for the month plus I was on the boat. I used approx 12 qts of peat moss in that time. The more peat you use the quicker the waste decomposes--it also makes emptying a more pleasant task. I am sure that the fact that I was on the water in the NE in fall also slowed down composting action-using more peat would offset this --it was full when I emptied it. It was nothing like the porta-potty I had on my Catalina22--had more of a musty smell than sewerage smell--

[skylark]

Thanks, that is very helpful.  So it sounds like you spent most of your time on canals and Lake Champlain.  I have heard it is worthwhile to take extra time on the Erie Canal, it is supposed to have a lot of nice places to stop at.