![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFkSURdX1kWnEN56m602-kyjqXbwlxj4sbPLK91Q_uFupnUj7dyCe4KxV3C28lvqzDHdbCqnkYyUXCJ8kZFhytG3nwgjmv7ZvHwghB_sGqRU40O7aW7vxyQ9P8UU4l8V6DjCztMcLC1w/s800/IMG_1187.jpg)
Approaching a lock at dawn.
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Dan ties up along a lock wall before the sluices are opened.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlFXHkzsv-kNPZKKW5jSr8imcm77r2mvM3Px1VcOd_cdPa59ZcNm6aqqeVkXtwtWqFi1i_hLA9S2LcY6Y_shKTfz49XSm_-SwVZ8T3zPDZfOCi_cpwT-IDoLFnRQdbPhh7LdcVirolZC0/s800/IMG_2247.jpg)
Lock licking is an important ritual when going through the Erie Canal. It's everything you'd imagine it to be.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0P05Tw2p_6INae6uwF7KS0Ompyx3DVIxDQ2SDkYh0seAW-X7yUZpG4yFJndk8kJC-mtkWq4bGryDYjZ-Gg4ajvNakbWx7zHNMwiX7ddtDsh05qxgoe2_aK7gr0DWMAb-mU5oSm2SFmxU/s800/IMG_2383.jpg)
The canal was last widened in 1918. Most of the equipment used today, including this tugboat, is from that era.
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Sunset.
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First frost on the collapsed top deck.