Wilson Lock

Due to recent mechanical issues, the Wilson lock would only allow PC (pleasure craft) at limited times.  The backlog of up-bound and down-bound big tows meant that the only time we would be able to lock through was at 5:45 am.

We stayed at Florence Harbor Marina the night before which was 3 miles down a man made channel from the lock. We arranged to lock through with two other loop boats, a Kady Krogen 48 and a custom 40 aluminum trawler. The Kady was a Gold looper, so they have done this before and took the lead.

We followed third, the Kady had a big search light and called out some snags in the channel as we approached the lock. This was intense as we were running at dark, in an unmarked channel, downstream from a large lock that spits out whole trees or whatever else comes down the river.   Our group had been in contact with the Lockmaster since the night before so we were expected.  The minute we left the dock we heard him on the radio saying “come on up Captains we’ll have the doors open for ya”.

Knowing the doors were open we made good time getting up to the lock.  The lead boat had a spot light and alerted us to branches and other debris in our path since it was still very dark.

Wilson Lock is the highest lock east of the Rocky Mountains with a normal lift between 93 and 100 feet.  Inside the lock it is 110’ wide by 600’ long. It’s mind boggling big so you do feel very small.  Zoom in, we are the tiny boat in the back.

On the other side of the lock were two Tows waiting for us to pass.  Once we arrived it was well lit, so easy to navigate

We were at the back of the lock, the Kady on the right is a big big boat.

The door closed just behind us, someone lost a fender but no way was I going to attempt grab it.

You carefully pull up to the floating bollard, take one wrap around, and hand on tight, the bitter end is tied amidships.

The bollard floats in a track, four on each side.  Almost to the top.

Rewarded with a nice sunrise after locking through.
We did the Wheeler lock about an hour later, going through with a small spud barge.

Looking aft, just before leaving the lock (now that we have risen to the level of the new water) look at the river elevation where we just came from!  Look above the yellow pipe and railing.  Down there is where we entered the lock.