GL: Champlain Canal Low Bridge C-5 meets the Allegria

[Gregory Han]

Long story short we got through unscathed

For those fearfully approaching the lowest bridge on the Champlain Canal our
steroid charged Whaleback get through even though many - including me - had
doubts.
I did not even have to take off the ladder to the pilothouse which would
have given me another 18" or more. Thanks to the Krogen listee who transited
previously and told me it would be OK. I knew we were very close to the 17'
max that the canal authorities will tell you but with the lowering of the
pool by the lock 3 guys there was 17.3 at the bridge. I finally know
conclusively the max height of the Allegria.  I got through with 4 inches to
spare so we are 17' high.

Facing this low bridge barrier to our planned route I was puzzled over the
various claims of 15', 17', pool lowering, high water. So what was the
story? I could not visualize the situation.

If it helps those who follow what we found was:

Call the C5 lock master 2 hours before transiting and ask for a lowering of
the pool.
The C5 lock has a large dam that has no flow over it at normal levels but
there was an active  hydroelectric plant there that evidently can regulate
the level.
We were tied up at Mechanicsville downstream and saw the water rise there
several feet while they lowered the pool. As we started up toward the lock
the C5 guy said the pool was 16.7 and dropping fast. The bridge is just
above the lock and is a very flat railroad bridge, very rusty with no
projections hanging down. We were able to slide up very slowly and take a
measure of the clearance before going under. There is a small and very
accurate gauge right on the bridge to confirm the height (not common on the
canal).
The published 15' height is worst case with high water flow and no pool
lowering.

So the anxiety in making the transit was for naught.  It probably helped
that we had nearly full fuel tanks and water tanks.

I did have to take off the KVH TV dome. No satellite TV for a few days.  So
how will we be able to keep up with what is happening to poor Paris Hilton?

The upper Hudson is beautiful. It is a gently meandering stream through
green and beautiful countryside. Life is good. Allegria (Happiness)


-- 
Greg and Susan Han
Allegria Krogen Whaleback #16