A lift lock works pretty much like an elevator - there is a basin that the boats drive (navigate?) into, the doors close and then a set of counterweights is engaged to bring the basin up or down. (At the lift lock in Peterborough, there were two separate side-by-side basins, one lower and one upper, that served as natural counterweights).
A group of kayakers joined us on the way up. We were all eagerly awaiting the start of the ride!
What I find amazing is that the technology has not really changed since the 1930s when this lock originally went into service. A few improvements have been made, but it's basically the same structure and the same core idea. A new lock is being built alongside this one as this waterway gets quite busy and needs to accommodate large ships, but the historic lift lock will remain in service for at least another fifteen years.
Funny to see that massive lock being used to lift kayaks. :-)
ReplyDeletethe kayaks look funny in that lock!
ReplyDeleteThis is fantastic! :)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the kayaks in there with you!
ReplyDeleteQuite a contrast between your boat and the kayaks in the lock.
ReplyDeleteI have gone through locks many times on river and canal cruises, and you are right, they seem like almost medieval technology. Still, fun to experience.
ReplyDeletewow looks great ! very interesting.. saluti
ReplyDeleteIt's like a traffic jam on water!
ReplyDeleteNice pic's. I like them.
ReplyDeleteSome of the old ideas and inventions are ones to stand the test of time and reliability!
ReplyDeleteLove these pics - fascinating Hal. :)
I've vever actually gone through a liftlock, just watched one from the outside. Very nice, Hal!
ReplyDeleteYes I agree with Rose, it'll be interesting Hal, to see if the new lock will have any changes.. the temptation will be too strong for the engineers not to try and improve in some way :)
ReplyDeleteThis is very interesting, I would like to see how it works!
ReplyDeleteYou made me think of Tower Bridge in London, built in the late 19th century and will operating with same way it was built.
ReplyDeleteWe have many locks here. I think the kayakers are brave to go in there..
ReplyDeleteWhy change something relatively simple that gets the job done efficiently?!
ReplyDeleteAmazing how it works and like Sharon, it made me think of the Victorian engineering of the Tower Bridge. How fun to be in a kayak while going through the lock!
ReplyDeletehow neat to see one in action!
ReplyDeleteSo funny seeing the little boats using the lock!
ReplyDeleteThis looks similar to the Anderton lift in Cheshire which was out of action for many years before being restored. Not quite as wonderful as the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland which is modern marvel.
ReplyDeleteThere are boat locks in Seattle that are fun to watch. I've never been through them but would like to sometime.
ReplyDelete