We continue our journey east along the Canal, stopping at various features along the way. The map below will provide reference to the locations mentioned.
We have not learned much new about the operation of the Canal and Towboats, but have heard some pretty interesting stories. As we said earlier, the boats are loaded going downbound and usually empty returning upbound. However, many times the captains would secretly try to secure some cargo upbound to supplement their income. On one such occasion, the captain agreed to transport a travelling circus on his return trip. All went well until the circus’s bear escaped his restraints in the hold of the boat . He caused quite a ruckus as no one wanted to enter the hold to retie him. On another occasion, the lockmaster was drunk and let the lock drain too quickly, causing the boat to sink.
We have encountered several cyclists along the towpath, many are making the Pittsburgh to Washington trek. Our amazment is that if you start talking with them, they know very little about the Canal or history. They are simply putting miles down. They’re clueless about where they are or why this path is here; just miles covered today and miles to go. Wouldn’t you think they would like to know more about the area?
It appears all the locks and lock houses are built from the same blueprints. They all look alike except the rock may vary due to locale. There are 6 lock houses that you can overnight in. They have varying amenities, like indoor plumbing and electricity. Others are strickly 1850s. Price runs between $100 to $150 per night.
The longest aqueduct in the system is Monocracy Creek Aqueduct. It has seen some restoration, but its size is impressive.
The last interstate ferry operating in Maryland is White’s Ferry, with service to Leesburg, Virginia. It is privately owned. Cost is $5 one way.
There is a store/restaurant which show the levels of flooding. The last one was 1996.
The next stop was Seneca Lock and Aqueduct. Note the red stone, likely quarried locally. The aqueduct has the same brick work.
As you can see, this puppy needs some TLC. You are looking at flood damage, look at the lumber trapped on the upstream side. Restoring this would be a challenge. It is a complex structure, as there is a lock, aqueduct, and inlet dam. As you look along these streams you can’t help but notice the very large wood debris on the upstream side of bridges. The floods they have experienced on the Potomac must have been dooseys!
We will check out the last section of the Canal, Great Falls area, in the next few days.
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