HISTORICAL WILSON LOCK - FIRST LOCK AFTER LEAVING FLORENCE, AL

Approaching the Wilson Lock & Dam, one of the most significant structures on the Tennessee River.  It is named after Woodrow Wilson and is the oldest dam on the river. It is the 3rd highest single lift lock (over 90 feet), surpassed only by a lock on the Snake River in Washington and another in Eastern Europe.

You can get an idea of the height of this lock, as it towers over these very high boats with whom we are traveling.

Pat Case on "Bodacious" from San Diego, CA

Already lifted part-way up the lock, but still a long distance to go

"Attitude Changer" with Barb & Ross Keddle from Howell, MI and "C-Port III" with Sharon & Bill Cassens from Stillwater, MN before the lock gate closed

"Panacea" with Larry & Jan DeZonia from Lodi, CA behind us in the lock

This front wall where you see the bridge (left side of the picture), once the water has raised our boats to the top, will descend into the water so that we can easily drive over the top. Other locks we have gone through have a front gate that just opens in the middle and allows us to pass through.

The back lock wall closing so that water can be introduced to raise the water level in the lock

Almost closed...

...now closed and water rising. Side walls of the locks are stinky and slimy, which makes our lines a mess by the time we leave the lock. Our lines are looped around bollards in the lock, which lift with the rising water. While we don't have to touch the lock walls, we use gloves to handle our lines, and boat hooks to keep us away from the wall. 

More than half-way to the top

Preparing to leave the lock

View of the lock and dam from the exit into the river. Only one more lock (Joe Wheeler Lock) before we reach our destination.