Say the word ‘depth’ to a boater, and the chances are they’ll immediately think ‘locks’.
Bollene Lock above, one of the deepest in Europe at around 23 metres. It’s cold, dark and spooky when you’re at the bottom.
Those gates look strong enough to hold back the Rhone. Or do they…?
This is one of the oval locks on the Canal du Midi. In fact this one is two lock chambers together, shaped a bit like a dog’s bone, and the lower chamber is filled by opening the paddles on the upper chamber. Once the lower chamber is full you move forward over the cill into the second chamber, the gates are closed behind you and the lock continues to fill.
Of course, there are always calmer waters close at hand. Still deep though… 🙂
To see other takes on the prompt, visit the Weekly Photo Challenge.
castelsarrasin 
Wow, that IS deep, Sandra, especially the second one! Really like that last one and hope you’re in calm waters right now.
janet
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They’re both of the same lock – it’s just the angle that makes it look deeper. Far cry from that little one we ascended together last summer, hey?
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this is way cool – and very intimidating 🙂
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Ive always been captivated by the way locks work – you tell a poem in your shots. Happy weekend
carried deeper
water’s strength impeded
misty ripples
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Lovely Haiku, Moondustwriter. Catches the atmosphere.
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Good take on the challenge, Sandra. I love going through locks. When we cruised the Rhine, it felt really eerie to sit at dinner and see the walls rising high above us. Almost as if we were in a dungeon, and would never get out. 🙂
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Yes, they can be a bit intimidating. 🙂
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Very nice!
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Thank you!
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Not sure I would like to be in that deep lock….looks a bit intimidating, and certainly claustrophobic!
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At first I was intimidated by these huge river locks, but you get used to them.
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I’m sure you do!
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Outstanding interpretation of this week’s challenge. The sensation of vulnerability must be immense when at the very deepest point in one of these locks. Well, it would be for me; I know you seasoned boaters are braver souls. That last misty shot is a beautiful relief!!
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Thank you Barbara. 🙂 When you’re down at the bottom, waiting for the lock to start filling and listening to the almost human shrieking and groaning of tons of iron machinery going about its business… yes – you feel very vulnerable. Most of these locks on the Rhone are bottom-fillers though, so the waters are quite placid as they rise. Some of those on the Saone are not, and the vulnerability is tempered with the struggle of trying to keep your boat hooked up closely to the side of the lock against the swirling water. Ugh!
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People just don’t realize the tremendous amount of variables in boating. There is so much more to it than meets the eye. Yes, the bottom-fillers would definitely be my cup of tea.
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Great post!
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I always love looking at your photos from the canal locks. The first one looks scary! It must be overwhelming when the water begins to fill. How do you keep your boat from being tossed about?
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I love the ‘calmer water’ photo, Sandra, not to take anything away from the others, but that’s the one that really speaks to me 🙂
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Yes, it speaks to me too Polly. I love the serenity of the rolling mist across the water. Thanks for visiting.
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The series of photos …. nicely done. Sailing through them would be frightening… I would love it!
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