Iroquois Lock and 2 American Locks - Eisenhower and Snell

Upon departing Prescott, 12 nautical miles up the river we were to enter our first of a series of locks that allow vessels to raise or drop the 552 feet from Montreal to Lake Erie.  We would be travelling through 7 of the 15 in the seaway system, the first of which was the Iroquois Lock.  This amazing system is considered the tallest Water Staircase west of China and an absolute wonder to pass through.  The weather was beautiful as we sailed toward the lock but not so much so that it dispelled our anxious anticipation of the unknown. This too was to be another first for us as we moved toward it with cautious enthusiasm. We arrived somewhat in wonder. I was very thankful to be hanging on to my new binoculars that Keith had given me for Christmas as I was able to get a better view of where and how we were to approach.  We were the only vessel travelling through so we had to approach the visitor's dock, tie to the starboard, walk up a platform to call the lock attendant to give him our particulars, pay the $25 for the lock via credit card only from a unit that was attached next to the phone and then await instructions over the VHF or loudspeaker from the Lock staff.