This is a common experience on the canals. We're waiting for this boat, which has "come down" the lock, to navigate out of the chamber. Both our crew and theirs are at the lock as everyone usually pitches in to help, and even have a chat. Whilst etiquette dictates that you should always close the lock gates when finished, on this occasion, as we're waiting "to go up", they will leave them open so we can navigate in as soon as they are clear.
I have been following several YouTubers on canals and have put the experience on my bucket list, if I every make it back to the UK (only one week in 1971)
I wonder if boating on the Erie Canal is as popular (also haven't been there since the 80's)
I would like to cross this channel at least once. Probably every country has such an attraction. But this one is extremely narrow and the boats are sized to suit the size of the locks.
@haskar Yes. Building the canals was a very expensive thing, undertaken by private investors who were looking for a return on investment. Narrow locks (7ft wide) were cheaper to build and less demanding on water supply than broad locks (14ft wide), but could only be used by one boat at a time; hence they restricted traffic (and therefore income).
Ian
I wonder if boating on the Erie Canal is as popular (also haven't been there since the 80's)