C & O Canal

"And you'll always know your neighbor

And you'll always know your pal

If you've ever navigated on the C&O  canal"

(apologies to author Thomas S Allen of "Low Bridge, Everybody Down" 1905)

C & O Canal in operation 1828-1924 with 90 foot barges hauling mostly coal from Cumberland MD to the wharfs of Georgetown. Built to descend 605 feet of elevation in 184.6 miles it used a series of 74 locks. It is now maintained and operated seasonally by the National Park Service.

Wikipedia image

"We've hauled some barges in our day

Filled with lumber, coal and hay

From Cumberland to Georgetown bay"

 It follows the Potomac River. Here are some of the falls they avoided.

One 54 foot modern barge carries tourists on a short stretch with one lock.

Passengers on board

Opening the gates

Guiding ropes

 Mule power

 Two mule hitch

 Turn about

 Final questions

Return to landing

Tying up

 A great outing for kids. A group of school kids from the Netherlands was on board. While they have canals, they don't have locks. And there's an iPhone app for that...C & O Canal Explorer and C & O Companion.