W. Dan Hulchanski and Bob Stopper, both identified earlier in this series, contributed photos for this post. “Top of the flight” here refers to the highest section of the Canal in Waterford, where a difference of 169′ feet is negotiated in a distance of about 1.5 miles. In this first photo, the flotilla approaches the first guard gate at the east end of a Mohawk River section some call Halfmoon Crescent Lake.

Here’s a view looking toward the next guard gate headed east.

In this closer up version of the photo above, you have to love the image of the photographers in the boat to the right, caught in the act of. . .

photographing.

The flotilla has now all entered lock E-6, and

shortly thereafter, exits . . .

escort and all, heading down the flight.

Many thanks to W Dan and Bob for sharing these images. In the image below, that’s Bob in the red shirt, with John Callaghan, also previously identified here. Bob must be recognized here as having covered the great number of miles documenting the transit of the Seneca Chief flotilla.

Again, thanks to W Dan and Bob for these photos. Please send photos as the flotilla heads for New York City. All and any correspondents are welcome.

A note might be needed here to explain Dispatches intense coverage of the 2025 flotilla. The mission of the Canal Society of New York includes bringing together canal enthusiasts from across New York and beyond; protecting historic canal sites and features; supporting the revitalization of canals and the development of canal ports, recreational facilities, canal trails and other related amenities; and presenting and interpreting canal history.” Because the 2025 flotilla is floating its way into the history books, we are documenting this passage.