Fellow Boaters: Yesterday and today, I have spoken with Canal management, lock operators in the affected area, and some guys on the work gangs. I have added a few days to the "absolute best case" scenario and come up with July 21st for a possible opening. Nobody can make an exact prediction, but based on what I have learned, I think this might be reasonable. MAYBE! But as always, "your mileage may vary". Right now the big problem on the Erie, is the huge fields of debris making it difficult to access the dams. The debris is so heavy they can't just let it flush downstream where it will cause trouble at the next dam and lock. They are using excavators and cranes to haul out the huge rafts of logs floating in the water. The folks at Canal Corp as well as outside contractors experienced with this work, are going at it 24/7 including working right thru the 4th of July holiday. Some new uprights (the ribs) for the damaged dams have already been fabricated and are being installed. The guys are working under pretty awful conditions but good progress is being made. The Champlain Canal is in rather good shape. The water remains somewhat high, but a 17 foot bridge clearance is available the entire length. The Northumberland Bridge above Lock C-5 is a bit higher than 17 feet, it can't be adjusted. The rail bridge between Locks C3 and C-4 isn't a problem, they can adjust the level to whatever you need. On the land cut above Lock C-7 (my house) the water levels are normal, and also at 17 feet. The 17 feet is based on boater reports from folks who made the trip yesterday and today. Exercise caution at all bridges, and verify clearance yourself. Traffic on the Champlain is still reasonable, and there are always available spots at all ports. Any boater requiring assistance on the Champlain is welcome to contact me and I'll find a way to help. Car service to the supermarket, hardware store, restaurants, etc etc etc is available. This info is subject to change if any more torrential downpours appear. Fred Tug 44