Medina, NY on the Erie Canal

We departed Tonawanda, NY on Tuesday, August 26^th and arrived in Medina, NY.  We went through our first lock today on the Erie Canal in Lockport, NY and actually it is two locks stepping down from one to the next for a total of 50 feet.  We stopped in Middleton as we had to mail an envelope and the lift bridge operator travels from one bridge to another and we had to wait for him to drive back to Middleton to open the bridge.  They are roaming bridge operators that have to operate more than one bridge.  The lift bridges actually go straight up and and down and the minimum height is about 15 1/2 feet - this is why we had to take our mast down!  There are many towns with free dockage on the wall on the Erie Canal.  The dockage was free in Medina with power and water and restroom facilities.  Medina is a very old, historic town with sandstone buildings.  We only encountered one boat today during our 8 hour trip.