June 13, '07. Dawn, Lock 52, mile 939 Ohio River. After being lifted about 12', HUCK FINN was facing the Irvin S. Cobb Bridge and headed for Paducah. The lockmaster chatted with me on the lock wall: "Just 3 more years of this and I'll be done, then I won't be worryin' about nothin'." This was the "small" chamber of the lock complex. Just to the North (left) is a much longer chamber that can accept a 5-barge-long tow with tug attached.

This photo shows the mitre gates opening after the lock has filled to the level of the upper river. Everything on the river is big. Strong. Powerful. Sometimes a little scary.